How to ask for and give opinions | Effective Communication
“Think before you click”, a simple thought that conveys a strong message to everyone. The saying is known as a safety reminder to all internet users, especially teenagers who are overexposed on social media. This has also something to do with how we speak and interact with the people around us.
In our daily lives, we are learning from other people we meet and socialize with. Our curiosity also leads us to ask for opinions about something that matters to us. Through asking, we can get more information and valuable insights into what we ought to find. Do you agree with this? What do you think are the effective ways of asking for and giving opinions? These questions also enlighten our topic. Let us familiarize some statements that we commonly use in asking for opinions.
“What is your point of view?”
“Do you have any other comments?”
“What do you think about it?”
“Do you agree with me”?
“How do you feel about that?”
“I would really appreciate your view.”
Do you use any of the mentioned statements? During meetings, orientations, open forums, and even simple conversations either face-to-face or via chat or text, we often spend most of our time asking and sharing opinions. With this, it is important if we know how to express our thoughts in a polite manner. These are some phrases used in giving opinions.
“As far as I’m concerned,..”
“In my opinion,..”
“From my point of view,..”
“I believe that,..”
“If I were you,..”
“May I,..?”
In giving opinions, it is also important to consider whom we are talking with. When we are talking with a boss or a professional person in a higher position, it is best to talk in a formal way. On the other hand, we can talk more casually with close friends, family, and colleagues. We should always respect and accept others’ points of view. Respecting one’s opinion is also respecting their feelings. An open-minded person welcomes new suggestions and ideas from others.
Since social media is taking over our lives not only as a medium for communication but we are also engaged in online learning, the knowledge of how to express our opinions politely is crucial. We should be responsible for posting comments and views that can affect one’s thoughts and sentiments. Expressing our opinions is one of the strong foundations of language for effective communication.
Do you have something to share? But before that, think before you click!
