Conversation Skills - Giving your opinion

TL;DR

Learn how to effectively express your opinion in conversations by avoiding short, one-word answers and using techniques to expand on your thoughts.

Transcript

Hello. Welcome to the lesson of giving your opinion. My name is Ronnie. Do me a favor. Go to YouTube. Go to my page, EnglishLessons4U, and subscribe to my channel. Watch out for imitators. I'm the real deal. Be careful. I'm going to teach you guys how to give your opinion. Now, you might think, "Ronnie, I already know how to give my opinion." If so... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Short, one-word answers hinder conversation and can lead to misunderstandings.
• 💁 Expanding on your opinion and providing more information helps keep the conversation engaging.
• 😑 Avoid using dismissive or rude phrases like "sure" or "of course," and instead, use expressions that convey your thoughts in a more nuanced way.
• 💭 If you haven't thought about the topic before, it's okay to admit it and take some time to gather your thoughts.
• 🚚 "Interesting" can have different meanings depending on the context and how it is delivered.
• 😑 Facial expressions and tone of voice play a significant role in how your opinion is perceived.
• 🤗 Giving your honest opinion and being open to discussion can lead to more meaningful conversations.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is giving a short, one-word answer when asked for our opinion not recommended?

Giving a short answer does not provide enough information for the other person to understand your viewpoint. It can lead to confusion and a lack of meaningful conversation.

Q: How can we continue a conversation when asked for our opinion about something we haven't thought about before?

If you haven't thought about the topic before, it's okay to say "I don't know, but let me think." Take some time to gather your thoughts and then provide your opinion.

Q: What does it mean when someone says, "It was interesting" as their opinion?

"Interesting" can have both positive and negative connotations depending on how it is delivered. It can mean that the person didn't like something but doesn't want to be outright negative.

Q: Why should we avoid using "sure" or "of course" when asked for our opinion?

"Sure" and "of course" can come across as dismissive or rude in certain contexts. It's better to use phrases that allow you to expand on your thoughts and provide a more detailed opinion.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Giving short, one-word answers when asked for your opinion in a conversation is not helpful and can lead to misunderstandings.

• Instead of saying "so-so" or "same," try expanding on your opinion and providing more information to continue the conversation.

• Avoid using "sure" or "of course" as they can be perceived as rude or dismissive, and instead, use phrases that allow you to express your thoughts in a more nuanced way.