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[2:07] English Listening: Tips on How to Politely Express Different Opinions

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This article explains how to politely express different opinions in English listening and speaking, including techniques such as using vague expressions and replacing 'will' with 'may/might', helping readers present opposing views more naturally in conversations.

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Now, let's go back to talk about how to give negative opinions. You saw this example of a very direct negative opinion earlier. There's a better way to express that indirectly. I don't think it's a great location, or I don't really agree. Let's look at other ways to soften negative opinions.

One way is to add vague expressions. Do you know the word vague? It means not exact, not definite. Words like kind of, sort of, a bit, or a little, or vague. And they help to soften a negative opinion. That's expensive. That's a bit expensive. That's too difficult. That's kind of difficult. I see a lot of problems with that idea. I see a few problems with that idea. I don't agree. I don't really agree.

You can also use may or might instead of will. That will cost too much. That may cost too much. They won't pay that much money. They might not pay that much money. So now you try it. What are some ways to soften these very direct statements? Think about each one and then listen to a possible answer. I don't really agree. I don't think that's a great idea. Our customers might not like that. That's kind of risky. That might cause a few problems.

Listening Comprehension

vague
express
noun
1. rapid transport of goods
Synonym: expressage
2. public transport consisting of a fast train or bus that makes only a few scheduled stops
e.g. he caught the express to New York
Synonym: limited
3. mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system
Synonym: express mail
possible
noun
1. something that can be done
e.g. politics is the art of the possible
2. an applicant who might be suitable
indirect
adj
1. not direct in spatial dimension
not leading by a straight line or course to a destination
e.g. sometimes taking an indirect path saves time
you must take an indirect course in sailing
2. extended senses
not direct in manner or language or behavior or action
e.g. making indirect but legitimate inquiries
an indirect insult
doubtless they had some indirect purpose in mind
though his methods are indirect they are not dishonest
known as a shady indirect fellow
3. having intervening factors or persons or influences
e.g. reflection from the ceiling provided a soft indirect light
indirect evidence
an indirect cause
4. descended from a common ancestor but through different lines
e.g. cousins are collateral relatives
an indirect descendant of the Stuarts
Synonym: collateral
5. not as a direct effect or consequence
e.g. indirect benefits
an indirect advantage
soften
verb
1. become soft or softer
e.g. The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it
2. make soft or softer
e.g. This liquid will soften your laundry
3. lessen in force or effect
e.g. soften a shock
break a fall
Synonym: dampendampweakenbreak
4. make less severe or harsh
e.g. He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears
Synonym: mincemoderate
5. protect from impact
e.g. cushion the blow
Synonym: cushionbuffer
6. make (images or sounds) soft or softer
7. give in, as to influence or pressure
Synonym: yieldrelent