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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Average: 4.8 (21 votes)

Submitted by alevegaa on Fri, 10/06/2022 - 06:10

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I think that I am not good at persuading people to do different things

Submitted by btawaeel on Tue, 07/06/2022 - 09:53

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Persuading anybody is very difficult mission , because most people like to keep their ideas and thoughts as if they are a part from their bodies , so in case you need to persuade someone you must have enough knowledge about the subject , brilliant approach and give it a go .

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Submitted by Silvia Lago on Sun, 24/04/2022 - 21:05

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I guess I'm good to persuading someone to do something. But for that, this something must be a right action.

Submitted by Abrarhussain on Sun, 13/03/2022 - 23:19

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No, i am not good at persuading people to do different things.

Submitted by LamVanPhuong on Sat, 30/10/2021 - 10:34

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it's really no because my word is not enough to convince someone

Submitted by GiulianaAndy on Mon, 05/07/2021 - 03:49

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No, I'm not so good at persuading people to do things. I remember the last time I asked for a favour to a comrade, and she said she would think about it, but then she said "no", so I guess she didn't get convinced at all, therefore I'm not good at persuading people to do things

Submitted by Karolina1208 on Wed, 12/05/2021 - 12:53

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Hi, do you have more videos?

Hi Karolina1208,

Yes, we do have some other videos.

You might also like to see these Speaking videos on LearnEnglish Teens, our site for learners aged 13 to 17.

I hope you find something useful here :)

Jonathan

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by German on Fri, 12/02/2021 - 02:28

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I think that I´m good at persuading people to do things but in general when I wanto to persuade someone is for goods reasons.