BEP 24 Using Diplomatic Language
I.
What are some sample phrases to use to introduce people in a teleconference?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
II.
“Let’s start by taking a role call.”
“Attending today’s teleconference are our colleagues in the Rome office.”
“Andrew Folz is also joining us today. He’s our chief engineer.”
“Who do we have with us today?”
“Leslie Murphy will be with us shortly.”
What are some sample phrases used to politely ask probing questions or to state an
opinion or fact? (Answers begin after the speaker says: “See if you can hear all
the different techniques.”)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
III.
“Could I just go back to the point about timing?”
“It seems we have a slight problem.”
“There might be a small delay.”
“That might be quite expensive.”
“Won’t that be a bit expensive?”
“Perhaps we could meet again next week?”
What are some other phrases used to politely ask probing questions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
IV.
“I wonder if you could explain how you…”
“I’m afraid I’m not quite clear about…”
“I’m interested in knowing more about…”
“Could you fill me in on…?”
“Could you put me in the picture about…?”
What are some phrases to use when you find it is necessary to interrupt a speaker?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
V.
“Could I just interrupt for a moment?”
“Pardon me for interrupting but…”
“May I say something about that?”
“Can I jump in here?”
“Could I speak to that?”
What are two diplomatic phrases to ask a speaker to clarify what they said and two
phrases to ask for this more directly?
A.
B.
C.
D.
“I’m afraid I’m not quite clear what you mean by…”
“I sorry. Could you explain what you mean by…?”
“What exactly do you mean by…?”
“What exactly are you getting at?”
VI.
What are some phrases to guide listeners to the most important point or to make
yourself very clear?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
VII.
“Well, the point I’m trying to make is that…”
“Well, what I’m trying to say is that…”
“What I mean is that…”
“All I’m trying to say is that…”
“Well, what I’m getting at is that…”
What are some diplomatic phrases to use to disagree with the speaker?
A. “How about looking at this a different way.”
B. “I’m not against your whole idea, just the part about pricing.”
C. “While I agree with a lot of what you say, I think you may be exaggerating the
problem.”
D. “I’m not so sure I’m going to agree with this. I’d like to hear more about it, though.”
E. “I can understand exactly how you feel, but at the moment it’s just not an option.”
VI.
What are some ways to ask for a summary statement? (The last one is a
statement.)
A.
B.
C.
D.
“What’s the bottom line?”
“What are we after?”
“What’s the main issue here?”
“I think the most important point is that…”