Learning Objective: This is a continuation of the Business English class. At the end of the session, the participants are expected to be able to practice agreeing and disagreeing in apolite during a meeting.


Introduction

Inevitably, people will agree and disagree with one another during meetings. It’s important to make your position in a debate clear, while being polite to people you disagree with.


Think

Imagine that you are in a meeting and you disagree with someone over an issue. How might you make your point politely?



Check Understanding

Check your understanding by reading the script below:


Sean: The office move, as you know, the plans have been up by the main exit for a week now. I just wanted to see what kind of feedback you’ve got.

Tim: Yeah, Sean, I’m sorry, but I really strongly disagree with the new floor plan. I think it's divisive to separate the secretaries and the assistants out from the editors and managers. I’d be much happier if we could be located in teams.

Carrie: Actually, I think Sean is right. I’ve been chatting to some of the secretaries and they’re quite keen to all be sitting in the same area, and, speaking as an editor, I think I’d like to be with other editors so that we can bounce ideas off each other and things. So I think Sean’s floor plan is right.

Practice

Now test yourself with this quiz!