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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Submitted by LamVanPhuong on Tue, 26/10/2021 - 13:14

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oh i think not because i am not sure about my unusual ideas.

Submitted by 46adrian46 on Tue, 19/10/2021 - 19:16

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No I never did that because I never worked in a big company and usually smalls companies don't listen new ideas

Submitted by Sam_Wong888 on Sun, 17/10/2021 - 14:19

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It depends on a company culture. Some people are not open to new ideas.

Submitted by gdinunzio on Sun, 05/09/2021 - 10:44

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I'm a technician so there is not room for unusual idea often. In fact, most of the time I put well engineered ideas at work.

Submitted by coduor on Fri, 25/06/2021 - 17:21

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No, I have not tried but i will try in the near future.

Submitted by GiulianaAndy on Thu, 24/06/2021 - 18:57

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No, I haven't tried different ideas at work. However, I tried different ideas with my work team from university. I remember once when a girl, who was in my work team, proposed a weird, but at the same time different idea for the project. Everyone got shocked, and then we thought deeply about that idea, and finally we added it to the project, and we got a really remarkable grade on the project

Submitted by Sofia Sandoval on Thu, 15/04/2021 - 03:47

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Normally, I suggest improving ideas for teamworks, but im feeling very down, so I guess I will try and listen to my co-workers, everything in order to keep my grades up.

Submitted by Eidrian on Thu, 11/02/2021 - 02:49

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I have tried to come up with some new ideas in my job. Sometimes, the team agrees with me but in other times, they say that it is a bad idea(not a good idea) and that it won't work.

Submitted by TharHtoo on Tue, 09/02/2021 - 10:34

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Some of them like my idea when I first talk then one don't agree with my point and all are suddenly change to the same side. What's happening this? How would you react that situation?