Tools for a debate

 

1. Introducing the topic

Ø      Today we are here to discuss…

Ø      The goal of our discussion today is…

2. Bringing in other people

Ø      What is your opinion, Mr. Ito?

Ø      Do you agree with Mr. Ito’s opinion, Ms. Suzuki?

Ø      Mr. Ito, what do you think we should do?

Ø      Mr. Ito, what are your views regarding this point?

3. Keeping the Discussion Moving

Ø      Let’s go on to another point.

Ø      Next, let’s talk about…

Ø      Let’s talk about that later.

4. Giving an opinion

Ø      In my opinion…

Ø      As far as I’m concerned…

Ø      Personally, I believe that... / I strongly believe that...

Ø       The way I see it is… 

Ø       I think that...

Ø       I do not believe that...

Ø       From my point of view...

Ø       My belief is that...

Ø       In my view...

Ø       Personally...

Ø       I feel strongly about...

Ø       I (strongly) agree with... / I (strongly) diasgree with...

Ø       I am in favour of...

Ø       It seems to me that...

Ø       I would argue that...

Ø       Generally speaking, I think that...

Ø       I'm absolutely convinced that…

Ø       I'm sure that…

Ø       I have no doubt that…

5. Getting further information

Ø      Would you mind explaining that a little more, please?

Ø      Could you explain that more fully?

Ø      Could you tell us a bit more about that? 

6. Restating an idea

Ø      In other words,

Ø      That is, …

Ø      What I’m trying to say is…

Ø      I mean…

Ø      To put it another way… 

7. Persuading Convincing

Ø      You must admit that…

Ø      Don’t forget that…

Ø      You must remember that… 

8. Inquiring about Agreement or Disagreement

Ø      Do/don’t you agree, Ms. Suzuki?

Ø      Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Ito? 

9. Expressing Agreement

Ø      Yes, that is right/correct.

Ø      You are right/correct.

Ø      I definitely agree with Ms. Suzuki.

Ø      That is exactly what I think. 

10. Expressing Disagreement

Ø      I don’t really agree with him/her.

Ø      I’m afraid I can’t agree with his/her opinion.

Ø      That’s not quite how I see it.

Ø      I can see your point, but I don’t really agree with it.    

11. Expressing doubt or reservation

Ø      Well, maybe, but I’m not sure about that.

Ø      Hmm, he may be correct but I’m not sure.

Ø      I can see your point, but I’m not sure I agree. 

12. Refuting a fact

Ø      Actually,

Ø      As a matter of fact, …

Ø      Well, I’m not sure that is true/correct because… 

13. Dismissing an irrelevant point

Ø      I’m afraid you’re missing the point.

Ø      I don’t think that has anything do with the goal of our discussion. 

14.  Making suggestions

Ø      Why don’t we/you…

Ø      How about…

Ø      I suggest that we/you… 

15. Agreeing with a suggestion

Ø      Ok. That makes sense.

Ø      Of course.

Ø      Certainly 

16. Refusing a suggestion or request

Ø      I’m sorry but that is out of the question

Ø      Unfortunately that is not possible. 

17. Capitulation

Ø      Mr. Suzuki has convinced me that my opinion/suggestion/idea is not useful/practical/necessary/good. Therefore, I have changed my mind.

Ø      OK. You have persuaded me to change my mind. I can agree with you. 

18. Expressing similarities

Ø      Those two points/suggestions are similar.

Ø      Mr. Suzuki’s idea is about the same as Ms. Ito’s.

Ø      My idea/suggestion is (more)....er than mine/hers.       

19. Interrupting

Ø      Excuse me for interrupting, but…

Ø      Sorry to interrupt, but… 

20. Getting a point into the discussion

Ø      I have a point I’d like to make.

Ø      I’d like to add something here.

Ø      I’d like to say something about your/her/his idea. 

21. Seeking clarification

Ø      What do you mean?

Ø      Sorry, I’m not quite sure what you mean.

Ø      Do you mean that…?

Ø      I’m sorry, I don’t quite follow.

Ø      I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. 

22. Paraphrasing another person’s idea

Ø      What Ms. Ito means is that…

Ø      What (s)he is trying to say is that… 

23. Requesting

Ø      Ms. Ito, I wonder if you would mind................., please?

Ø      Mr. Kato, do you think you could..............., please? 

24. Making comparisons

Ø      Mr. Ito’s explanation is more/less............than hers/his.

Ø      Your opinion/idea is.............-er than mine/hers. 

25.  Expressing Preference

Ø      I think the best/worst suggestion is …

Ø      His idea is the............-est  (best, most reasonable etc.)

Ø      Her proposal is the most/least…

Ø      One of the most practical items is..............., so we/you should definitely take/use it. 

26. Closing the Discussion

Ø      In conclusion, the purpose of this discussion…

Ø       The goal of our discussion is to….

Ø      We have concluded that…