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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Express agreement and disagreement in a professional and respectful way.
2. Participate in workplace discussions while maintaining politeness and clarity.
Exercise 1
Discussion
Talk with your teacher for 3 minutes. Try to keep the conversation going!
1. How did you give feedback to your team in the last lesson?
2. Do you think saying "Thank you" is good at work? And do you say it and hear it often ?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
consensus
noun
/kənˈsɛnsəs/
Meaning:
A general agreement among a group.
- We reached a consensus on the project timeline after reviewing all proposals.
see eye to eye
idiom
/si aɪ tu aɪ/
Meaning:
To fully agree with someone.
- We don’t always see eye to eye, but we work well together.
push back
phrasal verb
/pʊʃ bæk/
Meaning:
To resist or disagree with an idea or decision.
- Several team members pushed back on the new schedule because it felt unrealistic.
I see where you're coming from
phrase
/aɪ si wɛr jʊr ˈkʌmɪŋ frʌm/
Meaning:
Used to show understanding before disagreeing.
- I see where you're coming from, but we may need more data.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation: Two coworkers discuss whether to extend a project deadline.
I think we should request an extension. The research phase needs at least two more weeks.
Ava
I see where you're coming from, but leadership wants results sooner.
Marcus
True. But without enough data, our plan may not hold up.
Ava
That’s a constructive point. What if we shorten the testing phase instead?
Marcus
I’m not sure I agree. The testing phase is crucial.
Ava
Fair enough. Do you think we can reach a consensus by presenting both options?
Marcus
Yes, that gives the team something concrete to review.
Ava
Great; let’s prepare a quick proposal and share it before noon.
Marcus
Exercise 1
Direction: Check comprehension of the conversation.
Options: coming from, consensus, constructive, see eye to eye
1. We need to reach a __________ before submitting the plan.
2. I don’t __________ with that approach because it might delay testing.
3. Thanks for the __________ feedback. It helps us improve.
4. I see where you’re __________, but the budget is still too high.
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
How to Disagree Professionally at Work
Disagreement is a natural part of collaboration, especially in American workplaces where open dialogue is encouraged. The key is not what you disagree with, but how you communicate it.
Start by acknowledging the other person’s perspective before sharing your own.
Phrases like “I see your point” or “I understand where you’re coming from” show respect. Then explain your perspective clearly and offer a solution. Focus on ideas, not people; avoid emotional language.
Use constructive language such as “Another approach might be…” instead of “That won’t work.” Finally, aim for consensus by suggesting next steps or compromises. Professional disagreement should move the conversation forward, not shut it down.
Exercise 2
Direction: Choose the correct answer
Options: consensus, constructive, point, push back.
1. I understand your idea, but I’d like to suggest an alternative __________.
2. It’s okay to __________ if you believe a plan isn't effective.
3. Let’s find a __________ so everyone supports the decision.
4. Your feedback was __________ and helped clarify the project goals.
Exercise 5
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. What do you think about disagreement at work ?
2. Why is acknowledging someone’s perspective important before disagreeing?
3. What situations require reaching a consensus?
4. When is it appropriate to push back on leadership decisions?
5. How can disagreement improve a project?
6. What phrases do you use to show you understand someone’s point of view?
7. How do cultural differences affect how people express disagreement?
8. What signs show that a conversation is becoming unprofessional?
