Agreeing... or not
How should you respond to a suggestion? If you think it’s a good suggestion, what should you say?
Talk about it
Read the dialogs below with polite suggestions.
- Are they both good suggestions? Why do you think so?
- If you think it’s not a very good suggestion, what should you say?
- If you think it's a good suggestion, what should you say?
Look at these different ways to respond. Listen to them and read them out loud. Notice how you respond to good and not-so-good suggestions.
?????????? ?? ? ?????????? ??????. ????????, ?? ?? ???????? ?? ?????? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ??????????.
|
Requests |
Responding a good suggestion ? |
Responding one that’s not so good ? |
|
What if we move the table over here? How about you put the bookcase in the corner? Why don’t we have the coffeemaker on the table? What do you think about putting a sign up on the fridge? |
Oh, that’s a great idea. (or good, wonderful, smart, etc.) That’s not a bad idea! What a _____ idea. (great, good, wonderful, smart, etc.) Oh, I like that idea. (love) That sounds good. (great, good, wonderful, smart, etc.) |
Oh, that’s a good idea but… Thanks, but I don’t think so. Hmmm, I’m not sure about that…. I guess I’ll have to think about that. I think I’d prefer to ____ because… |
Practice
Work with a partner. Each of you should choose a card that has a situation on it. Practice making suggestions and responding to suggestions. Try to use a different way each time.
Student One: Read the card and prepare to tell your partner. Start with “I…”
Student Two: Listen and make a suggestion using the language you have learned. Use varied intonation so you sound polite.
Student One: Listen to the suggestion. Decide if it’s a good idea or not. Respond using polite language.
For example, you see a card that says,
Tell your partner what’s going on.
Your partner will listen and give you some polite suggestions.
Respond to the suggestions. Try to use a different way each time.
Listen to this audio to hear an example.
For example, you see a card that says,
Tell your partner what’s going on.
Your partner will listen and give you some polite suggestions.
Respond to the suggestions. Try to use a different way each time.
You love your job, but your family wants to move out of the area. You can’t afford to live here without them. You’re not sure what to do.
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?
Your unit has a signup sheet in the kitchen for a potluck on the weekend. Several staff have asked what you are going to bring. You don't want to participate because of special dietary needs, but you’re not sure…
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?
You just found out that your child's dental appointment has been moved to a day you are working. You don’t know what to do.
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?
(Think of a typical problem from your work day.)
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?
For example, you see a card that says,
Tell your partner what’s going on.
Your partner will listen and give you some polite suggestions.
Respond to the suggestions. Try to use a different way each time.
Lots of your coworkers speak a different language from you. You feel left out, but don’t know what to do.
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?
You love your job, but you want more of a challenge. You’re thinking of doing something else in the hospital, but you don’t know what.
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?
Your supervisor seems a little mad at you, but you’re not sure why.
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?
(Think of a typical problem from your work day.)
Respond to a good suggestion. ?
Or
Respond to one that’s not so good. ?