Out-positive / Agreement url
I think they should play more classical music on the local radio station
- That would be a step in the right direction.
- That seems like a reasonable idea.
- That’s exactly in line with my thinking.
- That’s a great idea.
- You took the words right out of my mouth.
- I think they should give it a try.
- I’d like that.
I think they should play more classical music on the local radio station
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
I don’t understand your point
- That doesn’t make any sense to me.
- That has nothing to do with it.
- I don’t know what you’re talking about.
- Where are you coming from?
- You’d have to be a fool to think that.
- Anyone with half a brain knows that.
- That’s a little hard to swallow.
- That's neither here nor there.
- You’re being simple minded.
- I’m not convinced.
- What does that have to do with the price of tea in China?
- That’s out of the question.
- We don't see eye to eye.
- Do expect me to take that seriously.
I don’t understand your point
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who was just promoted to be head of sales
- I always knew you had it in you.
- You’ll go right to the top.
- If you play your cards right, nothing will stand in your way, and you will be very successful.
- This is a big moment for you.
- That’s a lucky break for you.
- Here’s your big chance.
- They must think a lot of you.
- You’re going to do a bang-up job.
- More power to you.
- Hit the ground running.
- Give it your all.
For a friend who was just promoted to be head of sales
In-negative / Doubt url
When a friend says he’s going to climb Mt. Everest
- Fat chance!
- You’re putting me on.
- You can’t be serious.
- Are you kidding me?
- Now I’ve heard everything.
- Are you sure you know what you’re doing?
- It’s a nice idea, but are you sure you’re up to it.
- Are you sure you’ve got what it takes?
When a friend says he’s going to climb Mt. Everest
Out-neutral / Advice url
Examine-2
- Get both sides of the story.
- There’s more to it than that.
- There’s more to it that meets the eye.
- Take note of it.
- Get to the root of the problem.
- Keep your eyes peeled.
- You’ll see.
- A picture is worth a thousand words
Examine-2
In-positive / Determination url
Student work on a term-paper
- This deserves my total focus and undivided attention.
- I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it and feel more familiar with the whole topic.
- I’ll get it done in no time at all.
- I’m going to hit the ground running.
- The task I faced was difficult, but I rose to the challenge.
- We’re wrapping it up.
- There’s no time like the present.
- Stay the course.
- I really have my work cut out for me.
Student work on a term-paper
In-negative / Disappointment url
Couple discussing ending a relationship
- Talk is cheap.
- We’re drifting farther and farther apart.
- We didn’t hit it off too well.
- I sense that there’s no room in your life for me.
- There’s no point in continuing.
- I’m just not in the mood for putting any more work in it.
- I just don’t see it going anywhere.
- I saw the handwriting on the wall.
- I don’t feel that we’re on the same wavelength.
- I think this is what’s better for both of us in the long run.
- This time I really put my foot in my mouth.
- I think we’ve hit a brick wall.
- You broke my heart.
- I feel that it’s all an exercise in futility.
- Where has all the time gone?
- I realize now that I’ve been barking up the wrong tree.
- It’s outlived its usefulness.
- Ain’t that a crying shame?
Couple discussing ending a relationship
Out-neutral / Advice url
Trust me
- I won’t steer you wrong.
- Please take my advice.
- I’ll know when the time is right.
- Heed what I am saying.
- Do as I say, not as I do.
- Take a tip from me.
- That’s a solemn promise.
- Now pay attention to what I’m trying to tell you, and I want your undivided attention.
- Mark my words that as sure as I’m standing here, what I’m saying is the honest truth.
- Just stick with me.
Trust me
In-positive / Confidence url
Preparing for a test
- I can do it with my eyes shut.
- I know it like the back of my hand.
- I’ve got it under control.
- I think I’ll be able to muddle through for a while.
- I made a lot of progress.
- I can cope with it.
- It will be a breeze.
- I'm holding my own.
- My head is still above water.
- So far so good.
- Every few hours I just run out of steam and need to rest awhile until I get my energy back.
- I’m holding my own.
Preparing for a test
In-negative / Desperation url
Being charge with tax evasion
- I’m up the creek without a paddle.
- I never thought it would come to this.
- I’ve reached the end of my rope.
- I’ve become a laughing stock.
- I’ve been crazy with worry.
- My back is up against the wall.
- What have I gotten myself into?
- I suspect that it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
- I feel like I’m fraying around the edges.
- I feel like I’ve been through the mill.
- What have I gotten myself into?
Being charge with tax evasion
In-neutral / Acceptance url
Buying a car
- I dropped a bundle on it, but I’m glad I bought it.
- The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
- How can I resist?
- I might as well.
- You never get something for nothing.
- It’s growing on me.
- It’s the best that I can do.
Buying a car
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
I find your viewpoint hard to understand-1
- That’s wishful thinking.
- That’s neither here nor there.
- That leads us right back to where we started.
- Is that too much to ask?
- That’s beside the point.
- Now that’s a horse of a different color.
- You’re missing the point.
- You’ve missed the whole point.
- That’s not the same thing at all.
- It happens to be true whether you choose to believe or not.
- Put it whatever way you want.
- I wasn’t born yesterday.
I find your viewpoint hard to understand-1