🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Propose ideas in professional settings with phrases such as “We could...” and “How about...”.
  • State opinions clearly and diplomatically using “In my opinion...” or “I think...”.
  • Invite colleagues into discussions with questions like “What do you think?” or “Do you have any thoughts on this?”.
  • Contribute confidently to short brainstorming discussions about work or everyday scenarios.

🧠 Language Focus

In collaborative meetings, proposals, opinions, and invitations to respond work together. Use this trio to keep conversations polite and productive.

Proposing ideas (making suggestions)

  • We could + verb... – “We could try a new marketing channel.”
  • How about + verb-ing...? – “How about creating a survey for clients?”
  • Why don't we + verb...? – “Why don't we ask the IT department for help?”

Stating your view (giving opinions)

  • In my opinion, ... – “In my opinion, the first option is better.”
  • I think / I believe / I feel that ... – “I believe this is the right direction.”
  • From my perspective, ... – “From my perspective, we need more data.”

Inviting views (asking for opinions)

  • “What do you think?”
  • “Do you have any thoughts on this?”
  • “How do you feel about this idea?”
Key tip: Follow the pattern State → Suggest → Ask. Share your view, propose a solution, then invite colleagues to react to keep teamwork balanced.

🗂️ Context Practice

Switch between professional and everyday contexts so the language feels natural wherever you speak.

Professional context

  • Brainstorming new features: “How about adding a notification system to the app?”
  • Solving a logistics issue: “We could try a different shipping partner to reduce delays.”
  • Improving workflow: “In my opinion, our daily stand-up is too long. Why don't we try the ‘Fist of Five’ method?”
  • Project feedback: “From my perspective, the design looks good, but the text is hard to read.”

Everyday context

  • Planning lunch: “Why don't we try that new Italian place?”
  • Organising a weekend trip: “We could go hiking on Saturday. What do you think?”
  • Choosing entertainment: “I think the new documentary looks interesting. How do you feel about watching it?”

✅ Examples & Pitfalls

Effective combinations

  • “In my opinion, our customer engagement is too low. We could launch a newsletter to keep them updated.”
  • “How about creating a shared project document? That way, everyone can see the updates.”
  • “I think the deadline is very tight. Why don't we ask for a one-week extension?”
  • “I've listened to the points. Does anyone have any other thoughts before we decide?”
  • “This room feels a bit empty. We could put a plant in the corner. What do you think?”
  • “I feel that we always choose the same restaurant. Why don't we try something new tonight?”

Common pitfalls

  • Too direct: “My opinion is we need a new strategy.” → Use “In my opinion...” to sound more natural and polite.
  • Incorrect structure: “How about we to contact the supplier?” → Use the gerund: “How about contacting the supplier?”
  • Negative tone: “I think this is a bad idea. We need another one.” → Try “From my perspective, this idea has challenges. We could explore alternatives. What do you think?”

🎧 Listening Practice: Brainstorming Solutions

Listen to Maria and Ben discuss how to respond to a drop in user activity. Focus on how they balance opinions, suggestions, and invitations to speak.

Suggestions & Opinions Meeting
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Comprehension questions

1. What is the main problem Maria and Ben are discussing?

2. According to Ben, what could be a bigger issue than the visual design?

3. What method does Ben propose to get direct feedback from inactive users?

❓ Quick Check Quiz

Choose the best response for each scenario. Focus on tone, collaboration, and clarity.

1. Which sentence is the most polite and collaborative way to suggest an idea in a team meeting?

2. Your manager asks for your opinion on a new project plan. What is the best way to respond?

3. You are planning a holiday party with your team. How would you ask for their input on the venue?

4. A colleague says, “We aren't getting enough sales leads.” Which is the best response to propose a solution?

📝 Practice Exercises

Apply the pattern in structured tasks. Submit each exercise before checking the model answers.

Exercise A · Matching functions

Match each sentence to the function it performs. Options: (A) Stating an opinion, (B) Making a logistical suggestion, (C) Inviting someone's view, (D) Proposing a technical/procedural idea, (E) Suggesting a new action or idea.

Tech company context

Retail store context

Exercise B · Error correction

Rewrite each sentence so it uses the correct structure from this lesson.

Marketing agency

In my opinion that the logo is too small.

How about to create a new social media campaign?

What do you thinking about this slogan?

We could to hire a photographer for the product shots.

Hospital administration

In my opinion that the patient waiting times are too long.

How about to install a new scheduling software?

What do you feeling about the new hygiene protocols?

We could training staff on the new system.

Exercise C · Word order & dialogue

Put the words in the correct order and complete the dialogue using target phrases.

Word order (General office)

your / on / thoughts / are / what / this / ?

we / a / new / why / don't / supplier / find / ?

my / in / opinion / too / is / deadline / the / tight / .

a / we / could / short / take / break / .

Dialogue completion (Software development team)

(1) Alex: The user feedback on the new feature is not very positive.
Ben: I agree. Fill with an opinion phrase.

(2) Alex: That's a good point. Suggest adding a video tutorial.

(3) Ben: Great idea. Suggest simplifying the interface.

(4) Alex: Yes, definitely. Invite Carla to share her view.

🗣️ Speaking Practice

Task 1 · Controlled practice

Your team needs to reduce monthly expenses. Use the structure: “In my opinion, we are spending too much on...”, “We could...”, “Also, why don't we...?”, “What do you think?” Choose a budget area such as office supplies, software subscriptions, or travel.

Task 2 · Guided practice

A colleague suggests having more meetings to improve communication. Politely disagree: “From my perspective, more meetings might be difficult to schedule.” Offer an alternative like using a project management tool or a daily 10-minute huddle. Finish by asking for agreement.

Task 3 · Free practice

Lead a short brainstorming discussion. Choose one scenario: improving work-life balance or selecting a professional development goal. Mix opinion statements, suggestions, and invitations for input.

📌 Summary & Study Tips

Key takeaways

  • Make collaborative suggestions with “We could...”, “How about...”, and “Why don't we...”.
  • State views clearly with “In my opinion...” or “I think...”.
  • Invite others to speak with “What do you think?” and “Do you have any thoughts?”.

Professional study tips

  • Listen in meetings: Notice how experienced colleagues propose ideas and encourage input.
  • Draft and refine: Plan your language before a meeting so the phrases feel natural.
  • Start small: Practise in low-stakes conversations (lunch plans, weekend activities) to build confidence.