Welcome to the third lesson in our "Engaging in Everyday Conversation" module. In our last session, we focused on the art of small talk, learning how to initiate and maintain light conversations. You now have a solid framework for starting interactions, which is the first step in building conversational confidence.
Today, we'll add more depth to those conversations. This lesson will help you express and justify personal opinions using phrases like 'In my view...' or 'I'd say...'. Moving from facts ("I am a graphic designer") to opinions ("I think this design is effective because...") is how conversations become more personal and engaging. Think of it this way: if small talk is the wireframe of a conversation, sharing opinions is where you start adding the compelling content and visual hierarchy that gives it meaning.
Part 1: The Basic Tools for Expressing Opinions
Before we build a complex argument, we need the basic tools to signal that we are sharing a personal viewpoint. There are many simple, common phrases that English speakers use to introduce their opinions.
Let's start with a simple visual guide.
As you can see in the green box, "Expressing a Personal Opinion," there are many ways to start. Phrases like "In my opinion...", "I feel that...", and "As I see it..." are all excellent, standard options.
Now, let's hear some of these phrases in a natural, conversational context.
How to Express Your Opinion in English
This video, "How to Express Your Opinion in English," from Bob the Canadian, offers ten common phrases he observed in everyday conversations. It's a great way to hear how these phrases actually sound.
Please watch the following segments to build your foundational toolkit: First, watch the introduction and the three most common phrases: "I think," "I feel like," and "in my opinion." Next, listen for a more visual way to express a viewpoint: "The way I see it." Then, learn a phrase that is useful when your opinion might differ from others: "As far as I'm concerned." Finally, note this common, slightly informal phrase: "If you ask me."
These phrases are your entry point. They signal to your listener that you are about to share your perspective. However, a strong opinion isn't just the "what"—it's the "why."
Part 2: The Structure of a Justified Opinion
Simply stating "In my opinion, that's a good design" is a start, but it doesn't invite discussion. The most persuasive and engaging opinions are backed by reasons. This is very similar to presenting a design project; you don't just show the final product, you explain the rationale and the process that led you there.
There is a simple, logical, three-part structure you can use to build a clear and compelling opinion.
The Best Professional Connectors to Explain Your Opinions in English
The video "The Best Professional Connectors to Explain Your Opinions in English" provides an excellent framework for this. The speaker, Annemarie, breaks down how to give a well-structured opinion.
Watch the segment from "Let's talk about how to structure your opinion" where she introduces the three-step process. Pay close attention to the structure she outlines.
The structure is:
- State your opinion clearly. (e.g., "I think...")
- Explain why. (This is where you provide your reason or justification.)
- Conclude or ask a question. (This wraps up your thought and invites the other person to respond.)
The second step, "Explain why," is the most critical. To do this effectively, you need connecting words that link your opinion to your reason. These connectors are the glue that holds your argument together.
The Best Professional Connectors to Explain Your Opinions in English
Let's continue with the same video to learn the specific connecting words that will make your justifications clear and logical.
Watch the next three sections where Annemarie explains different types of connectors: Cause and Result: From the beginning of the section, learn connectors like because, since, due to, so, and which is why. These are essential for explaining the direct reason for your opinion. Purpose: From this section, focus on in order to, to, and so that. These explain the intention or goal behind a thought or action. Adding More Reasons: From this final section, pick up phrases like another reason is, plus, and on top of that to add multiple points to your justification, making your opinion stronger.
By combining an opening phrase with one or two of these connectors, you can transform a simple statement into a well-reasoned point.
Part 3: Putting It All Together in Conversation
Now let's see how these phrases and structures work in a real conversation. We will look at a resource that not only lists phrases but also provides sample dialogues.
Expressing opinions —[Multimedia-English: grammar]
This article from Multimedia-English provides excellent lists of phrases and, most importantly, sample conversations that show how they are used.
First, read the introduction and the important tip it contains: from the beginning to the end of the tip. This reinforces the importance of justifying your views. Next, quickly scan the list under the heading EXPRESSING OPINION to review the types of phrases we've already discussed. Finally, and most importantly, read the two sample dialogues at the end of the page (one formal, one informal). As you read, try to identify: The phrases used to introduce an opinion. The connecting words used to justify the opinion. The three-step structure (Opinion -> Why -> Question) in action.
Notice how the speakers in the dialogues don't just say "I disagree." They say, "I see your point, but don’t you think trees are more important than cars?" This technique of acknowledging the other person's point before stating your own is very powerful, and it's something we'll focus on in our next lesson.
Your Action Plan: Express and Justify
It's time to practice. Your task is to use the three-step structure to express and justify an opinion about a topic you know well: design.
Imagine a friend asks you about the design of a popular app (like Instagram, Spotify, or any app you use often).
Task: Write 3-4 sentences expressing your opinion on the app's design. Use the structure we learned:
- Start with an opinion phrase. (e.g., In my opinion..., The way I see it...)
- Justify your opinion with at least one reason, using a connector. (e.g., because..., since..., another reason is...)
- End with a concluding thought or a question.
Here is a model answer about a hypothetical app:
"As far as I'm concerned, the design of the new 'Art folio' app is a huge success. I feel this way because it uses a minimalist grid layout, which is why the artwork is the main focus. On top of that, the navigation is incredibly intuitive. That's why I think it's a great example of user-centered design. What's your take on it?"
Now, it's your turn. Choose an app and write your own response. This exercise will help solidify the structure in your mind and prepare you to use it in spontaneous conversation.
Conclusion
Today, you've learned a crucial skill for moving beyond simple conversation into more meaningful discussion. You now have the tools not only to state what you think but, more importantly, to explain why you think it.
Key Takeaways:
- Begin your sentences with phrases like "In my opinion," "I think," or "As I see it" to clearly signal you're sharing a viewpoint.
- A strong opinion includes a justification. Always try to explain the "why" behind your "what."
- Use the three-step structure (Opinion -> Justification -> Conclusion/Question) for clarity and to keep the conversation flowing.
- Use connecting words (
because,so that,another reason is) to link your opinion to your reasons logically.
In our next lesson, we will continue building on this by learning how to agree and disagree politely using softening language. You've learned how to state your own case; next, you'll learn how to respond effectively to others'.