Dr Ray
Business English

Meetings Etiquette
Section 4: Disagreeing Politely

Section 4: Disagreeing Politely

Disagreeing in a meeting or discussion can be challenging, but doing it politely shows respect for others' opinions and maintains a positive atmosphere. Using phrases like "I'm afraid," "Would," and "Wouldn't" can soften your disagreement, making it less confrontational and more constructive. Here are some strategies and phrases to help you disagree politely.


Phrases for Disagreeing Politely

I'm afraid

Strong: I disagree with that. 

Softer: I'm afraid that's not entirely correct.


Strong: Your point is off the mark.

Softer: I'm afraid I have to disagree with your point of view.


Would

Strong: That is too late.

Softer:  That would be too late.


Strong: I need more information before saying 'yes'.

Softer: I would need more information before agreeing to that.


Wouldn't

Strong: We need a different approach.

Softer: Wouldn't it be better to try a different approach?


Strong: That is too expensive. 

Softer: Wouldn't that be too expensive?


Shouldn’t

Strong: We need to wait for the go ahead from the Marketing Director.

Softer: Shouldn't we wait for the go ahead from the Marketing Director?


Strong: The packaging issues must be addressed first.

Softer: Shouldn’t the packaging issues be addressed first?


Example Dialogues

Dialogue 1:

A: Let's increase the budget by 20%.

B: I'm afraid that's not feasible with our current financial situation.


Dialogue 2:

A: We should launch the product next week.

B: Wouldn't it be better to wait until we finish testing?


Dialogue 3:

A: I think we can skip the final review meeting.

B: I'm afraid that's not a good idea; the final review is crucial.


Select the sentence that best expresses polite disagreement in a meeting setting.

1. We should allocate more resources to this project.

2. Let's delay the launch until next quarter.

3. We should reduce the marketing budget.

4. The new policy should be implemented immediately.

5. Let's cancel the team-building event.

6. I believe we should hire more staff.

7. Let's approve the budget increase.

8. We should merge with the other department.

9. We should move forward with the proposal.

10. Let's implement the changes immediately.

11. I think we should lower our prices.

12. We should extend the deadline for the project.


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Correct answers will  highlight  in green

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