English for Meetings: Disagreeing

Disagreeing Strongly

Disagreeing in a meeting can be like walking through a minefield.  In an English meeting you might find yourself often saying ‘no’, or ‘I disagree’.  This language is strong and final, and has its function and place. Here are a few more examples of how to disagree strongly

• I totally disagree
• I couldn’t agree less
• It’s not possible
• You’re quite wrong
• I can’t see that idea working
• This option isn’t feasible
• It’s just not suitable at this time
• It will be very difficult to implement

Disagreeing using ‘but’

If you use a more cooperative approach and are trying to move together towards a mutually agreed decision, you can try softer language.  In the section on Agreeing in meetings, the following language was introduced.  It offers the advantage in combining your ‘no’ with a ‘yes’

• I see what you mean, (but)
• I see your point, (but)
• I can see what you’re getting at, (but)
• I see where you’re coming from, (but)
• I hear you, (but)
• I know what you’re talking about, (but)
• I’m not against it , (but)
• You have a point, (but)

Disagreeing using questions

It is also possible to say ‘no’ in a meeting without ever saying the word ‘no’.  You can show that you disagree but simply asking a question.

• Are you sure about that point?
• What’s the evidence to support that idea?
• Is that really true in this case?
• Won’t that idea put us even further behind schedule?
• Have you considered … ?
• What about …?

Example Dialogue:

Tim:	We could cut costs by reducing our R&D budget
Donna:	Are you sure about that? Reducing R&D could destroy our competitive advantage in the long term.
Tim:	I see where you’re coming from, but our new strategy as a low cost producer requires less focus on R&D
John:	I can’t see that idea working.  The R&D budget has already been cut substantially.
Donna:	Cutting the R&D budget is just not feasible at this time.