Speaking Tutorials: Express your opinions

Giving Opinions in Professional Situations

Sometimes, people disagree in meetings or professional environments. In English, it is important to express your opinions clearly, politely, and with reasons.

STEP 1 — Introduce Your Opinion

Use expressions to say what you think.

Useful Expressions

• I think…

• In my opinion…

• Personally, I believe…

• From my perspective…

Examples

• I think Emilia did the right thing.

• In my opinion, Nathalie was too strict.

• Personally, I believe professional etiquette matters.

STEP 2 — Explain Your Reason

Good opinions usually include explanations.

Useful Expressions

• The reason is that…

• This is important because…

• One advantage is that…

Examples

• The reason is that good ideas can appear at any moment.

• This is important because companies need creativity.

• One advantage is that Emilia helped the campaign improve.

STEP 3 — Add Balance or Another Perspective

Useful Expressions

• However…

• On the other hand…

• At the same time…

• I also understand why…

Examples

• However, I also understand Nathalie’s reaction.

• On the other hand, hierarchy is important in some companies.

• I also understand why speaking unexpectedly could create tension.

Model Answer

I think Emilia did the right thing by sharing her idea. The reason is that good ideas can come at any moment, and meetings should allow that. For example, the client clearly liked her proposal. However, I also understand Nathalie’s reaction, because hierarchy is important in some companies.”

Task

Was Emilia right to speak during the meeting? Why or why not?

Try to:

• express your opinion clearly

• explain your reasons

• include another perspective

• use examples from the story