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: 4.7 (202 votes)

Submitted by Machinus on Thu, 03/09/2026 - 00:14

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Have  you ever tried any unusual ideas at work?
Yes ,I have.I tried working from home,and it was quite unusual at first.I enjoyed it because I could work comfortable and save time and money but also found it difficult t  to  separate work from my personal life

Submitted by MASHIEL on Sat, 29/08/2026 - 21:16

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Have you ever tried any unusual ideas at work?

I have tried out unusual ideas in my work, such as having students sing in English in class using different rhythms and vocal tones, as well as making the lesson more entertaining through games tailored to the learning activity's topic.

Submitted by Ivan_Lyepilin on Mon, 24/08/2026 - 07:58

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Yes, i've tried some unusual ideas at work. Most of them is really helped and worked. So, it's really helpful, but not a dogma.

Submitted by WariGoong on Thu, 06/08/2026 - 19:33

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Yes, I have tried soome of unusuual ideas before. I considered the fact that I can work together with my cowoerkers, despite I disagree with some parts of the project.

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Submitted by nikolowkey on Thu, 06/08/2026 - 12:37

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I have ideas but I don't share it to the team. I'm not really sure they will like it. 

Submitted by luispa on Tue, 28/07/2026 - 20:13

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Yes I have!! , I usualy try to share new ideas to improve our tasks and work environment and many times this ones work!!! But also a few fail 🤫😆

Submitted by rocaz on Fri, 24/07/2026 - 16:53

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I teach chemistry at undergraduate level. So, I have a specific plan of study to work with the students. But I always try to show them new developments of this science and their impact on the modern industry and society

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Submitted by ghalia on Fri, 24/07/2026 - 15:43

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Thanks a lot for this experience, it is my first one here, Im really glad to joint you.I found  the first course very interesting.