BEP 29 – Meetings: Disagreeing in English

A new updated version of this lesson is available here.

In the previous episode (BEP 28) of this 2 part series, we looked at expressing agreement. We practiced four ways of agreeing: Using standard phrases, using synonyms, giving an example and making a general comment.

In this Business English Podcast, we’re going to focus on disagreement. We’ll learn different ways to disagree in English, from polite to strong.

As you’ll remember, the listening takes place in the R&D department of PharmaTek, a pharmaceutical company. Pharmaceutical means medicine (or drug). This meeting is between Gene, the head scientist, and Louis and Karina, two researchers. They are talking about the results of a new trial. Here, “trial” means “test” – the test of a new medicine on animals or patients. The new medicine is called Zorax.

*** This lesson is part of our Business English eBook for meetings: Meeting Essentials. Premium members click here to download the complete eBook.

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BEP 27 – Meetings: Giving Opinions in English

For an updated lesson on expressing opinions in English, check out:
BEP 327 – Expressing Opinions in English

In this intermediate Business English Pod lesson, we look at ways to give and ask for opinions. We’ll be looking at the formal (or careful) language often used in meetings, as well as the more informal (or direct) language used in casual discussions.

This lesson is the first in a regular series of intermediate level podcasts focused on functional Business English language. Each podcasts will introduce and explain how to use a particular type, or function, of language (eg. expressing an opinion, making a suggestion or clarifying information etc.). These podcasts are also designed to support our more challenging advanced level episodes by breaking down the featured language into smaller, more easily understood chunks.

The BusinessEnglishPod.com team wishes all our listeners a successful and rewarding New Year and we look forward to bringing you many more Business English Podcasts in the months to come.

*** This lesson is part of our Business English eBook for meetings: Meeting Essentials. Premium members click here to download the complete eBook.

Members: Study Notes | Online Practice | PhraseCast | Lesson Module

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Here’s a preview of this lesson in video format from our Business English Kickstart course:

YouTube video

BEP 26 – Travel: Connecting Flights and Travel Problems

This lesson has been updated. Click here to get the new version.

In this Business English Podcast we’re going to look at the language used for more direct requests, when our traveler and a ticket agent discuss new travel plans due to a missed connecting flight in Paris.

It might be helpful to first listen to first episode in this series (BEP 25), to hear the language of polite, indirect requests, and then listen to this podcast, which uses more direct language for requests and suggestions. As you listen, also notice the more direct tone used in parts of their conversation, especially as Robert gets excited.

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BEP 25 – Travel: Airport Check In and Making Polite Requests

This lesson has been updated. Click here to get the new version.

In this two-part Business English Podcast series, we will be looking at the vocabulary used when traveling by air, and proper and polite forms of making and answering requests.

In this episode, our traveler Robert is arriving at the airport to fly from Sydney Australia to Nice, France. But he must first fly to Paris, and then fly from Paris to Nice. As you listen, pay attention to the phrases used for polite requests.

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BEP 24 – Teleconferencing: Using Diplomatic Language

This lesson has been updated with new explanations, examples and practice.The new lessons are available here.

In this Business English Podcast we’re going to listen to a teleconference between the head office management of a US guitar manufacturer and the manager of their new Latin American plant.

Key language structures explained are: diplomatic language and using probing questions. We also introduce some useful English phrases for starting a teleconference meeting, interrupting and clarifying.

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Download: Podcast MP3