When You Have an Idea But Stay Silent
This happens to business owners every day - especially in meetings with international partners. The problem isn't the idea. The problem is finding the right words, fast enough.
of business owners say they sometimes stay quiet in meetings because they can't find the right English words quickly.
Real Stories
Thomas, CEO of a distribution company in Austria: "In my first meetings with UK suppliers, I had good ideas but I waited too long. I was looking for 'perfect' English. By the time I was ready to speak, they had moved to the next topic. Now I use simple phrases - 'I think...', 'Maybe we could...' - and I speak immediately. Simple English that comes fast is better than perfect English that comes too late."
Marta, owner of a logistics company in Poland: "My biggest problem was disagreeing. In Polish, I know exactly how to say 'no' politely. In English, I was too direct - 'No, that's wrong' - or I said nothing. When I learned 'Yes, but...' everything changed. Same meaning, but people listen better."
Business owners who know just 5 key opinion phrases speak 3 times more in international meetings.
Today's Goal
You will learn 5 simple phrases that work in any business meeting. These phrases are easy to remember and easy to use - even under pressure.
Language Focus A: Saying Your Opinion
Three simple phrases to share your ideas. Click each card to learn more.
"I think we should wait until March because the market is slow in January."
"I think Germany is the best market because demand is strong there."
Also correct:
"In my opinion, ..." (a little more formal)
NOW YOU TRY:
Your company needs to choose: Expand to a new country OR focus more on current markets. But it's not simple - there are good arguments for both. What do YOU think, and why?
"I think we should expand because the market in [country] is growing fast."
"I think we should expand because we need new customers to grow."
"I think now is the right time because our competitors are already there."
For FOCUSING:
"I think we should focus on our current markets because we don't know them well enough yet."
"I think it's too risky to expand now because we don't have enough money."
"I think we should wait because expanding is expensive and dangerous."
Challenge: Give your opinion, then explain what could go WRONG with your choice.
"In my experience, customers prefer quality over low prices."
"In my experience, it's better to test with a small group first."
Also correct:
"In my company, we ..." (share what you do)
"What works for us is ..." (share your solution)
NOW YOU TRY:
A partner asks: "How do you find good suppliers?" Think about what you've learned in YOUR business. What works? What doesn't?
"In my experience, it's very important to visit suppliers personally before signing contracts."
"In my experience, the cheapest supplier is often not the best choice."
"In my experience, you should always check references from other companies first."
"In my experience, it's better to start with small orders to test the quality."
"In my experience, good communication is more important than low prices."
Challenge: Share TWO things from your experience - one thing that WORKS and one MISTAKE you made or saw.
"Maybe we could start with a small test in one region."
"Maybe we could meet again next week to decide."
Also correct:
"How about ...?" + noun or -ing ("How about a test?")
"We could ..." (simple suggestion)
NOW YOU TRY:
A partner wants to launch in 5 countries at the same time. You think this is too risky. How do you suggest a different approach WITHOUT saying "no, that's a bad idea"?
"Maybe we could start with just two countries and see how it goes."
"Maybe we could do a small test first before we commit to all five."
"Maybe we could launch in Germany first, then add the others step by step."
"Maybe we could wait six months and prepare better."
Add the benefit:
"That way, we could reduce the risk."
"That way, we could learn from our mistakes."
"That way, we wouldn't lose too much money if something goes wrong."
Challenge: Make your suggestion, add the benefit, then ask: "What do you think?"
Language Focus B: Disagreeing Politely
Two phrases to say "no" without damaging the relationship. Click each card to learn more.
Partner: "Let's reduce prices to get more customers."
"Yes, but customers might think our quality is lower."
Partner: "We should hire 10 new people now."
"Yes, but we don't have enough work for 10 people yet."
Stronger agreement first:
"I agree, but ..." (shows more respect)
"That's true, but ..." (accepts their point)
"I understand, but ..." (shows you listened)
NOW YOU TRY:
A partner says: "We should spend more money on advertising."
You're not sure - you've tried advertising before and it didn't always work. How do you disagree without being rude?
"Yes, but we tried that last year and it didn't work very well."
"Yes, but our budget is limited - maybe there are cheaper options."
"Yes, but we don't know which advertising works best for our customers."
"I agree, but I think we should test with a small budget first."
"That's true, but maybe we should focus on keeping our current customers happy first."
Challenge: Disagree, then suggest what you SHOULD do instead. Connect your "but" to an "Or we could..."
Partner: "Let's hire an expensive agency."
"Or we could train our own team - it's cheaper."
Partner: "Let's sign a 3-year contract."
"Or we could start with 1 year and then extend it."
Also correct:
"Another option is ..." + noun or to + verb
"What about ...?" + noun or -ing
NOW YOU TRY:
A partner says: "Let's open our own warehouse in Germany."
This costs millions. You think using a local partner is smarter - less risk, less money. How do you offer this alternative professionally?
"Or we could use a local partner - that would save us a lot of money."
"Or we could rent warehouse space first - that way we could test the market."
"Or we could start with a smaller operation - that would reduce our risk."
"Another option is to work with a logistics company - they already have the infrastructure."
Combine with "Yes, but" for maximum diplomacy:
"Yes, that's one option, but it's very expensive. Or we could use a local partner instead - that would be much cheaper and faster."
Challenge: Give your alternative, explain the benefit, then ask for their reaction: "What do you think?" or "Would that work?"
Your 5 Phrases for Meetings
1. I think ... because ...
2. In my experience, ...
3. Maybe we could ...
4. Yes, but ...
5. Or we could ...
Your Turn: Discussion
The Growth Decision
You have money to invest. Option A: Hire more people. Option B: Buy better equipment. What do you think?
Try: "I think ... because ..."
The Partner Problem
A partner says: "Let's split everything 50/50." You think you should get more. How do you respond?
Try: "Yes, but ..." or "Or we could ..."
The New Market
Your team wants to enter a new country. What's the best way to start? Share your experience.
Try: "In my experience, ..."
The Price Question
A customer says your prices are too high. Your colleague suggests -20%. Do you agree?
Try: "Yes, but ..." + alternative
The Quick Decision
Someone says: "We need to decide today." You want to wait. What do you say?
Try: "Maybe we could ..."
Your Real Situation
Think of a real decision in your business. What's your opinion?
Use any phrases
Deep Dive: Speaking Challenge
Wrap Up
Remember
- Simple and fast is better than perfect and slow
- Always give a reason after your opinion
- Say "yes" before "but" when you disagree
- Offer alternatives - don't just say "no"
Great Work!
You now have simple phrases for opinions and disagreements.
Homework: Use 2 of these phrases in your next meeting!