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. Itos 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

Lets go on to another point.

Next, lets talk about

Lets talk about that later.

4. Giving an opinion

In my opinion

As far as Im 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?

 6. Restating an idea

In other words,

That is,

What Im trying to say is

I mean

To put it another way

7. Persuading Convincing

You must admit that

Dont forget that

You must remember that

8. Inquiring about Agreement or Disagreement

Do/dont you agree, Ms. Suzuki?

Wouldnt 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 dont really agree with him/her.

Im afraid I cant agree with his/her opinion.

Thats not quite how I see it.

 I can see your point, but I dont really agree with it.

11. Expressing doubt or reservation

Well, maybe, but Im not sure about that.

Hmm, he may be correct but Im not sure.

I can see your point, but Im not sure I agree.

12. Refuting a fact

Actually,

As a matter of fact,

Well, Im not sure that is true/correct because

13. Dismissing an irrelevant point

Im afraid youre missing the point.

I dont think that has anything do with the goal of our discussion.

14. Making suggestions

Why dont 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

Im sorry but that is out of the question

 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 have changed my mind.

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

18. Expressing similarities

Those two points/suggestions are similar.

Mr. Suzukis idea is about the same as Ms. Itos.

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 Id like to make.

Id like to add something here.

Id like to say something about your/her/his idea.

21. Seeking clarification

What do you mean?

Sorry, Im not quite sure what you mean.

Do you mean that?

Im sorry, I dont quite follow.

I dont quite understand what youre saying.

 22. Paraphrasing another persons 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. Itos 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.

We have concluded that