Challenging someone's ideas

In this video, Vanya tells Paul and Emir about her latest idea. Listen to the language they use for challenging someone's ideas 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 challenge someone's ideas? Listen out for useful language for challenging someone's ideas. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Vanya: Guys! I've got it! I've figured it out!

Emir: Figured what out?

Paul: That it's polite to knock on the door before coming in? 

Vanya: This idea is just too good, Paul! It's too good!

Paul: Go on, then.

Vanya: So! Cats!

Emir: I'm a bit lost. What are you talking about?

Vanya: Videos. Cat videos! For our social media account. Hundreds of them. Everyone loves cats! 

Paul: I hate cats.

Vanya: Everyone except you, Paul.

Paul: Have you considered the fact that we're a branding agency, not a pet shop?

Vanya: I take your point, Paul, but, come on, be imaginative! Cat videos are some of the most searched videos on the internet.

Emir: I see where you're coming from, Vanya, but I think I agree with Paul here. How is this relevant for a branding agency?

Vanya: Look. Social media, it's a numbers game. If we share dozens of cat videos each day, then we get more followers. 

Emir: That's true. So how exactly do you see this working? I mean, who's going to find all these videos?

Vanya: Erm, OK, I'm very aware of the challenges here, but I'm convinced this is going to work.

Paul: I'm not so sure.

Emir: Well, I guess you have to look at it from both sides. Why don't we try it for a couple of weeks and see if there's any impact?

Vanya: Great! We are going to get so many more followers. I'm absolutely positive! 

Paul: Good luck with that! I hope it doesn't turn out to be a cat-astrophe ... What? ... It's a good joke.

 

Ana: Hello again! Well, I thought that was a good joke! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for challenging someone's ideas? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

I'm a bit lost. What are you talking about?

Have you considered the fact that we're a branding agency, not a pet shop?

I take your point, but be imaginative. 

I see where you're coming from.

I think I agree with Paul here.

How exactly do you see this working?

I'm very aware of the challenges here, but I'm convinced this will work. 

You have to look at it from both sides.

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to challenge someone's ideas in English. Bye for now! 

Discussion

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Language level

Average: 4.9 (70 votes)

Submitted by shakra10 on Tue, 11/01/2022 - 13:19

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Really it is a method can adopt with new technology work, learning English less than six months at your work, home.
I liked it this kind of performance. Keep going as well as we are classmates.

Submitted by ANOUAR on Tue, 28/12/2021 - 14:15

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Yes, and my collegue said that I'm crazy, but you know that every succesfull person's idea was considered a crazy idea at first.

Submitted by J0rge on Tue, 14/12/2021 - 13:10

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Every time I try unusual ideas at work, my boss think they are too crazy, so I don't try too often

Submitted by hichem202008 on Sun, 12/12/2021 - 13:10

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Yes i did last year . I told my team that we will build a new building and moving on because the old one is too smal and you can't work on it.

Submitted by LamVanPhuong on Tue, 26/10/2021 - 13:14

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oh i think not because i am not sure about my unusual ideas.

Submitted by 46adrian46 on Tue, 19/10/2021 - 19:16

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No I never did that because I never worked in a big company and usually smalls companies don't listen new ideas

Submitted by Sam_Wong888 on Sun, 17/10/2021 - 14:19

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It depends on a company culture. Some people are not open to new ideas.

Submitted by gdinunzio on Sun, 05/09/2021 - 10:44

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I'm a technician so there is not room for unusual idea often. In fact, most of the time I put well engineered ideas at work.

Submitted by coduor on Fri, 25/06/2021 - 17:21

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No, I have not tried but i will try in the near future.