Opening statements/questions
- I think _________ because ________. What do others think?
- In the text the authors states _________. What do you think she means here?
- What did you think of the author’s opinion on _________?
Agreeing
- I agree with the point that _______ because _______.
- I never thought about it that way. I would have to agree because ___________.
- I agree with your analysis because I too ____________.
Disagreeing
- I disagree with the point about ________ because _________.
- I would agree with ________, but I don’t agree with his reasoning since _______.
- I disagree with the point about _______________ because it overlooks the fact that _______.
- I have mixed feelings on the topic. On the one hand, I think ________ , but on the other I believe _______.
Building
- I agree with your point about ________ and I would like to add that ____________.
- I agree with ___________, but I think we might want to also consider ______________.
- If we changed ____________, how would things be different?
- What if _______________
Clarifying
- I’m sorry. I couldn’t hear you. Could you restate your position?
- Could you restate your position more concisely please? I’m having trouble remembering everything you said.
- Could you clarify what you mean when you say ________?
- Could you tell me more about ________?
- I agree with ______ when he said ________ because in the text the author says _____.
Inviting
- We haven’t heard from _________. What do you think?
- What are your views on __________?
- I’d like to hear from others. What does everyone else think?
Introducing a New Point
- It seems as though we’ve exhausted this point. Perhaps we should move on. What does everyone think?
- I would like to introduce a new point.
- Excuse me, but I would like to add a point if I could. I believe that ________.
General Tips
- Be polite and respectful at all times.
- Address the point, not the person—especially if you are going to disagree with them.
- Summarize the previous person’s comments before state your own position or adding to theirs’.
- When possible, come with questions prepared—at least 3-5.
- Make sure everyone is involved. Invite others to join in.
- Make sure the point you’re on has been discussed completely before moving on.
- If you’re stuck:
- Summarize the main points so far to refresh everyone’s memory.
- Say “Instead of focusing on a specific point, perhaps we should consider the bigger picture might be ______”
- Say “Seems we’re stuck, perhaps we should move on. Does anyone care to introduce a new aspect of the topic?”