Intermediate Participating in Meetings Workshops/PDFs/Participating in...Imagine you are in a staff meeting discussing the success of a new product launch. Most participants feel that

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Participating in MeetingsIntermediate

Session 4: Expressing Agreement and Disagreement

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In this session, you will:

• Recognize when people are in agreement or disagreement.

• Practice expressing different levels of agreement and disagreement.

• Practice managing disagreements politely.

Learning Objectives

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Look at the pictures below. Are the people agreeing or disagreeing? Why do you think so?

Let’s Get Started

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Let's Discuss

Complete Agreement Partial Agreement Partial Disagreement Complete Disagreement

1. How can you say that?

2. Exactly!

3. You have a point there, but don’t you think we…

4. I totally agree with you.

Imagine you are in a staff meeting discussing the success of a new product launch. Most participants feel that the product launch was successful, but also had some problems. Put the following comments into one of the categories, depending on whether the participants agree completely, disagree completely, or show partial agreement/ disagreement.

5. You’re right.

6. I think so too.

7. Don’t get me wrong. I think the campaign was successful. However, I think we…

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Agreement Partial Agreement/Disagreement Disagreement

Exactly!

I have to agree with [name].

That’s right!

That’s a good idea.

I agree (with you). (Strong)

I completely agree (with you). (Stronger)

I couldn't agree (with you) more. (Strongest)

Very true, but…

Don’t get me wrong, but don’t you think…

You have a point, but…

Disagreement

That’s not true.

I see it differently.

I disagree (with you). (Strong)

I completely disagree (with you). (Stronger)

I couldn't disagree (with you) more. (Strongest)

Here are some opinions on different work-related issues. Use one word from the target language

to fill in the gaps from this short dialogues.

Stefan: I think the best way to attract new customers is to redesign our snowboards.

Inge: Very __________, but won’t we lose our traditional customers?

Stefan: You have a ____________, but we need to get young snowboarders excited about our styles.

Inge: I couldn’t __________ more so let’s schedule a meeting with our product development team.

Let's Practice

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Let's Practice

Here are two statements about common issues that most companies face from time to time. Your coach will tell you whether you should agree, disagree, or partly agree with each statement. Respond to the statement, using the target language to get you started.

Agreement Partial Agreement/Disagreement Disagreement

Exactly!

I have to agree with [name].

That’s right!

That’s a good idea.

I agree (with you). (Strong)

I completely agree (with you). (Stronger)

Very true, but…

Don’t get me wrong, but don’t you think…

You have a point, but…

Disagreement

That’s not true.

I see it differently.

I disagree (with you). (Strong)

I completely disagree (with you). (Stronger)

1. We’re behind schedule on production. I think we need to hire new staff to meet our manufacturing deadlines.

You have a point, but the company just simply can't afford to hire any more employees.

2. Our sales haven’t improved in our stores in Barcelona and Madrid. Let’s close both of the stores before we lose more money.

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Giovanni’s Opinions Elena’s Opinions

• Purchase all ingredients locally

• Train cooking staff with national workshop once a year

• Offer cheaper lunch menus only on weekdays

• Purchase ingredients from a national producer

• Send trainer to each restaurant

• Lower prices on all menu items

Company: Buongusto’s Restaurant Chain

Buongusto’s has been very successful over the past few years. They’ve opened new restaurants all over Italy. However, recently, a number of customers have been complaining about the food, and two employees are discussing options to fix the problem. Using the two different points of view below, practice agreeing and disagreeing.

Let's Practice

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Apply It!

Think of an issue on which you want your coach to give you some advice. Completely agree with at least one of his/her opinions, disagree with one opinion or suggestion, and partially agree with one opinion or suggestion.