Persuading someone to do something

In this video, Noelia tries to convince Paul to DJ at the office party. Listen to the language Noelia uses for persuading Paul to do something and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you want to persuade someone to do something? Listen out for useful language for persuading someone to do something. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Paul: OK. Yeah, all right. I'll send them over tomorrow. OK, yep, bye. People are always asking for favours. Paul, can you do this? Paul, can you do that? 

Noelia: Hey, Paul, have you got a minute?

Paul: Go on, then.

Noelia: I've got a small favour to ask you. 

Paul: Right.

Noelia: So … how would you feel about DJing at the office party next week? 

Paul: Office party? I don't usually do work parties. 

Noelia: Oh, right. So where do you usually DJ then? 

Paul: No, I mean I don't usually go to work parties, let alone DJ at them. 

Noelia: Come on, I think you'd be brilliant at it! 

Paul: Oh, I don't know … 

Noelia: Look, I wouldn't usually ask, but you are the only DJ I know.

Paul: I'm not a very good one though. My music taste is … quite strange. Everyone will probably hate it. 

Noelia: Come on! These guys will dance to anything when they are at a party! Why don't you give it a go? You'll be great!

Paul: Urgh … I think I'm probably busy that day anyway.

Noelia: Come on! There's nothing to lose!

Paul: Except my reputation and credibility …  

Noelia: Paul, you'd really be helping me out. 

Paul: OK, I'll think about it. 

Noelia: Great! Thanks, Paul! 

 

Ana: Hello again! It's very difficult to say no to Noelia! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for persuading someone to do something? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

I've got a small favour to ask you.

How would you feel about DJing?

You'd be brilliant at it.

I wouldn't usually ask, but you're the only DJ I know. 

Why don't you give it a go?

There's nothing to lose.

You'd really be helping me out.

OK, I'll think about it. 



Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to persuade someone to do something in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Language level

Average: 4.8 (21 votes)

Submitted by fariba on Mon, 25/01/2021 - 09:22

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sometimes i can persuading people to do some thing , but not usually.
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Submitted by Riza on Tue, 12/01/2021 - 05:47

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Unfortunately, I am terrible at asking people to do me a favour. At first, I would think of any other possible way to find the solution, however if it is impossible to accomplish by my own I would go to ask someone. I suppose I would go around the bushes and try to find the right way and time for this person to ask for a help. And usually it ends up with a small favour from others but a big lunch from my side)))
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Submitted by Hennadii on Mon, 11/01/2021 - 11:06

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Actually, I'm not a persuading kind of guy. Honestly, I always feel uncomfortable when I need to ask a favour. Of course, if there's nothing to do without someone's help I ask but, before that, I thought about any possibilities for doing that by myself for sure. I know, it's okay when you ask someone to help or persuade to do something but that how I usually act. Maybe because I can't stand the insolent persons and every time I need to persuade someone I feel a bit insolent. Even when I ask my kids helping me out a bit. Even when I'm trying to persuade them to clean up the mess they did.

Submitted by YewandeAdeosun on Fri, 25/12/2020 - 19:21

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Not much. I am below average on the scale of 100 when it comes to persuasion

Submitted by YewandeAdeosun on Fri, 25/12/2020 - 19:19

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Not too good. I really need some lessons as regards thos

Submitted by Momocompanyman on Tue, 10/11/2020 - 17:38

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Not much, I need a negociation training in this case.

Submitted by Oti on Tue, 20/10/2020 - 09:53

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I am not very able to persuade someone to do something, I don’t use to ask someone a favour, I’m ever available to help friends or colleagues.
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Submitted by danisep on Tue, 20/10/2020 - 03:41

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I think I am, it all depends on the other person, if you know him or if that person knows you a lot like your sibling or couple could be harder but a colleage or sometimes a stranger or when you're trying to sell something that you really believe at, could be easier.

Submitted by TadyEriel on Mon, 19/10/2020 - 14:04

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Well, In my point of view I'm not as good as i'd want. It means I normally try to show advantages and drawbacks about certain situation, therefore children and teenagers understand it, as opposed to adults, even if my speach it's compelling they have their own poin of view. However, I'm learning that ability.

Submitted by Denise on Sun, 18/10/2020 - 11:32

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I don’t know,I never thought about that but when I normally want something to be done I always find a way.