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Softening Your Speech

Hi everyone. In our previous lesson, we talked about agreeing with others, even when we don’t really want to. Sometimes, though, we need to express an opposite opinion, but we know it may not be received well, so it’s better to soften or statement. Modal verbs are very useful when we want to soften our speech.

Instead of telling someone they made a mistake, we have the option of saying they could be wrong. They might be wrong. There may be a mistake. Learn these useful ways to present an opinion if you don’t want to sound forceful.

I could be wrong, but I think customers are looking for better quality and not necessarily a better price.

I maybe mistaken but I feel people want better service even if it comes at a higher price

We have other words to soften a statement.

There are times when we need to sound confident. But there are also times of negotiation when we need to keep the peace, so we use words like: kind of, sort of, just, maybe, seems like. Consider these examples. I kind of think that renting a car would be better for us.

It kind of seem like restaurant are crowded at this time, maybe we should have dinner tomorrow a bit later.

I just fell that expensive hotels aren’t worth it, why spend the extra money.

So compare the strength and tone.

Renting a car will be better for us.

This can sound clear and confident.

But it could also sound bossy, like my idea is the best idea and that’s what we’re going to do. Compared to: I kind of think that renting a car would be better for us. Do you find it easy to express your opinion when you feel differently from someone else? Are there people with whom you have to choose your word carefully? You can let me know in the comments. We’ll end here and I’ll see you again soon for another lesson.