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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Average: 4.9 (70 votes)

Submitted by Amr_Taha95 on Tue, 31/05/2022 - 14:37

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I didn't get the joke

Hello Amr_Taha95,

The word 'catastrophe' (a bad situation or destructive event) actually has nothing to do with cats, but if you pronounce it like Paul does, it sounds as if it's Vanya's cat idea that could cause the 'cat-astrophe'.

Hope that helps.

All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by fahri on Fri, 13/05/2022 - 19:58

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Dear team

What is does mean :

I see where you're coming from ?

Because emir doesn't talk about Vanya's country.

So, what's emir talk about?

Thank you very much for your answer

Hi fahri,

"I see where you're coming from" is an idiomatic expression. It means "I understand your point of view". :)

Jonathan

The LearnEnglish Team

Profile picture for user Silvia Lago

Submitted by Silvia Lago on Sat, 26/03/2022 - 18:13

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Yes, I have already tried challenges in my house. And it is always positive because one challenge starts other. And then things will enhance.

Could you please talk a little more about it ? What were those ideas, and what was the best for you ?

Submitted by Abrarhussain on Wed, 02/03/2022 - 23:18

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No, I have never tried any unusual ideas at my work.

Submitted by jyoti Chaudhary on Sun, 06/02/2022 - 16:24

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Yes, I'll take it, but I'm spending a considerable amount of time thinking about what to do before the final comes to the decision. Whenever I feel that this is the best idea to build the business. I'll try to do it without wasting my time. It is frequently difficult to make my own decisions. Sometimes I help my friend. He good advises me.

Submitted by Mi.m.ferreira on Wed, 02/02/2022 - 19:50

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No... I think bosses don't like meddling, but sometimes they miss a good idea!