Conversation Skills - Giving your opinion

Summary

In this lesson, Ronnie teaches how to give effective opinions in conversation, emphasizing the importance of avoiding vague, one-word answers like 'so-so', 'same', or 'sure'. He explains that to engage in meaningful dialogue, you must expand on your answers and provide specific details. Ronnie offers tips such as using phrases like 'let me think' when unsure, and advises against using 'of course' in casual conversations. He also suggests using 'interesting' carefully, as it can sometimes carry a negative connotation. The lesson encourages learners to express their thoughts thoughtfully and honestly in discussions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't give one-word answers like 'so-so' or 'sure' when asked for your opinion. Always expand your response to keep the conversation going.
• 😀 Avoid using vague responses like 'same'. Share your own perspective, even if you agree with someone else's opinion.
• 😀 When asked about something you're unsure of, use phrases like 'Let me think' or 'I've never thought about that before, but...' to give yourself time to form an opinion.
• 😀 The phrase 'of course' should be used only for questions that are obvious or rhetorical, as it can sound rude when used in other situations.
• 😀 'Maybe' is a weak response and should be avoided when giving opinions. It leaves the listener uncertain and doesn’t contribute to the conversation.
• 😀 'Interesting' can be used to politely avoid giving a direct opinion, especially when you don’t want to be critical. But be careful, as it can sound negative depending on how it’s said.
• 😀 Always give more than a simple answer. For example, if someone asks about a movie, explain why you liked or didn’t like it, not just with 'good' or 'bad'.
• 😀 When answering questions you've never considered, don’t just say 'I don't know'. Use reflective phrases like 'Let me think' to sound more thoughtful.
• 😀 Avoid exaggerations like 'spicy for me' unless you're comparing two experiences to highlight a difference. Just say 'It’s spicy' unless you're emphasizing a unique perspective.
• 😀 Show your individuality in conversations. Don't just repeat someone else's opinion—share yours with added details to make the conversation more engaging.

Q & A

Why is it important not to give short one-word answers when expressing your opinion?

Giving short one-word answers, like 'so-so' or 'sure', doesn't provide enough detail or context to truly communicate your thoughts. It makes the conversation feel incomplete and frustrating. Expanding your answers helps others understand your point of view more clearly.

What is a problem with answering 'so-so' when asked about an experience?

'So-so' is a vague and unclear response. It doesn't convey whether the experience was positive or negative, which can confuse the person asking. Instead, you should provide more detailed feedback, such as explaining what you liked or disliked.

Why should you avoid saying 'same' when asked for your opinion?

'Same' offers no new insight. It means you agree with someone but doesn't express your own thoughts. To have a meaningful conversation, it's better to say 'I agree' and then add your own perspective or further explanation.

What should you do if you are shy or unsure of your opinion when asked?

Instead of giving a short, non-committal answer like 'sure' or 'maybe', try expanding your response. You can say something like 'Let me think about it' or 'I haven't thought about that before, but...' This buys you time to think and gives a more thoughtful response.

What is the proper way to use 'of course' when responding to a question?

'Of course' should only be used for questions that are obvious or when the answer is already known. It's considered rude or dismissive in situations where the question requires a more thoughtful response.

Why is saying 'maybe' a bad response when asked about your opinion?

'Maybe' doesn't provide a definitive answer and leaves the other person unsure about your opinion. It's important to either give a clear answer or express uncertainty in a more detailed way that invites further discussion.

When should you avoid saying 'spicy for me'?

You should avoid saying 'spicy for me' in situations where you're simply describing an experience. The phrase is unnecessary unless you're exaggerating a point or comparing different people's reactions to something, like a dish being spicier for one person than another.

How can you answer a question you’ve never thought about before?

If you're asked about something you've never considered, you can say, 'I don't know, but let me think.' This gives you time to formulate your opinion and prevents you from giving an immediate, unprepared response.

What does it mean when you describe something as 'interesting' in a conversation?

Describing something as 'interesting' can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the context. It generally means that it made you think, but in some cases, it might imply that you didn't enjoy it as much. Your facial expression and tone of voice can help convey whether you mean it positively or negatively.

What is the main takeaway about giving your opinion in conversations?

The key takeaway is to avoid one-word responses and to expand on your answers. Providing more detail not only helps the conversation flow but also ensures that your opinion is understood clearly. If you're unsure, take your time and express your thoughts thoughtfully.