This document provides 26 useful phrases for speaking in various situations during discussions. These include phrases for introducing topics, bringing others into the discussion, moving the discussion forward, giving and explaining opinions, inquiring about agreement, making suggestions, seeking clarification, paraphrasing others' ideas, making comparisons, and closing discussions.

1. Useful phrases for Speaking:
1. Introducing the topic
 Today we are here to discuss…
 The goal of our discussion today is…
2. Bringing in other people
 What is your opinion, Mr. Ito?
 Do you agree with Mr. Ito’s opinion, Ms. Suzuki?
 Mr. Ito, what do you think we should do?
 Mr. Ito, what are your views regarding this point?
3. Keeping the Discussion Moving
 Let’s go on to another point.
 Next, let’s talk about…
 Let’s talk about that later.
4. Giving an opinion
 In my opinion…
 As far as I’m concerned…
 Personally, I believe that…
 The way I see it is…
5. Getting further information
 Would you mind explaining that a little more, please?
 Could you explain that more fully?
 Could you tell us a bit more about that?

2. 6. Restating an idea
 In other words,
 That is, …
 What I’m trying to say is…
 I mean…
 To put it another way…
7. Persuading Convincing
 You must admit that…
 Don’t forget that…
 You must remember that…
8. Inquiring about Agreement or Disagreement
 Do/don’t you agree, Ms. Suzuki?
 Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Ito?
9. Expressing Agreement
 Yes, that is right/correct.
 You are right/correct.
 I definitely agree with Ms. Suzuki.
 That is exactly what I think.
10. Expressing Disagreement
 I don’t really agree with him/her.
 I’m afraid I can’t agree with his/her opinion.
 That’s not quite how I see it.

3.  I can see your point, but I don’t really agree with it.
11. Expressing doubt or reservation
 Well, maybe, but I’m not sure about that.
 Hmm, he may be correct but I’m not sure.
 I can see your point, but I’m not sure I agree.
12. Refuting a fact
 Actually,
 As a matter of fact, …
 Well, I’m not sure that is true/correct because…
13. Dismissing an irrelevant point
 I’m afraid you’re missing the point.
 I don’t think that has anything do with the goal of our discussion.
14. Making suggestions
 Why don’t we/you…
 How about…
 I suggest that we/you…
15. Agreeing with a suggestion
 Ok. That makes sense.
 Of course.
 Certainly
16. Refusing a suggestion or request
 I’m sorry but that is out of the question

4.  Unfortunately that is not possible.
17. Capitulation
 Mr. Suzuki has convinced me that my opinion/suggestion/idea is not
useful/practical/necessary/good. Therefore, I havechangedmymind.
 OK. You have persuaded me to change my mind. I can agree with you.
18. Expressingsimilarities
 Those two points/suggestions are similar.
 Mr. Suzuki’s idea is about the same as Ms. Ito’s.
 My idea/suggestion is (more)....er than mine/hers.
19. Interrupting
 Excuse me for interrupting, but…
 Sorry to interrupt, but…
20. Getting a point into the discussion
 I have a point I’d like to make.
 I’d like to add something here.
 I’d like to say something about your/her/his idea.
21. Seekingclarification
 What do you mean?
 Sorry, I’m not quite sure what you mean.
 Do you mean that…?
 I’m sorry, I don’t quite follow.
 I don’t quite understand what you’re saying.

5. 22. Paraphrasinganotherperson’s idea
 What Ms. Ito means is that…
 What (s)he is trying to say is that…
23. Requesting
 Ms. Ito, I wonder if you would mind................., please?
 Mr. Kato, do you think you could..............., please?
24. Making comparisons
 Mr. Ito’s explanation is more/less............than hers/his.
 Your opinion/idea is.............-er than mine/hers.
25. Expressing Preference
 I think the best/worst suggestion is …
 His idea is the............-est (best, most reasonable etc.)
 Her proposal is the most/least…
 One of the most practical items is..............., so we/you should definitely
take/use it.
26. Closing the Discussion
 In conclusion, the purpose of this discussion…
 The goal of our discussion is to….
 Wehaveconcludedthat…