Helpful Phrases to Use in Teamwork

Stating Your Opinion

  • In my opinion...
  • The way I see it...
  • If you ask me...

Asking for Opinions

  • What are your thoughts on this?
  • What do you think?
  • Do you agree?

Expressing Agreement

  • I agree with you 100 percent.
  • That's so true.
  • That's for sure.
  • You're absolutely right.

Expressing Disagreement

  • You have a point, but ….
  • I can see why you think that, but what if …?
  • That's not always the case.
  • No, I'm not so sure about that.

Interrupting

  • Can I add something here?
  • Is it okay if I jump in for a second?
  • Sorry to interrupt, but...

Leading a Meeting

  • Okay, let’s get started with the first agenda item.
  • Does anyone have any ideas about ... ?
  • Are you all in? Does everyone agree with this decision?
  • Okay, we only have about ten minutes left. Let’s keep moving to the next point.
  • I think it’s time to wrap it up. We’ll have to pick this up again next week.

Building Relationships

  • Before we get started, let’s take a few minutes to catch up.
  • What’s up? How is everyone doing this week?
  • How are you all feeling about the project?
  • Cecilia, I noticed you haven’t spoken up yet. What do you think?
  • Andrew, you seem to be frustrated. Is there anything you think we should do differently?
  • It sounds like there are a few different ideas here. Let’s make a compromise and combine both suggestions.

Motivating Others

  • All right, if we want to get everything done on time, we’ve got to get on the ball.
  • If we play our cards right, we could finish early and be done before Thanksgiving break!
  • Okay, I think our best game plan is to assign each person one responsibility.
  • Lu, would you be okay with sending the emails by tomorrow?

Clarifying a Point

  • I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Can you repeat the last part again?
  • What was that? Could you explain that again?