Meetings in English

discussion completely if the issue isn't addressed at the conference.
    B: I take your point, but I think we'll struggle to compile all the data we need by September.
    A: Oh, I see. In that case, what about putting together an overview of the proposal in time for the conference and then scheduling a meeting to discuss it in full at a later date?
    B: Yes, that would work.
Useful phrases
I like what you said about the book launch, but I feel we might need to rethink some aspects of it.
I think the concept is good overall, but I'm not entirely convinced about the marketing element.
I'm concerned that advertising in this way won't achieve our objective, because … Have you thought about the possibility of …?
My only concern with that is that we could run out of time. Have you considered trying …?
When „yes“ means „no“
    The German culture is what is known as a low-context culture. In such cultures, it is considered most effective to formulate statements in an unambiguous and direct way. Americans are also known for their no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point approach. In high-context cultures, such as in Britain, non-verbal communication, including body language, plays a more important role. High-context culture speakers are often reluctant to say „no“ in a straightforward way, so be sensitive to „yes, but“ statements that really mean „no“:
Yes, I take your point, but …
Yes, I agree with you, but …
Yes, I see what you're saying/what you mean, but …
    When you want to answer in the affirmative way, there are many possibilities besides a simple „yes“. The same applies to „no“ and „maybe“, as you can see from the following table.
    Alternatives to the words „yes“, „maybe“ and „no“
Yes
Sure
    certainly
    of course
    right
    hmm
    yeah
    okay
    fine
    I am/I was/I did
    I think so
    absolutely
Maybe
Perhaps
    could be
    I don't know
    it's hard to say
    I'm not sure
No
Not really
    I don't think so
    not just now/not at the moment
    I'm not/I wasn't/I didn't
    not completely
Degrees of disagreement
    Bear in mind that, out of politeness, particularly British speakers tend towards understatement in their expression of disagreement. Therefore, phrases that express mild disagreement often conceal opinions that are stronger than theysound. If you're the speaker, remember that toning down your statements a touch will still have the required effect.
    Example: various grades of disagreement
    A: Yes, I agree, but that target is fairly unrealistic based on last year's figures.
    B: I'm not sure I agree there. As we said, last year's turnover was down due to external factors beyond our control.
    A: Yes, but that's not to say that the targets weren't too high in the first place.
    B: I beg to differ. We were on track to hit our targets before the general downturn in the industry.
    A: I see what you're saying, but surely our targets should have allowed some leeway for that possibility.
    C: I totally disagree. Sales have increased year on year for the past five years …
    Checklist: disagreement
•
Politeness and diplomacy are key.
•
Bear understatement in mind, both when interpreting other people's statements of disagreement and formulating your own. Making your statements milder will still get your point across in the English-speaking world.
•
If possible, highlight any items you agree with before being specific about the aspects you disagree with.
•
Use constructive criticism: always try to put forward alternative solutions to problems.
•
Back up disagreement with good reasons.
•
„Yes, but“ statements are a tactful way to say „no“.
Useful phrases
    Mild disagreement
I'm not sure about that.
I'm not sure I agree.
I'm not totally convinced about that.
I hesitate to agree with you there, because …
    Neutral disagreement
I'm sorry, but I can't agree on that point.
I'm afraid I don't agree.
I tend to disagree.
I beg to differ.
    Strong disagreement
    If a speaker strongly disagrees with a standpoint, „softeners“, such as „I'm afraid“, „I'm sorry, but“ tend to fall away:
I totally disagree.
I don't agree at all.
I'm in complete disagreement with you.
To the contrary, I think …
    Expressing criticism
    As with disagreement, diplomacy is called for when it comes to expressing criticism in the English-speaking world. English-speakers often tone down criticism by using a positive word in the negative, rather than a negative word:
not very good: bad
not up to standard: below standard
not