Listening Part 5: Discussion

A situation where getting one benefit means accepting a loss of something else.

“The trade-off with the bigger hall is that we'd have to cut the prize budget.”

“Driving is faster, but the trade-off is paying for downtown parking.”

Often used: a trade-off between · worth the trade-off · accept the trade-off

CELPIP tip: When a speaker names a trade-off, note both sides. Questions can ask what the group is willing to give up.

To accept a plan or idea, sometimes without being fully enthusiastic about it.

“I'll go along with the potluck idea if someone else handles the sign-up sheet.”

“Most of the committee went along with Priya's suggestion to move the event indoors.”

Often used: go along with the plan · happy to go along with · reluctantly go along with

CELPIP tip: Go along with often signals acceptance with some reluctance. A question about a speaker's attitude may hinge on that difference from strong support.

To join a conversation quickly, sometimes by interrupting another speaker.

“Sorry to jump in, but the gym is booked that night.”

“Feel free to jump in if I've missed anything from the last meeting.”

Often used: sorry to jump in · jump in with · can I jump in here

CELPIP tip: Interruptions often add a new fact that changes the plan. Listen closely to whatever follows sorry to jump in.

To stop working on or deciding something for a while, planning to return to it later.

“Let's put the website redesign on hold until we hire a new coordinator.”

“The group put the fundraising gala on hold because too few volunteers signed up.”

Often used: put the project on hold · put plans on hold · on hold for now

CELPIP tip: A group may end a discussion by putting an idea on hold rather than rejecting it. Questions about the outcome may test that difference.

To listen to everything someone wants to say before responding or deciding.

“Just hear me out before you say no to the online option.”

“Let's hear Tomas out; he ran this event last year.”

Often used: hear me out · at least hear them out · hear her out first

CELPIP tip: A speaker who asks to be heard out is about to argue for something the others resist. Their argument often shapes the final decision.

To resist or argue against an idea or request; it can also mean to move something to a later time.

“I have to push back on hiring another contractor when the first one never finished.”

“Can we push the meeting back to Thursday so Lena can join?”

Often used: push back on · push back the deadline · get some pushback

CELPIP tip: This phrasal verb has two meanings. Push back on an idea is objection; push back a date is delay. Use the object to decide.

To make a final choice after thinking about several options.

“After comparing three venues, the team settled on the community hall in Kitsilano.”

“We finally settled on the first weekend of June for the reunion.”

Often used: settle on a date · finally settle on · settle on a name

CELPIP tip: Settle on usually marks the group's decision. When you hear it, write down the choice clearly, since a question about the outcome is likely.

The right or power to make the last decision after others have given their opinions.

“We can share ideas, but the manager has the final say on the holiday schedule.”

“Since it is your wedding, you should have the final say about the guest list.”

Often used: have the final say · get the final say · the final say on

CELPIP tip: Questions often ask who will decide. When you hear final say, note the person linked to it, because that is likely the key detail.

Accepts that another person's reason or argument makes sense.

“Fair enough, we can skip the raffle if nobody wants to run it.”

“You'd rather not drive at night? Fair enough, I'll take the late shift.”

Often used: fair enough, but · that's fair enough

CELPIP tip: Fair enough often shows a speaker giving ground. Update your notes on their position, since it may have just changed.

A relaxed way to suggest a plan or idea to the people you are talking with.

“How about we split the cost of the new fridge between the three of us?”

“How about we move the team lunch to Thursday so everyone can come?”

Often used: how about we try · so how about we

CELPIP tip: A suggestion introduced this way may be accepted, changed or rejected later. Keep listening to see what the group finally agrees on.

Announces a choice, usually near the end of a discussion.

“Okay, let's go with the Sunday brunch and see how many people come.”

“Let's go with Amir's design for the flyer.”

Often used: let's just go with · so let's go with

CELPIP tip: This phrase often gives you the final decision directly. Make sure it is the last choice mentioned, since groups sometimes change their minds again.

Shows polite understanding of someone's idea just before the speaker disagrees with it.

“I see your point, but a Saturday meeting would leave out the parents who work weekends.”

“I see your point, but the cheaper venue has no parking at all.”

Often used: I see your point, but I still think · I see your point, but what about

CELPIP tip: The real opinion comes after but. Mark the speaker as disagreeing, not agreeing, even though the phrase starts warmly.

Supporting a particular idea, plan or option.

“Three of us are in favour of hiring a caterer, and two want a potluck.”

“I'm in favour of starting the program in January instead of September.”

Often used: all in favour · strongly in favour of · vote in favour of

CELPIP tip: Note the Canadian spelling favour. More importantly, match each speaker to the option they are in favour of before the talk moves on.

Admits that another person has said something reasonable, often leading to a change of view.

“That's a fair point; the kids would probably enjoy the science centre more than the museum.”

“That's a fair point about the budget, so maybe we should drop the catering.”

Often used: that's a fair point, actually · that's a fair point, but

CELPIP tip: Check what follows. Alone, it signals a speaker being persuaded; followed by but, it becomes a polite objection.

Signals that the speaker is about to share a true feeling, often a critical or unexpected one.

“To be honest, I'm worried we don't have enough volunteers for two days.”

“To be honest, the cheaper option looked a bit flimsy to me.”

Often used: to be honest with you · to be perfectly honest

CELPIP tip: Speakers use this phrase before revealing their real concern. Questions asking what a person is worried about often draw on what follows it.

Agreeing with and ready to support a plan or decision.

“Once Marco heard the cost would be shared, he was fully on board.”

“We need the principal on board before we announce the new lunch program.”

Often used: get everyone on board · fully on board · are you on board

CELPIP tip: Listen for who is not on board yet. The discussion often turns on persuading that one person.

To reach an agreement where each person gives up part of what they wanted.

“If you take the morning shifts, I'll meet you halfway and cover two evenings.”

“The landlord agreed to meet the tenants halfway on the cost of new blinds.”

Often used: meet you halfway · willing to meet them halfway · meet each other halfway

CELPIP tip: This idiom often appears just before the final decision. Note exactly what each side gives up, because the details are easy to test.

Not yet convinced that an idea or option is good.

“I'm not sold on the new scheduling app; the old calendar worked fine.”

“Jasmine still isn't sold on holding the workshop online.”

Often used: not really sold on · still not sold on · not completely sold on

CELPIP tip: This is a soft no. Mark the speaker as doubtful, and watch whether later arguments change their mind.