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 Ridho Rachman on Sat, 28/01/2023 - 04:42

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i am not so sure about unusual idea at work, but in social community sometimes i take this one. In dynamic social situation, i try to be aware of the challenges there. At the end the decision made, we love what the impact is from.

Submitted by mchaires96 on Thu, 05/01/2023 - 01:10

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To be honest, I didn't use to agree with or participate on theme days such as crazy hat or crazy hair days. But, once I got a new job that I really loved, my ideas changed and I started to participating.

I don't understand your points. Getting a new job and participating in those activities have no direct relation. So, I think you need to participate more, even if you don't get a new job!

Submitted by Hermesalfredo14 on Fri, 02/12/2022 - 23:42

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No, i am not working, i am studying at University, but in my classroom i like to show my ideas and i always try to share my opinions, i don´t think i have tried an inusual idea but i will consider to do it!

Submitted by alucie on Thu, 03/11/2022 - 11:05

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No, I have not tried any unusual ideas at work, I followed the instructions and the way my manager wanted the work to be done, and I did it perfectly.

By considering this fact that I'm an English teacher, you can easily take my point that creativity is a must in my profession. Even though I find myself as a very disciplined tutor, I can vividly remember that I have encouraged my students to dance in order to lighten their mood.

Submitted by NatiAntia on Mon, 29/08/2022 - 15:56

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Yes, I always have crazy ideas at work, but they don't usually affect anyone, jus tme and my work hahah

Submitted by Brian O'Donnell on Mon, 22/08/2022 - 14:53

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I think brainstorm is a really efficient method of finding an essential solution. In puts are crucial. Imaginative co-workers can offer a riveting plan on how to hone results.