08.2020 Office Talk
How to express opinions professionally
EIE American / provided
This "English classroom" introduces how to express your opinions with different intensities in a more professional way, so that you can talk freely and be to the point in the office and business meetings, and be comfortable in social occasions and become the focus.
1、 Neutral opinions
It seems to me that
It seems to me that this idea is worth trying
It seems to me that medical masks can only provide 30% protection from COVID-19, but it's better than wearing nothing
In my opinion / from my point of view
In my opinion, travel plans should be suspended during covid-19 outbreaks
In my opinion, wearing mask-wearing is a proper habit in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
As far as I'm concerned
As far as I'm concerned, hand sanitizer isn't as good as soap. Washing hands the traditional way is far superior to using hand sanitizer
2、 Tentative opinions
In the process of communication, when you need to formally express your opinions or talk about topics you are not familiar with, it is suggested to use the following words. Although it is less convincing and may even be changed or challenged, it is more euphemistic and flexible, which can avoid offending the other party.
· it would be fair to say that
It would be fair to say that Taiwan and New Zealand did an outstanding job in controlling coronavirus
As far as I'm able to judge
As far as I'm able to judge, this new product launch has huge potential to achieve our profit targets
3、 Strong opinions
In Asian countries, because of cultural factors, most people are embarrassed to express their opinions; however, in western countries, if they are too modest in the workplace, they are likely to leave a negative impression of being unconvincing and lack of influence. Therefore, if you have enough information or resources, using a more firm statement will make your speech stronger, more powerful and meaningful.
I firmly / really / strongly believe that
I strongly believe that everything will go back to normal in 2021
I'm sure / certain that
I'm sure that it is more expensive to eat out than cook your own food
It's quite clear that
It's quite clear that we need to cut costs this year
? it's my considered opinion that
It's my considered opinion that Java is the most popular programming language
Scenario: before a seminar, Sabrina and Mark are talking
Sabrina: Good morning, Mark. How are you today?
Mark: I'm fine, thank you. I think today's seminar will be useful and informative.
Sabrina: definitely! I'm sure that the seminar is going to be successful!
Mark: I was working from home the past two days preparing an opening speech for this seminar. I’m expecting it!
Sabrina: great! I'm glad to attend this event. Speaking of 'working from home', have you seen the latest news on BBC about that?
Mark: Yes, I saw that article yesterday. They're saying that working from home may become "the new normal."
Sabrina: As far as I'm able to judge, only tech companies can make arrangements to work from home.
Mark: Actually, many other companies can afford to work from home. However, our company will not be able to do that.
Sabrina: I agree. We work in finance. We need to be here and stay connected to people
Mark: I strongly believe that this pandemic will be over this year. We will go back to our normal lives next year. All this will pass.
Sabrina: From my point of view, things will be normal by the end of 2020
Mark: let us hope so. Alright, the seminar is about to begin in 10 minutes. Let’s get everything ready for it.
Sabrina: you're right! Sure thing!
Warm tips: avoid Chinglish
1. 我觉得这专案这周会完成。
(✘) I think that this project will be done by the end of this week.
( A kind of ) It seems to me that this project will be done by the end of this week.
2. 我相信这次研讨会将会成功。
(✘) I think that this seminar will be successful.
( A kind of )I strongly believe that this seminar will be successful.
When “I think that” is used in a formal meeting, it makes people feel uncertain and unconvincing; when the expression is not complete, it even makes people feel impolite. Wei