Useful English Expressions

Here is a  list of some expressions ( not exhaustive though) which can be used in English conversations, especially in formal meetings.

Interrupting/ getting somebody’s attention:

• Sorry to interrupt but…
• Excuse me for interrupting.
• Can I just butt in a minute?
• May I have a word?
• Just a minute…
• Hang on a sec ….
• Could/May I come in here?

Giving Opinions:

• I (really) feel that…
• I am positive that.
• In my opinion / view…
• I reckon…
• The way I see it …
• As far as I’m concerned…
• If you ask me,… I (tend to) think that…

Asking for opinions/contributions:

• Do you (really) think that…
• Are you positive that…
• How do you feel about…?
• What are your thoughts / views on ……?
• What do you think about this……..?
• Mr/Ms  XXX , can we get your input on ….?
• Mr/Ms XXX, we haven’t heard from you yet.
• Mr/Ms XXX, would you like to add anything here?
• Has anyone else got anything to contribute?
• Are there anymore comments?

Commenting on others’ opinions:

• I never thought about it that way before.
• Good point!
• I get your point.
• I see what you mean.
• That’s interesting.

Agreeing with others’ opinions:

• That’s (exactly) the way I feel.
• I have to agree with you/him/her/etc.
• I totally agree with you.
• I’m completely with you on that (point).
• I’d go along with that.
• Exactly!

Disagreeing with others’ opinions:

• I’m with you up to a point, but…
• Up to a point I agree with you, but…….
• I’m afraid I can’t agree..
• I see what you’re saying but…
• I kind of agree with you but…
• I totally disagree!
• That’s absolute tosh /nonsense!

Asking for verification:

• Do you mean that…?
• Is it true that…?
• Are you serious?!
• You did say XXXX, didn’t you? (‘did’ is stressed)

Asking for clarification:

• I don’t quite follow you.What exactly do you mean?
• I’m not sure I’m with you.
• Sorry, you’ve lost me.
• I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you’re getting at.

Asking for repetition:

• Sorry. I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat that, please?
• Sorry. I missed that. Could you say it again, please?
• Could you run that by me again?
• Could you go over that again?
• I’m afraid I didn’t understand that. Could you repeat what you have just said?

Clarifying whether listeners understand:

• Have I made that clear?
• Do you know what I mean?
• Do you see what I’m getting at?
• Are you with me?
• Let me put it another way…
• Let me spell out….
• I’d just like to repeat that…..

Correcting Information:

• Sorry, that’s not quite right.
• Sorry, I think you misunderstood what I said.
• That’s not quite what I had in mind.
• That’s not quite what I meant.
• That’s not what I meant.
• I am afraid you don’t understand what I’m saying.

Advising and Suggesting:

• Let’s….
• We should… …
• Why don’t you…….
• How/What about…..
• I suggest/recommend that…..

10 Tips for Successful Public Speaking

Do you feel some nervousness before giving a speech? Don’t worry.It  is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing it well. But, too much nervousness can be very negative. Here’s how you can control your fear and make effective presentations:

1.    Know the room: Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.
2.    Know the audience: Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.
3.    Know your material: If you’re not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.
4.    Relax: Ease tension by doing exercises.
5.    Visualize yourself giving your speech:Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.
6.    Realize that people want you to succeed: Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don’t want you to fail.
7.    Don’t apologize:If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience’s attention to something they hadn’t noticed. Keep silent.
8.    Concentrate on the message — not the medium: Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.
9.    Turn nervousness into positive energy: Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
10.   Gain experience: Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking.