Collaborate smoothly in conversations
🤝 InteractionAt B1, you learned turn-taking: how to wait your turn and respond. But B2 speakers do something different - they build collaboratively on what others say.
The Problem: Starting fresh with each turn sounds disconnected. Native speakers weave together ideas like a conversation is one shared thought, not separate monologues.
❌ Disconnected
A: "I think remote work is good."
B: "I disagree. Offices are better."
Two separate opinions. No real dialogue.
✓ Collaborative
A: "I think remote work is good."
B: "That's a good point about flexibility. What I'd add is that isolation can be an issue. Have you found that?"
Real conversation. Building together.
Today you'll learn: Phrases that acknowledge others' ideas and weave them together with your own thoughts.
These phrases show you're listening and building on what others say:
Examples:
"That connects to something I was thinking about earlier - the role of community."
"That connects to what you said about transparency. I think accountability is the missing piece."
Use this phrase to build on a statement someone makes about education.
Examples:
"To develop that point further, I think we should consider the generational perspective."
"To develop that point further, what would happen if we scaled this globally?"
Use this phrase to expand on someone's idea about climate change.
Examples:
"Adding to what you said about convenience, I think we underestimate the cost to relationships."
"Adding to what you said, there's also a financial angle many people miss."
Use this phrase to supplement a point about social media.
Examples:
"That reminds me of the discussion about work-life balance we had last month."
"That reminds me of a study I read about burnout rates in tech industries."
Use this phrase to associate someone's point with a related topic.
Examples:
"Linking that to the broader discussion about equality, I think we're missing a key perspective."
"Linking that to economic policy, it becomes clear why businesses resist change."
Use this phrase to connect someone's point about education to a larger theme.
For each person's statement, build on their idea collaboratively:
Your collaborative response:
💡 Try: "That connects to something..." or "Adding to what you said..."
Your response building on their concern:
💡 Try: "That reminds me of..." or "Linking that to..."
Your response developing their point further (45+ seconds):
💡 Use "To develop that point further..." and expand their argument thoughtfully.
For each statement, build collaboratively as if you're in a real conversation.
Goal: Use 4+ different building phrases. Make the conversation feel collaborative, not oppositional.
Click to test your memory!
Key elements: Wait for the other person to finish, acknowledge what they said, then add your thought
Don't interrupt or jump in before they finish their point.
Possible answers:
"That's interesting because..."
"I see what you mean..."
"That's a good point..."
Techniques: Find the truth in their argument first, then add your perspective
"I see your point, AND..." (not "BUT...")
Show respect for different viewpoints while disagreeing with the conclusion
Build on this idea using L37 turn-taking + L31 respectful disagreement + L44 collaborative phrases:
Person says: "I think millennials are too dependent on technology."
Try: "That's a good point... Adding to that... Linking that to..." Show you understand while building your own perspective.
I can build collaboratively on others' ideas in natural conversation
How confident do you feel?
1 = Need more practice | 5 = I've got this!
✓ "That connects to something I was thinking..." - Link ideas smoothly
✓ "To develop that point further..." - Extend their argument
✓ "Adding to what you said..." - Supplement their point
✓ "That reminds me of..." - Create associations
✓ "Linking that to..." - Bridge to broader themes
Listen to a podcast or interview where speakers have a real debate. Notice how they build on each other's ideas rather than just stating opposing views. How many of these phrases do you hear?