[Mastering the Art of Making Suggestions in Business English]-[BEP030-Mob]
📋 Summary
Mastering the Art of Making Suggestions in Business English
Effective communication in a professional environment often hinges on how one proposes new ideas. In this episode of Business English Pod, the team at Stratos, a sports shoe company, provides a practical framework for making suggestions while navigating complex project requirements—in this case, selecting a celebrity spokesperson for a new product designed for an "overweight" target market.
The Strategic Framework for Suggestions
Making a suggestion is more than just stating an opinion; it involves choosing the right linguistic tool to ensure the idea is received professionally and thoughtfully. The following methods were highlighted as essential for business discourse:
1. Using Modal Verbs for Tentative Proposals
When proposing a concept that is still open for debate, the use of past modal verbs such as would, could, or might softens the assertion. For instance, Sven suggests, "One possibility would be to use a famous overweight business executive." By using "would" instead of "will," the speaker signals that the suggestion is an option rather than a rigid demand, allowing for a collaborative atmosphere.
2. The "Perhaps We Should" Approach
Another effective strategy is using "Perhaps we should," which adds a layer of polite caution. Miguel utilizes this when he says, "Perhaps we should just use a famous sports star." The inclusion of the word "just" emphasizes that the proposal is consistent with established practices, reinforcing the idiom "if it isn't broken, don't fix it." This idiom is a vital piece of business vocabulary used to advise against unnecessary changes to a system that is already functioning well.
3. Hedging with "It’s Just an Idea"
When speaking to superiors or presenting a potentially controversial idea, it is common to use "hedging" language. Charles introduces his suggestion by stating, "It’s just an idea, but how about choosing someone from a sport where it’s normal to be heavy?" This phrase serves as a buffer, making the suggestion sound less imposing and more open to critique, which is crucial in a team setting.
4. Direct Inquiries: "How About" and "What About"
These are standard, versatile structures for initiating a brainstorm. They are typically followed by a verb in the -ing form (e.g., "How about choosing someone..."). As noted in the dialogue, these can also be followed by a full clause to propose a specific action, such as "How about we have lunch together?"
5. Exploring Alternatives with "Shall We" and "What If"
To move the conversation toward a decision, Karen uses "Shall we try to find someone in golf?" This structure invites consensus. Similarly, the "What if" structure allows team members to present hypothetical scenarios, such as "What if we cut costs by finding a new office?" This encourages creative problem-solving by shifting the focus to potential outcomes.
Conclusion: Context is Key
The Stratos team demonstrates that selecting the right phrasing depends heavily on the target market and the target consumer. Whether the team is discussing an athlete who is "overweight, but strong and fast" or trying to "kill two birds with one stone" by finding a spokesperson popular in both the UK and the US, the language used to propose these ideas remains professional and collaborative. By mastering these structures—ranging from the tentative "one possibility would be" to the inquisitive "what if"—professionals can ensure their contributions are heard and respected in any meeting.
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