C1 Advanced - Speaking Phrases

Likes/dislikes Opinion
I’m into… I’m of the mind that…
I’m a keen/avid (surfer) As far as I’m concerned,
I’m keen on/fond of (surfing) As I see it, …
I (go surfing) to unwind, to escape the stresses From my point of view, …
and strains of my day to day life. Look, here’s what I think…
I like nothing more than (to go surfing) If you ask me,…
I’m itching to try/go…. (I really want to) I hold the view that…
Comparing/contrasting Describing pictures
Both pictures show… The first thing that strikes me about this picture
In this picture they look as though they are…. is…
Whereas/while in this picture… The thing that really jumps out of this picture is…
In contrast In this picture it looks as if/though they are…
On the other hand They could/might/may be…
They could/might/may have just…
I’m pretty sure that they’re feeling…
I’d guess that they are…
Agreeing Disagreeing
Totally/Absolutely/Exactly I see what you mean but…
I think we’re on the same page here. I take your point but…
I’m with you on that one. I beg to differ I’m afraid.
I was just going to say that. I’m afraid I have to disagree with you there.
Yeah, I’d go along with that. That’s not exactly how I see it.
I couldn’t agree more. No, you’ve lost me there.
You have a point there. I’m afraid I just don’t buy it.
I’m with you 100% on this one.
Starting to make a conclusion Asking for opinion
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. What’s your take on….?
The bottom line is we have to choose one… Where do you stand on….?
It’s a tough one, I’m on the fence between … In my opinion…., would you go along with that?
and …. What are your thoughts on this?
Shall we go with ….?
Personalising Impressive structures
Speaking from personal experience,… Another point I’d like to add about … is…
For me personally,.. It’s also worth taking into account that…
This is a topic that is particularly close to my Coming back to what (Javi) was saying about ….
heart… I’d also like to point out that…
It’s funny I was just thinking about this the other I think it’s important not to forget that…
day. The vast majority of people tend to think that…
My gut/initial reaction is… At the end of the day…
If I were to choose one of these situations (part 2 When all’s said and done…
pictures), I’d go with… because…
Tips Asking for repetition
Eye-contact I beg your pardon, I didn’t catch that.
Active listening Sorry would you mind repeating that?
Open body language Could you repeat the question please?
Speak up
Don’t dominate