Business arguments: structuring your points logically
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Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- Think about a time you were in a meeting or a formal discussion. What made it easy or difficult to follow the main arguments being presented?
- When you need to persuade someone of your point of view in a professional or academic setting, what steps do you take to structure your argument effectively?
- How can the specific words you choose to connect your ideas (for example, to add a point, show a contrast, or give a result) influence how persuasive your argument is?
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A Productive Disagreement
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
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Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01According to the article, why is it important to structure your arguments logically in a business context?
Sample answerThe article states that structuring arguments logically is crucial for being persuasive, ensuring your ideas are understood clearly, and maintaining professionalism in discussions.
02What does the article suggest is a common mistake people make when presenting a counter-argument?
Sample answerA common mistake is presenting a counter-argument too aggressively. The article likely suggests using softening phrases to show you've considered the other person's point of view first.
03Based on the article, how can using transition phrases like 'on the other hand' or 'furthermore' improve the clarity of your message?
Sample answerUsing these phrases helps guide the listener through your thought process. They act as signposts, showing how one idea connects to the next, which makes your overall argument much easier to follow.
04What is one key takeaway from the article about persuading your colleagues effectively?
Sample answerA key takeaway is that effective persuasion is not just about having good ideas, but about presenting them in a clear, structured, and collaborative way.
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Key vocabulary for structuring arguments
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you manage discussions and present your ideas more effectively in a business setting.
Examples
To play devil's advocate — to present a counter-argument, not because you necessarily believe it, but to test the strength of the main idea.
Use this phrase to introduce a potential problem or opposing view politely. For example: 'If I can play devil's advocate for a moment, have we considered the potential budget issues?'
To piggyback on (an idea) — to use someone else's point as a basis for adding your own related thought.
This is a collaborative way to contribute to a discussion. It shows you are listening and building on the team's ideas. For example: 'That's a great point. To piggyback on that, we could also...'.
On that note — a discourse marker used to transition to a new topic that is logically connected to the one just discussed.
This is a smooth and professional way to guide a conversation. It's more formal than 'Speaking of which...'. For example: '...so the project timeline is tight. On that note, let's talk about resource allocation.'
To get sidetracked — to lose focus on the main topic of a discussion by talking about something irrelevant.
This is useful for politely bringing a meeting back to its agenda. You could say: 'This is an interesting point, but I think we're getting a bit sidetracked. Let's return to the main agenda item.'
To build a case for (something) — to present a series of logical arguments and evidence to persuade others to support your proposal.
This phrase is common in formal contexts when you need to justify a decision or request. For example: 'He built a strong case for investing in the new software by showing clear data on potential savings.'
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Phrases for structuring your argument
Complete the sentences with the most logical ending.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: Punctuating discourse markers
Grammar
Discourse markers (like 'however', 'furthermore', 'consequently') are essential for structuring logical arguments. The punctuation you use depends on whether you are connecting two complete sentences (independent clauses) or simply introducing a new one.
Examples
Our Q1 profits were excellent; however, we need to invest more in R&D.
Use a semicolon before and a comma after the marker when connecting two full, related sentences.
Our Q1 profits were excellent. However, we need to invest more in R&D.
You can also start a new sentence with the discourse marker. This is a common and clear way to show contrast or addition.
The project timeline is very tight. Consequently, we cannot accept any further delays.
Markers that show a result or consequence, like 'consequently' or 'therefore', follow the same punctuation rules.
Key points
- To connect two independent clauses, use a semicolon before the marker and a comma after it (e.g., ...; therefore, ...).
- To start a new sentence, capitalize the marker and follow it with a comma (e.g., Therefore, ...).
- Common mistake to avoid: Do not use only a comma to join two full sentences. This is called a 'comma splice' (e.g., 'The idea is good, however, it is too expensive.').
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Correct the mistakes
Read the sentences below, which are related to discussing ideas in a business meeting. Each one has a single error.
Find the error in each sentence and write the corrected version.
01Let me just piggyback to your idea for a moment; I think we should also consider the budget.
Corrected version
Let me just piggyback to on your idea for a moment; I think we should also consider the budget.
02However we need to analyze the potential risks before we proceed with the launch.
Corrected version
However, we need to analyze the potential risks before we proceed with the launch.
03She made a very persuasion case for increasing the marketing budget next quarter.
Corrected version
She made a very persuasion persuasive case for increasing the marketing budget next quarter.
04I don't want to get sidetracked, but on that notice, did you see the latest sales figures?
Corrected version
I don't want to get sidetracked, but on that notice, note, did you see the latest sales figures?
05Furthermore, the feedback from our key clients support the proposed changes.
Corrected version
Furthermore, the feedback from our key clients support supports the proposed changes.
06I agree with the main point, but if I can play the devil's advocate for a second, what is the backup plan?
Corrected version
I agree with the main point, but if I can play the devil's advocate for a second, what is the backup plan?
07The project was a success, consequently, the team received a bonus for their hard work.
Corrected version
The project was a success; consequently, the team received a bonus for their hard work.
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Useful phrases: contributing effectively in a team meeting
Vocabulary
In any team meeting, it's important not just to have good ideas, but to share them clearly and professionally. These phrases will help you interrupt politely, add your thoughts, disagree constructively, and keep the discussion on track.
Examples
'Could I just jump in here for a second?' — use this to politely interrupt when you have a relevant and urgent point to make.
Register: neutral. Best used when the conversation is moving on but you have a crucial piece of information to add about the current topic. Say it with a questioning intonation to sound polite.
'I see where you're coming from, but have we considered...?' — a soft way to introduce a different perspective or potential problem.
Register: neutral/formal. This phrase validates the other person's opinion before you present your own, which makes your disagreement sound more collaborative and less confrontational.
'Just to build on what [Name] was saying...' — use this to add a supporting idea or a related point to what a colleague has just said.
Register: neutral. It shows you are actively listening and helps create a collaborative atmosphere. It's a great alternative to 'piggybacking on an idea'.
'So, to make sure we're all on the same page, the next step is...' — a way to summarise the discussion and confirm the agreed-upon actions.
Register: neutral/formal. Use this towards the end of a discussion point to prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone knows what they need to do next.
'I'm not entirely convinced that's the best approach because...' — express gentle disagreement or doubt, followed by a clear reason.
Register: neutral. This is softer than saying 'I disagree' or 'That's a bad idea'. The word 'entirely' is key to softening the phrase. Always provide a reason.
'That's a fair point. On the other hand, we also need to think about...' — acknowledge the validity of someone's argument before presenting a counter-argument.
Register: neutral/formal. This is a classic discourse marker for structuring an argument. It shows balanced thinking and respect for other viewpoints.
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Structuring your argument in a meeting
Read the passage about participating effectively in a business discussion.
Fill in each blank with the correct word or phrase from the word bank.
Word bank
In a productive team meeting, it's often effective to another person's idea to add your own related perspective. , let's consider the marketing strategy for next quarter. While discussing this, it's crucial not to by minor operational details. Sometimes, a colleague might not because they disagree, but to ensure the plan is solid. The main objective for everyone is to present their points logically and the best course of action.
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Managing the flow of ideas
Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.
In our weekly strategy session, Anya was trying to build a case for a bold new social media campaign. Her presentation was compelling. Furthermore, she had data to support her projections. Ben immediately wanted to piggyback on her idea, suggesting we could add a video component. The energy was positive until Carla, our finance lead, decided to play devil's advocate. 'I love the creativity,' she began, 'However, have we considered the impact on our quarterly budget?' Her question wasn't meant to shut down the idea, but to ensure its viability. It's easy for such discussions to get sidetracked by financial details. Consequently, the team lead stepped in. 'That's a crucial point, Carla. On that note, let's focus on the core strategy first and then address the budget as a separate action item.' This approach kept the conversation both creative and grounded.
01What was Anya's main proposal during the strategy session?
Sample answerShe was proposing a bold new social media campaign and building a case for it with supporting data.
02What was Carla's purpose in questioning the budget?
Sample answerShe was playing devil's advocate to test the idea's financial viability, not to reject it completely.
03Why did the team lead intervene in the conversation?
Sample answerTo prevent the team from getting sidetracked by the budget details and to keep the discussion focused on the main strategy.
04What can be inferred about the team lead's management style?
Sample answerThe team lead is skilled at facilitating discussions, ensuring important points are acknowledged while maintaining focus on the primary objective.
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Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Thinking about business meetings in your culture, how common is it for someone to 'play devil's advocate'? Is this seen as a constructive way to test ideas, or could it be perceived as being difficult or uncooperative?
- Some argue that a meeting that never 'gets sidetracked' is more efficient, while others believe that these tangents can lead to creative ideas. Which viewpoint do you agree with more, and why?
- Imagine you need to 'build a case for' a risky but potentially profitable project. What is a more effective strategy: presenting all your points first and then taking questions, or allowing team members to 'piggyback on' your ideas as you go? Justify your choice.