Making suggestions

Why don't you try Don't you think If I were you I have an idea I think it might be a good idea to

I wonder/was wondering how

to attend What do you say Maybe you could I was wondering if you'd ever

thought of

Resisting persuasion

Unit TWO

tag questions:

I don't know No way

Oh (with using information) Absolutely not

We'll see I don't care

I know, but That's all out of the

I don't see how question

That's a good idea, but That might be OK, but

That's true, but I see what you mean, but

Some means that can be useful in persuading others

1. Citing facts to support your view, naming their source if the facts are likely to be doubted.

2. Relating relevant incidents or experiences in which you or others have been involved. A vividly told experierice is memorable and con­vincing.

3. Citing authorities who support your view. Brief direct quotations from the authority are impressive.

4. Using humour and funny stories to hold the interest of your read­ers or listeners. (Be sure, however, that you don't drag in a joke simply to get a laugh. The funny story can illustrate your arguments in a mem­orable way.)

5. Using associations to establish a link between things everyone likes (nice people, good feelings, etc.) and the point of view for which you are arguing, or vice versa.

6. Making a direct appeal, once you have established your case, by expressing your conviction with sincerity or feeling.

7. Appealing to emotions, if the subject is one you feel deeply about. Don't, however, let the emotion drown the thinking!

ATTACK AND RESPONSE

Attack

Wouldn't you agree

Wouldn't you say that

that + s

Isn't it (also) true (to say), to believe, to assume

tentative

Isn't it just possible

Might it not (also) be true

direct

Surely you'd admit Don't you think

direct

X is..., — isn't it? X doesn't..., does it?

If you ask me; As you see it; I'd like to point out that; The point is

Response

I see (take) your point

Possibly (maybe so)

I'd agree with you to a certain extent

but + attack

(tentative)

That may well be (direct)

informal

Fair enough OK

That's quite true...

Perhaps, but don't you think that I'm not sure I quite agree I see what you mean, but Come off it! You can't be serious

Unit THREE

Unit FOUR