Speaking: Interactive Communication B2 - Lesson 3: Responding to Counter-Arguments

Speaking: Interactive Communication B2 - Lesson 3: Responding to Counter-Arguments

Welcome back! A great discussion is not a monologue; it's a dynamic exchange of ideas. A key skill for any persuasive speaker is the ability to effectively respond to a counter-argument¹—a point that opposes your own. This shows you are not just talking, but actively listening and thinking critically about other perspectives².

A 3-Step Strategy for a Powerful Response

Instead of just saying "You're wrong," use this structured approach to respond respectfully and persuasively.

The "Acknowledge - Pivot - Rebut" Framework

Step 1: Acknowledge Their Point

First, show you were listening and understand their argument. This is respectful and makes them more open to hearing your view.

"I see what you're saying about..."

"That's a valid³ point regarding..."

"I take your point that..."

Step 2: Pivot Back to Your Argument

Use a contrasting discourse marker to transition from their point back to yours.

"...however, I believe..."

"...that being said, we also need to consider..."

"...on the other hand,..."

Step 3: Rebut⁴ with Your Reason/Evidence

Now, state your counter-argument and support it with your own logic or examples.

"...this is because..."

"...a better way to look at it is..."

Scenario: A Business Negotiation

Listen to this negotiation between two managers. Notice how Vanny responds to Samnang's counter-argument using the three-step strategy.

Vanny: "To increase our profits, I propose that we raise the price of our premium coffee by 10%."

Samnang: "I'm not sure that's a good idea. A price increase might scare away our loyal customers, who could switch to a cheaper cafe."

Vanny: "I understand your concern about losing loyal customers. (Step 1: Acknowledge) However, I think our premium coffee drinkers are more interested in quality than price. (Step 2: Pivot) The reason I say this is because our recent survey showed that 90% of our premium customers chose us for our unique coffee beans, not because we are the cheapest option." (Step 3: Rebut with evidence)

Different Ways to Respond

Your response doesn't always have to be a direct disagreement. Here are some nuanced approaches:

Partial Agreement (The "Yes, but..."): Agree with some part of their point before adding your own contrasting view.
"While it's true that a price increase could be risky, I also think that not increasing it means we can't afford to maintain our quality."

Questioning the Premise: Politely challenge the assumption behind their argument.
"You're assuming that our customers are very price-sensitive, but is that really the case for our premium coffee drinkers? My understanding is that they value quality above all."

Practice Quiz: Complete the Counter-Argument

Read the dialogue and choose the best option to complete the counter-argument.

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Speaker A: "We should ban cars from the city center to reduce pollution."

Speaker B: "I take your point about pollution. __________, what about the negative impact on businesses and delivery services?"

1. That being said
2. For example
3. Therefore

→ Answer: A. "That being said" is a perfect pivot phrase to acknowledge the first point (pollution) and then introduce a contrasting point (negative impact).

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Speaker A: "Our new marketing campaign was a complete failure."

Speaker B: "_____________________, it's true that sales didn't increase, but the campaign did generate a lot of positive social media attention."

1. I completely disagree with you
2. I understand what you're saying
3. To be fair

→ Answer: C. "To be fair" is a great phrase to introduce a partial agreement or a different perspective that balances the initial negative statement. "I understand what you're saying" also works well.

Your Mission: The "Devil's Advocate" Challenge

The best way to get good at responding to counter-arguments is to anticipate them. In this exercise, you will argue against yourself.

1. State a strong opinion you have. (e.g., "I believe all university students should have a part-time job.")
2. Now, be the "devil's advocate". What is the strongest argument *against* your opinion? (e.g., "A part-time job can negatively affect a student's grades.")
3. Record yourself responding to this imaginary counter-argument using the Acknowledge - Pivot - Rebut framework.
4. Example: "(I think students should work). I acknowledge that having a job could impact a student's study time. That's a valid concern. However, I believe it teaches something even more important: time management. For instance, when students have limited time, they are forced to be more organized and focused, which is a vital skill for their future careers."

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Counter-argument: (Noun) - ការជជែកតវ៉ា - An opposing argument or viewpoint. ↩
2. Perspective: (Noun) - ទស្សនៈ - A particular way of thinking about something; a point of view. ↩
3. Valid: (Adjective) - សមហេតុផល - Well-founded on evidence and corresponding accurately to the real world. ↩
4. Rebut: (Verb) - បដិសេធ - To claim or prove that evidence or an accusation is false. ↩
5. Acknowledge: (Verb) - ទទួលស្គាល់ - To accept or admit the existence or truth of; to recognize the validity of. ↩