Giving an opinon

Giving an Opinon

A group of friends are discussing the most significant development in the last two hundred years.

One person says, “I think the computer is the most significant. We can’t live without them.”

Another friend says, “I don’t agree. Antibiotics is the answer.”

Yet another person says, “No, the most significant development in the last two hundred years is the light globe because computers, cars and planes couldn’t operate without a light globe. We cannot live without the light globe.” 

Knowing how to give your opinion is crucial to getting your point of view known and accepted.

Giving an opinion is an excellent way to interact with people in formal and informal settings. However, there are some aspects to think about whether you will give an opinion or not.

First, make sure that the situation warrants an opinion. If it does, then you have several options and these are:

  1. Say nothing, remain silent
  2. Agree
  3. Agree and say why (reasons 1, 2, 3)
  4. Never disagree
  5. Disagree
  6. Disagree and say why (reasons 1, 2, 3)

Develop a belief in yourself and your opinions by speaking up. Be confident in what you say.

How do you do this? Start by listening politely to the others in the discussion and then think before you speak. Consider your tone and choice of words. Maintain a calm demeanor at all times, and be mindful of your body language.

 Make sure you know the reasons to support your opinion. You may have to research the topic, determine the facts and know the opposing side of your opinion. Deliver your opinion in a detailed, uncomplicated and unambiguous manner so people clearly understand your viewpoint. Provide the reasons for your opinion.

Use “I’ statements as these are powerful and promote connection rather than exclusion or alienation. 

Useful phrases to agree
I agree.
I couldn’t agree more.
So do I.
That is correct.

Giving your opinion
In my experience . . .
I think that . . .
I believe that . . .
My impression is that . . .
I’m of the opinion that . . .
From what I understand . . .
As I understand it . . .

Add strength to your statements by adding adjectives and adverbs. Examples are:
I really think . . .
I strongly believe . . .
My specific impression is that . . .
In my honest opinion . . .

In a more formal occasion phrases which can be used are:
From my point of view . . .
In my view . . .
It seems to me that . . .
From my perspective . . .
The reason why
This is due to . . .
Because . . .
What I mean by this is . . .

Providing evidence  
Relevant and up-to-date examples, statistics, explanations and / or expert opinions need to be provided. If you have actual data, examples or expert opinions on hand, refer to the source. Words which can be used are:

  • This can be seen by . . .
  • For instance . . .
  • For example . . .
  • An example can be seen . . .
  • (Author’s name) states that . . .
  • (Author’s name) suggests . . .
  • Statistics from (give a source) indicate . . .

Disagreeing effectively
Disagreeing can be problematic as people often speak before they think things through. It is also important to disagree politely. You may be trying to disprove another speaker’s point, however,

Acknowledge their point

  • I can see your point, however . . . 
  • That’s a good point, but . . .
  • I see what you’re getting at, but . . .
  • I can see what you are saying but . . .
  • I can understand where you are coming from, however . . . 
  1. Say you disagree
  • I disagree.
  • I don’t agree.
  1. Then explain why you disagree
  • That’s not always the case because . . .
  • That’s not necessarily true because . . .
  • This idea isn’t supported by statistics/ evidence . . .
  • I thought the author meant that . . .
  1. Offer your opinion complete with reason and support
  • From what I’ve read . . .
  • The statistics seem to show that . . .
  • I think what the author may actually be suggesting is . . .
  • Other studies by author/report show that . . .

Be prepared for counter-arguments and further discussion.
Choose one of the above suggestions or say something similar using words in which you are comfortable. 

You can give an opinion on almost everything. To give an effective opinion you must remain calm, express your views clearly in a pleasant tone, with supporting details. Confidently deliver your opinions.

Persuasive speech

To put these tips into practice, click here to find a Group near you

Appreciative of any size donations.

55 Replies to “Giving an Opinon”

    1. Hi
      You can put all blog information into action by attending a meeting and practise all speaking skills, for locations visit Meeting Locations page on our Website.
      Cheers Shirl
      National Website Manager

    1. Hi
      You can put all blog information into action by attending a meeting and practise all speaking skills, for locations visit Meeting Locations page on our Website.
      Cheers Shirl
      National Website Manager

  1. Hello Sir, I think you should should make them longer and take it to YouTube.. Give a snippet on IG and make people click a link in your bio to watch the full video on YouTube Madelin Chevalier Datnow

  2. I simply wanted to take a moment to allow you recognize that I more than happy I discovered this blog post on your blog site. You have actually exceeded as well as beyond in your research. I hope to learn more articles about this topic on your blog site in the future. Thank you a lot for ensuring I do not have to search the web for this subject any much longer. Eryn Ado Pall

  3. These are genuinely fantastic ideas in on the topic of blogging. You have touched some pleasant points here. Any way keep up wrinting.| Marillin Quentin Milena

  4. Thanks for your entire effort on this website. My daughter take interest in managing research and it is simple to grasp why. Most of us hear all of the dynamic way you present precious secrets by means of this blog and cause participation from other ones on this subject matter plus our own girl has always been becoming educated a lot. Take advantage of the rest of the new year. You have been doing a brilliant job. Gypsy Johnnie Grae

  5. We stumbled over here by a different website and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to finding out about your web page repeatedly.| Kordula Allie Shippee

  6. Hiya, I am really glad I have found this information. Today bloggers publish only about gossip and net stuff and this is really irritating. A good site with exciting content, that is what I need. Thanks for making this web-site, and I will be visiting again. Do you do newsletters by email? Noell Kingsly Chaille

    1. Hi

      Thank you for your compliments, sorry no, all our newsletters are only seen by our members. Although all articles and news seen by the public are posted on our website.

      Cheers Shirl
      Website Manager – Speaking Made Easy
      Speaking made easy.com.au

  7. My family members always say that I am wasting my time here at web, except I know I am getting familiarity every day by reading such nice articles.| Mariejeanne Payton Read

  8. This post provides clear idea in favor of the new visitors of blogging, that in fact how to do blogging. Risa Archaimbaud Lattimer

  9. You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it! Shandra Jefferson Strohbehn

  10. Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you writing this post plus the rest of the website is also really good. Loise Ellis Fishman

  11. Still smiling hours after I read this post during my coveted morning coffee hour. You are an excellent writer, Camila. Your imagery is invigorating and your honesty is admirable. Enjoying all of your words, my dear. Keep them coming! Love you! Lindie Branden Zaller

  12. There is hope in the new generations in that they are connecting and communicating more than what was possible in the past. The Covid-19 response has shown us the need for better management of resources. Technology is available for management and distribution of resources, but it will take teamwork and communication, and recognizing the fact that each individual has something of value to contribute. Myriam Jareb Langill

  13. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I think that you ought to publish more about this subject matter, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people do not discuss such topics. To the next! Best wishes!! Ariel Sanford Sihunn

  14. I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before. Olga Dennis Juli

  15. I am very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc. Vonny Berkly Ramunni

  16. Hello there! I just want to give you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you have right here on this post. I will be returning to your web site for more soon. Cara Burnard Zosema

  17. Great ?V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.. Cathie Sebastiano Heigho

  18. Hey there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg
    it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  19. Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any
    better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him.
    Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

    0mniartist asmr

  20. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this
    excellent blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to
    my Google account. I look forward to brand new updates and
    will share this website with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
    asmr 0mniartist

    1. Hi Omniartist
      Thanks so much for the compliments. A big thank you, alerting me to the Donate button. We have a area where donations can be made, but is not clearly seen by the public, you have given such a simple idea that we can do, just adding a link to donate on our website and all the blogs. So soon you will see a donate button.

      Cheers Shirl

  21. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m
    looking forward for your next post, I will try
    to get the hang of it!

  22. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of house
    . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually
    stumbled upon this web site. Reading this info So I’m satisfied to show that I have an incredibly just right uncanny
    feeling I came upon just what I needed.
    I so much indubitably will make certain to do not put out of
    your mind this site and give it
    a look regularly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *