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BUSINESS SCENARIO
Disagree Politely
Disagree clearly while protecting the working relationship and moving the discussion forward.
LevelB1Time30 minutesLesson typeBusiness ScenarioTopic FamilyTF19 · Meetings, Projects & Decisions
Your goal
Disagree clearly while protecting the working relationship and moving the discussion forward.
Why this lesson / ทำไมต้องเรียนบทนี้
The lesson moves from a workplace model to supported language, interaction and a listener-focused independent scenario.
แสดงความไม่เห็นด้วยอย่างชัดเจนโดยรักษาความสัมพันธ์ในการทำงานและทำให้การสนทนาดำเนินต่อ บทเรียนเริ่มจากตัวอย่างสถานการณ์งาน ต่อด้วยภาษาช่วย การโต้ตอบ และสถานการณ์อิสระที่คำนึงถึงผู้ฟัง
Progress Focus · how the final task is assessed
COM · Communication outcomeCompletes the workplace outcome for the listener.0 not yet · 1 with support · 2 independently
CT · Communication thinkingUses a relevant reason, question, option or piece of evidence.0 not yet · 1 with support · 2 independently
FP · Independent performanceResponds independently when one condition changes.0 not yet · 1 with support · 2 independently
Lesson structure · 30-minute route
3 minUnderstand the workplace outcome4 minStudy the model exchange5 minBuild the phrase path5 minGuided role play8 minChange one condition and respond5 minFinal role play
For maximum benefit, unfinished personal examples may be completed after class. The core lesson still ends with an independent performance.
TEACHER Teacher Lesson Plan · Read before class
- Set the listener, purpose and final outcome.
- Use the model for noticing, not line-by-line reading.
- Let the learner select and personalise useful language.
- Run supported practice, then remove the support.
- Delay feedback until the message is complete.
- Score the final task, give one improvement point and require a focused retry.
1
Understand the workplace outcome
A colleague proposes an option that creates a real risk. Disagree clearly, protect the relationship and move the team toward a decision.
Learner does: explain the listener, purpose and successful outcome in your own words.
Teacher Help · Stage 1
Ask the learner to state the listener, purpose and successful outcome in plain English. Move on only when the task is clear.
2
Study the model exchange
A: I think we should launch the full change on Friday.
B: I see why speed matters. I am not sure a full launch is the safest option because the payment test is incomplete. Could we pilot it with one team on Friday and review the results on Monday?
Learner does: identify the job of each part of the model before borrowing any language.
Teacher Help · Stage 2
Use the model once for meaning. Ask what each part achieves; do not turn the model into a long read-aloud exercise.
3
Build the phrase path
| Acknowledge |
- I see why … matters.
- That is a useful option.
|
| State your view |
- I am not sure that…
- I see it differently because…
|
| Bridge forward |
- Could we… instead?
- What if we compare…?
|
Learner does: explain the meaning of each group and create one true workplace example from every row.
Teacher Help · Stage 3
Check meaning and appropriacy before correcting form. Keep only language the learner can explain and personalise.
4
Guided role play
Learner does: Disagree with a low-risk preference.
Use keywords only. Change names, figures, reasons and actions so the message is yours.
Teacher Help · Stage 4
Give prompts or keywords, not a full script. Require the learner to make the content true for the situation.
5
Change one condition and respond
- Add a concrete reason or piece of evidence.
- Propose an alternative and agree what will decide the issue.
Retry rule: after feedback, repeat the weakest part with one changed condition.
Teacher Help · Stage 5
Take the other role or act as the reader. Change one realistic fact after the first attempt and delay correction until the message is complete.
6
Final role play · prove the skill
Complete a six-turn disagreement. Both positions, the reason for disagreement and the agreed next step must be explicit.
Success: complete the task independently and make the listener’s next action or understanding clear.
Teacher Help · Final assessment
Do not supply wording during the final task. Score the three Progress Focus areas, give one precise improvement point and run a shorter retry.
Continue learning with Engduo
Practise a realistic variation with an Engduo teacher and use the connected lessons below to strengthen the same workplace outcome through another skill.
Explore Engduo Business English →
Continue your learning path
Learn firstBuild the prerequisite: identify each speaker’s view, concern and the final decision in a meeting.
Same language, different skillReuse the same workplace language to use diplomatic intonation to sound clear and firm without sounding abrupt.