Meetings: agreeing, disagreeing and interrupting
How to join the discussion without sounding rude.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Work and interviews
Meeting language
Agreeing
- I completely agree.
- That's a good point.
- Exactly — and on top of that…
Disagreeing politely
- I see what you mean, but…
- I'm not sure I agree, because…
- That's true, although…
Interrupting
- Sorry to interrupt, but…
- Could I just add something?
- Can I come in here?
Checking
- So, if I understand correctly, …
- Could you clarify what you mean by…?
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which phrase disagrees politely?
- “I see what you mean, but…”
- “No, that's wrong.”
- “Exactly.”
Show the answer
A: “I see what you mean, but…” — Softening keeps the discussion moving. It is not weakness.
Quick check: Which phrase interrupts politely?
- “Stop, listen to me.”
- “That's a good point.”
- “Sorry to interrupt, but…”
Show the answer
C: “Sorry to interrupt, but…” — Could I just add something? and Can I come in here? work too.
Quick check: Which phrase checks that you have understood?
- “I completely agree.”
- “So, if I understand correctly, …”
- “Can I come in here?”
Show the answer
B: “So, if I understand correctly, …” — Could you clarify what you mean by…? checks too.