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: 4.8 (104 votes)

Submitted by gujawac on Sat, 28/12/2024 - 22:07

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I have never been involved in a work environment, but still in college we had multiple crazy ideas. For example, when we had enough money, we had to go to a fast food restaurant that had some tasty hamburgers. The crazy part it's that we had to travel through almost all the city, from north to south. This would take us almost an hour and a half to get there. It was crazy because at that point in our lives, we felt that we had all the time in this world to do and try different stuff.
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Submitted by 1ApplePie on Thu, 07/11/2024 - 00:28

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That-was-very-helpful-for-me

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Submitted by Hassan1_14 on Mon, 28/10/2024 - 18:20

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I am an English learner. In my opinion, that's a great idea to improve our speaking skills. so, thank you for your efforts and these materiels.

Submitted by robert777 on Thu, 17/10/2024 - 15:13

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We had a crazy habit at work. 

Once, a bunch of people went to the kitchen at the same time. But one guy got lost. He looked at the group and the group looked at him. “What’s going on?” he asked. “Oh, we thought you invited everyone for cake, like you said in your email.” someone in the group replied. “What email?” the guy was confused. Everyone started laughing. It turned out he forgot to lock his laptop screen when he went out for a while and someone used the distraction to send an invitation. “But next time, be careful because you should lock your screen when you’re away.” someone replied.

Submitted by Ravindra_06 on Tue, 24/09/2024 - 07:37

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Yes, but it is done in my b tech . Actually I created a youtube channel in 3rd year about AI tools explanation. I'm very aware of challenges but I'm convinced that it will work.

Submitted by Claraa30 on Sun, 30/06/2024 - 19:54

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Actually not at all, because i don't have a job at the right moment so that's why  i have never tried unusual ideas before but it seemes cool to discuss your ideass and try to convince them at work

 

Submitted by shacka on Thu, 13/06/2024 - 09:37

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Actually not, I've tried some challenging idea but I think they were not unusual. convincing managers to do something unusual is quite hard and it's better to have evidence that it will work.

Submitted by ubaid332 on Mon, 10/06/2024 - 13:19

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Have you ever tried any unusual ideas at work?

Yes, I see some colleagues that give some unusual ideas in other work which is not a good habit. Everyone wants to solve a problem with their focus. Giving unusual ideas sometimes complicates a simple problem.

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Submitted by Marce-English on Fri, 26/04/2024 - 11:20

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Yes, when I was working in the past, I always tried to make some barbecues at work. I met all my mates to enjoy ourselves and talk to each other, and we had a lot of fun.

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