Conversation – Focusing on Interaction - FCEfS

Note: It's good to disagree a little - it's natural and shows linguistic skill. Always be friendly.

1. Opening a conversation
We're talking about ………………. Let's start with the first point. What's your opinion?
We're looking at …………….. and we've got five ideas to talk about. Would you like to choose one?
The subject we've got to talk about is ……………. Would you like to start or shall I?
This is a relevant theme for us. Shall we start with the first point they've given us? What's your view?
I'm glad we've got this idea to discuss. I'm sure we've both got some experience of it. Do you want to begin?

2. Giving an opinion
As far as I'm concerned ………
From what I know …………..
I've had some experience of this. For me, it's a question of ……………….
This is new to me. Still, I'd like to say something. A few years ago, …………..
I remember seeing something about this on TV. It was a documentary and …………...

3. Responding to an opinion
That sounds right. Can I add something? ………………
You've got a good point. That's what I think too. ……………….
I'm glad you said that. As far as I know ……………….
I see what you mean. Still, maybe there's another side to this. ……………
I share your opinion on this one. I'm sure that …………………..

4. Moving on to another point

Well, we've agreed on that. Let's look at the next point. ……………
There's nothing more I want to say. Shall we move on? ……………
There are more ideas for us to discuss. What's your opinion on the next point, …………?
We've finished that point. Let's move on to the next one. It's about ……………
Maybe we should move on. The next point we've got to look at is ………………

5. Reaching a decision
On balance, perhaps we should ……………..
Maybe we can agree that the best option is ……………….
Let's agree to disagree on this one. We just see it differently, that's all.
We're probably both right so let's leave it like that.
It seems that we've chosen the second point. That's good.

6. Interrupting - emergency use only!

Can I add something? …………….
Sorry, but I'd like to make a point. …………….
Sorry to stop you but I'd like to say something. ………..
Do you mind if I say something? Thanks! …………

7. Speaking to the examiner

Sorry, can you say that again, please?
I'm sorry but I'm not sure what you mean.
Is it alright if I start now?
[If you finish speaking but there's still time left] That's all I wanted to say. [smile]

Remember: react - explain - involve. You should take your colleague seriously and respond to whatever
he/she says [= react]. Then explain your own point in two or three sentences [= explain]. Finally, involve
your colleague - don't just stop talking. [= involve]