Intermediate150 min
How to … engage with other people’s views
Engaging with someone else’s view
During a discussion, we often disagree with other people’s views. It is still important to engage with their views to show that we are listening to their ideas, even though we may not agree.
- That’s a (very) good point.
- That makes sense.
- I can see where you’re coming from.
- I can see the logic in that.
- I can see why you’re suggesting …
- That’s quite a neat idea.
- That’s a really good/neat idea.
Making a Countersuggestion
When we have engaged with the other person’s view, we often go on to express our own opinion, for example by making a countersuggestion.
- On the other hand, …
- But on a practical level, …
- It might be more effective to …
- One disadvantage of that would be …
- Alternatively, what about … ?
Engaging and Making a Countersuggestion
A: Personally, I think we should hand out big fines to people who drop litter.
B: I can see where you’re coming from, but on a practical level, it might be difficult to force people to pay.
A: I think we should put up our prices.
B: I can see the logic in that, but one disadvantage of that would be that we may lose some of our customers.
B: I can see where you’re coming from, but on a practical level, it might be difficult to force people to pay.
A: I think we should put up our prices.
B: I can see the logic in that, but one disadvantage of that would be that we may lose some of our customers.
Quiz
Question 1 of 10
Choose the correct phrase to engage with someone's view.
I don't care about your view.
I can see where you’re coming from.
That’s wrong.
The Call and the Challenge: Rising to Meet Our Moment
History has a way of issuing calls that echo across generations, demanding that ordinary people step up to the plate and confront extraordinary circumstances. Today, we find ourselves at one of those pivotal moments when the call of our times rings loud and clear, challenging us to rise above our comfort zones and tackle the formidable obstacles that stand in the way of human progress. The question is not whether we will hear the call – it's whether we will have the courage to answer it.
The call comes from multiple directions, each voice adding urgency to an already pressing chorus. Climate scientists are pulling no punches as they warn that our window of opportunity to prevent catastrophic warming is rapidly closing. Social justice advocates are beating the drum for equality, refusing to let systemic inequalities remain swept under the rug. Public health experts, still reeling from the pandemic's aftermath, are crying out for better preparedness and more resilient healthcare systems. Meanwhile, technological innovators are pushing the envelope, challenging us to harness the power of artificial intelligence while ensuring it serves humanity rather than replacing it.
These calls demand more than token gestures or half-hearted efforts. They require us to dig deep and find reserves of determination we may not have known we possessed. The challenge is not just about identifying problems – any armchair critic can point fingers and highlight what's wrong with the world. The real test lies in rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands dirty with the messy work of creating meaningful solutions.
The climate challenge alone is enough to make anyone's head spin. Scientists are telling us we need to cut carbon emissions by half within the next decade while simultaneously preparing for the inevitable impacts of changes already set in motion. This isn't a matter of making minor adjustments around the edges – it requires a complete overhaul of how we produce energy, grow food, design cities, and organize our economies. The scale of transformation needed is staggering, yet the alternative is unthinkable.
But here's where the challenge becomes both daunting and inspiring. History shows us that humans are capable of remarkable feats when they put their minds to it. We've moved mountains before – sometimes literally. The Manhattan Project brought together the world's brightest minds to achieve the impossible. The Apollo program took us to the moon in less than a decade. The Marshall Plan rebuilt an entire continent from the ashes of war. Each of these achievements required people to think outside the box and push beyond conventional limitations.
The difference today is that our challenges are more interconnected and complex than ever before. Climate change doesn't exist in a vacuum – it intersects with poverty, inequality, migration, and political instability. Addressing one issue without considering its ripple effects on others is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube by focusing on just one side. We need systems thinking and coordinated action on multiple fronts simultaneously.
This is where the challenge becomes deeply personal. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with problems of such magnitude. Many people throw in the towel before they even begin, convinced that individual actions don't matter in the face of such enormous systemic issues. But this kind of thinking is exactly what prevents collective action from gaining momentum. Every movement that has ever changed the world started with individuals who refused to accept the status quo and decided to take a stand.
The call asks us to stretch beyond our usual roles and comfort zones. It challenges professionals to use their expertise for purposes greater than personal advancement. It asks citizens to engage more deeply with democratic processes instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining about outcomes. It demands that consumers make more conscious choices about how they spend their money and what kind of future they're supporting with their purchasing power.
Perhaps most importantly, the call challenges us to bridge divides that have kept us from working together effectively. Political polarization has reached toxic levels in many societies, making it nearly impossible to build consensus around even the most obvious solutions. Breaking through these barriers requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to find common ground with people who may see the world very differently than we do.
The technological dimension of our current challenges adds another layer of complexity. We're living through a period of rapid innovation that could either accelerate solutions to our problems or make them exponentially worse. Artificial intelligence could help us optimize energy systems and discover new materials, but it could also displace millions of workers and concentrate power in the hands of a few tech giants. The key is ensuring that we remain in the driver's seat as these technologies develop.
Young people are already answering the call in remarkable ways. From Greta Thunberg's climate activism to the countless students organizing for gun safety and social justice, a new generation is showing the rest of us what moral courage looks like. They're not waiting for permission or perfect solutions – they're taking action with the tools and platforms available to them.
The call and the challenge of our times demand nothing less than a fundamental reimagining of what's possible. We need to stop thinking in terms of what we can't do and start focusing on what we must do. The stakes are too high for anything less than our best effort, and the opportunities for positive change have never been greater. The only question that remains is whether we'll rise to meet our moment or let it pass us by.
The call comes from multiple directions, each voice adding urgency to an already pressing chorus. Climate scientists are pulling no punches as they warn that our window of opportunity to prevent catastrophic warming is rapidly closing. Social justice advocates are beating the drum for equality, refusing to let systemic inequalities remain swept under the rug. Public health experts, still reeling from the pandemic's aftermath, are crying out for better preparedness and more resilient healthcare systems. Meanwhile, technological innovators are pushing the envelope, challenging us to harness the power of artificial intelligence while ensuring it serves humanity rather than replacing it.
These calls demand more than token gestures or half-hearted efforts. They require us to dig deep and find reserves of determination we may not have known we possessed. The challenge is not just about identifying problems – any armchair critic can point fingers and highlight what's wrong with the world. The real test lies in rolling up our sleeves and getting our hands dirty with the messy work of creating meaningful solutions.
The climate challenge alone is enough to make anyone's head spin. Scientists are telling us we need to cut carbon emissions by half within the next decade while simultaneously preparing for the inevitable impacts of changes already set in motion. This isn't a matter of making minor adjustments around the edges – it requires a complete overhaul of how we produce energy, grow food, design cities, and organize our economies. The scale of transformation needed is staggering, yet the alternative is unthinkable.
But here's where the challenge becomes both daunting and inspiring. History shows us that humans are capable of remarkable feats when they put their minds to it. We've moved mountains before – sometimes literally. The Manhattan Project brought together the world's brightest minds to achieve the impossible. The Apollo program took us to the moon in less than a decade. The Marshall Plan rebuilt an entire continent from the ashes of war. Each of these achievements required people to think outside the box and push beyond conventional limitations.
The difference today is that our challenges are more interconnected and complex than ever before. Climate change doesn't exist in a vacuum – it intersects with poverty, inequality, migration, and political instability. Addressing one issue without considering its ripple effects on others is like trying to solve a Rubik's cube by focusing on just one side. We need systems thinking and coordinated action on multiple fronts simultaneously.
This is where the challenge becomes deeply personal. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with problems of such magnitude. Many people throw in the towel before they even begin, convinced that individual actions don't matter in the face of such enormous systemic issues. But this kind of thinking is exactly what prevents collective action from gaining momentum. Every movement that has ever changed the world started with individuals who refused to accept the status quo and decided to take a stand.
The call asks us to stretch beyond our usual roles and comfort zones. It challenges professionals to use their expertise for purposes greater than personal advancement. It asks citizens to engage more deeply with democratic processes instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining about outcomes. It demands that consumers make more conscious choices about how they spend their money and what kind of future they're supporting with their purchasing power.
Perhaps most importantly, the call challenges us to bridge divides that have kept us from working together effectively. Political polarization has reached toxic levels in many societies, making it nearly impossible to build consensus around even the most obvious solutions. Breaking through these barriers requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to find common ground with people who may see the world very differently than we do.
The technological dimension of our current challenges adds another layer of complexity. We're living through a period of rapid innovation that could either accelerate solutions to our problems or make them exponentially worse. Artificial intelligence could help us optimize energy systems and discover new materials, but it could also displace millions of workers and concentrate power in the hands of a few tech giants. The key is ensuring that we remain in the driver's seat as these technologies develop.
Young people are already answering the call in remarkable ways. From Greta Thunberg's climate activism to the countless students organizing for gun safety and social justice, a new generation is showing the rest of us what moral courage looks like. They're not waiting for permission or perfect solutions – they're taking action with the tools and platforms available to them.
The call and the challenge of our times demand nothing less than a fundamental reimagining of what's possible. We need to stop thinking in terms of what we can't do and start focusing on what we must do. The stakes are too high for anything less than our best effort, and the opportunities for positive change have never been greater. The only question that remains is whether we'll rise to meet our moment or let it pass us by.
1. **Issuing calls**
*Meaning*: Making urgent requests or appeals for action
2. **Echo across generations**
*Meaning*: Resonate and be remembered for a long time
3. **Step up to the plate**
*Meaning*: Take responsibility and accept a challenge
4. **Confront** /kənˈfrʌnt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Face and deal with a problem directly
5. **Extraordinary** /ɪkˈstrɔrdəˌneri/ (US), /ɪkˈstrɔːdnri/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Very unusual or remarkable
6. **Pivotal** /ˈpɪvətəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Of crucial importance
7. **Rings loud and clear**
*Meaning*: Is very obvious and unmistakable
8. **Rise above**
*Meaning*: Overcome or transcend difficulties
9. **Comfort zones**
*Meaning*: Situations where one feels safe and at ease
10. **Formidable** /ˈfɔrmədəbəl/ (US), /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Inspiring fear or respect through being difficult
11. **Stand in the way**
*Meaning*: Prevent or obstruct progress
12. **Pressing** /ˈpresɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Urgent and requiring immediate attention
13. **Chorus** /ˈkɔrəs/ (US), /ˈkɔːrəs/ (UK)
*Meaning*: A group of voices speaking together
14. **Pulling no punches**
*Meaning*: Speaking directly and honestly without restraint
15. **Window of opportunity**
*Meaning*: A limited time when action can be taken
16. **Catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑfɪk/ (US), /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving sudden great damage
17. **Beating the drum**
*Meaning*: Actively promoting or campaigning for something
18. **Systemic** /sɪˈstemɪk/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Affecting an entire system
19. **Swept under the rug**
*Meaning*: Hidden or ignored rather than dealt with
20. **Reeling from**
*Meaning*: Still shocked or confused by something
21. **Aftermath** /ˈæftərˌmæθ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The consequences following an event
22. **Crying out for**
*Meaning*: Urgently needing something
23. **Resilient** /rɪˈzɪljənt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Able to recover quickly from difficulties
24. **Pushing the envelope**
*Meaning*: Approaching or extending limits
25. **Harness** /ˈhɑrnəs/ (US), /ˈhɑːnəs/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Control and use effectively
26. **Token gestures**
*Meaning*: Symbolic actions with little real impact
27. **Half-hearted**
*Meaning*: Without enthusiasm or energy
28. **Dig deep**
*Meaning*: Make a great effort to find strength or resources
29. **Reserves** /rɪˈzɜrvz/ (US), /rɪˈzɜːvz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Hidden supplies or resources
30. **Determination** /dɪˌtɜrməˈneɪʃən/ (US), /dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Firmness of purpose
31. **Armchair critic**
*Meaning*: Someone who gives opinions without practical experience
32. **Point fingers**
*Meaning*: Blame others
33. **Rolling up our sleeves**
*Meaning*: Preparing to work hard
34. **Getting our hands dirty**
*Meaning*: Doing practical, detailed work
35. **Messy work**
*Meaning*: Complicated and difficult tasks
36. **Make anyone's head spin**
*Meaning*: Confuse or overwhelm someone
37. **Cut emissions**
*Meaning*: Reduce the amount of gases released
38. **Set in motion**
*Meaning*: Started and now continuing
39. **Minor adjustments**
*Meaning*: Small changes
40. **Around the edges**
*Meaning*: At the margins; not fundamental changes
41. **Complete overhaul**
*Meaning*: Total reconstruction or renovation
42. **Staggering** /ˈstæɡərɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Extremely surprising or shocking
43. **Unthinkable** /ʌnˈθɪŋkəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Too terrible to consider
44. **Daunting** /ˈdɔntɪŋ/ (US), /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Seeming difficult to deal with
45. **Inspiring** /ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Giving one the urge to do something
46. **Remarkable feats**
*Meaning*: Extraordinary achievements
47. **Put their minds to it**
*Meaning*: Focus mental effort on something
48. **Moved mountains**
*Meaning*: Achieved something very difficult
49. **Literally** /ˈlɪtərəli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: In the most basic or exact sense
50. **Think outside the box**
*Meaning*: Think creatively and unconventionally
51. **Conventional limitations**
*Meaning*: Traditional restrictions or boundaries
52. **Interconnected** /ˌɪntərkəˈnektəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Connected with each other
53. **In a vacuum**
*Meaning*: In isolation from other factors
54. **Intersects** /ˌɪntərˈsekts/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Overlaps or crosses with
55. **Migration** /maɪˈɡreɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Movement of people from one place to another
56. **Ripple effects**
*Meaning*: Consequences that spread outward
57. **Systems thinking**
*Meaning*: Understanding how parts work together
58. **Coordinated action**
*Meaning*: Organized activity working together
59. **Multiple fronts**
*Meaning*: Several different areas at once
60. **Simultaneously** /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: At the same time
61. **Magnitude** /ˈmæɡnəˌtud/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Great size or extent
62. **Throw in the towel**
*Meaning*: Give up or surrender
63. **Systemic issues**
*Meaning*: Problems affecting an entire system
64. **Gaining momentum**
*Meaning*: Becoming stronger and more successful
65. **Status quo** /ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/ (US), /ˈsteɪtəs kwəʊ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The existing state of affairs
66. **Take a stand**
*Meaning*: Express an opinion firmly
67. **Stretch beyond**
*Meaning*: Extend further than usual limits
68. **Personal advancement**
*Meaning*: Individual career progress
69. **Sitting on the sidelines**
*Meaning*: Not participating; watching from outside
70. **Complaining about outcomes**
*Meaning*: Criticizing results without taking action
71. **Conscious choices**
*Meaning*: Deliberate decisions made with awareness
72. **Purchasing power**
*Meaning*: The ability to buy goods and services
73. **Bridge divides**
*Meaning*: Connect separated groups or ideas
74. **Toxic levels**
*Meaning*: Harmfully high amounts
75. **Build consensus**
*Meaning*: Create general agreement
76. **Obvious solutions**
*Meaning*: Clear answers that should be apparent
77. **Breaking through barriers**
*Meaning*: Overcoming obstacles
78. **Empathy** /ˈempəθi/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Understanding and sharing others' feelings
79. **Find common ground**
*Meaning*: Discover shared interests or beliefs
80. **Technological dimension**
*Meaning*: The technology-related aspect
81. **Layer of complexity**
*Meaning*: Additional level of difficulty
82. **Rapid innovation**
*Meaning*: Fast-paced development of new ideas
83. **Accelerate solutions**
*Meaning*: Speed up the development of answers
84. **Exponentially worse**
*Meaning*: Much worse at an increasing rate
85. **Optimize** /ˈɑptəˌmaɪz/ (US), /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Make as effective as possible
86. **Displace** /dɪsˈpleɪs/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Force to leave or replace
87. **Concentrate power**
*Meaning*: Gather authority in few hands
88. **Tech giants**
*Meaning*: Very large technology companies
89. **In the driver's seat**
*Meaning*: In control of a situation
90. **Answering the call**
*Meaning*: Responding to a request for action
91. **Moral courage**
*Meaning*: Bravery in doing what is right
92. **Waiting for permission**
*Meaning*: Seeking approval before acting
93. **Perfect solutions**
*Meaning*: Ideal answers to problems
94. **Taking action**
*Meaning*: Doing something rather than just talking
95. **Platforms** /ˈplætˌfɔrmz/ (US), /ˈplætfɔːmz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Means or opportunities for expression
96. **Fundamental reimagining**
*Meaning*: Basic rethinking of possibilities
97. **Stakes** /steɪks/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The important issues at risk
98. **Best effort**
*Meaning*: Maximum possible attempt
99. **Rise to meet our moment**
*Meaning*: Step up to face current challenges
100. **Pass us by**
*Meaning*: Go past without being seized
*Meaning*: Making urgent requests or appeals for action
2. **Echo across generations**
*Meaning*: Resonate and be remembered for a long time
3. **Step up to the plate**
*Meaning*: Take responsibility and accept a challenge
4. **Confront** /kənˈfrʌnt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Face and deal with a problem directly
5. **Extraordinary** /ɪkˈstrɔrdəˌneri/ (US), /ɪkˈstrɔːdnri/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Very unusual or remarkable
6. **Pivotal** /ˈpɪvətəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Of crucial importance
7. **Rings loud and clear**
*Meaning*: Is very obvious and unmistakable
8. **Rise above**
*Meaning*: Overcome or transcend difficulties
9. **Comfort zones**
*Meaning*: Situations where one feels safe and at ease
10. **Formidable** /ˈfɔrmədəbəl/ (US), /ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Inspiring fear or respect through being difficult
11. **Stand in the way**
*Meaning*: Prevent or obstruct progress
12. **Pressing** /ˈpresɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Urgent and requiring immediate attention
13. **Chorus** /ˈkɔrəs/ (US), /ˈkɔːrəs/ (UK)
*Meaning*: A group of voices speaking together
14. **Pulling no punches**
*Meaning*: Speaking directly and honestly without restraint
15. **Window of opportunity**
*Meaning*: A limited time when action can be taken
16. **Catastrophic** /ˌkætəˈstrɑfɪk/ (US), /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Involving sudden great damage
17. **Beating the drum**
*Meaning*: Actively promoting or campaigning for something
18. **Systemic** /sɪˈstemɪk/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Affecting an entire system
19. **Swept under the rug**
*Meaning*: Hidden or ignored rather than dealt with
20. **Reeling from**
*Meaning*: Still shocked or confused by something
21. **Aftermath** /ˈæftərˌmæθ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The consequences following an event
22. **Crying out for**
*Meaning*: Urgently needing something
23. **Resilient** /rɪˈzɪljənt/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Able to recover quickly from difficulties
24. **Pushing the envelope**
*Meaning*: Approaching or extending limits
25. **Harness** /ˈhɑrnəs/ (US), /ˈhɑːnəs/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Control and use effectively
26. **Token gestures**
*Meaning*: Symbolic actions with little real impact
27. **Half-hearted**
*Meaning*: Without enthusiasm or energy
28. **Dig deep**
*Meaning*: Make a great effort to find strength or resources
29. **Reserves** /rɪˈzɜrvz/ (US), /rɪˈzɜːvz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Hidden supplies or resources
30. **Determination** /dɪˌtɜrməˈneɪʃən/ (US), /dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Firmness of purpose
31. **Armchair critic**
*Meaning*: Someone who gives opinions without practical experience
32. **Point fingers**
*Meaning*: Blame others
33. **Rolling up our sleeves**
*Meaning*: Preparing to work hard
34. **Getting our hands dirty**
*Meaning*: Doing practical, detailed work
35. **Messy work**
*Meaning*: Complicated and difficult tasks
36. **Make anyone's head spin**
*Meaning*: Confuse or overwhelm someone
37. **Cut emissions**
*Meaning*: Reduce the amount of gases released
38. **Set in motion**
*Meaning*: Started and now continuing
39. **Minor adjustments**
*Meaning*: Small changes
40. **Around the edges**
*Meaning*: At the margins; not fundamental changes
41. **Complete overhaul**
*Meaning*: Total reconstruction or renovation
42. **Staggering** /ˈstæɡərɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Extremely surprising or shocking
43. **Unthinkable** /ʌnˈθɪŋkəbəl/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Too terrible to consider
44. **Daunting** /ˈdɔntɪŋ/ (US), /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Seeming difficult to deal with
45. **Inspiring** /ɪnˈspaɪərɪŋ/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Giving one the urge to do something
46. **Remarkable feats**
*Meaning*: Extraordinary achievements
47. **Put their minds to it**
*Meaning*: Focus mental effort on something
48. **Moved mountains**
*Meaning*: Achieved something very difficult
49. **Literally** /ˈlɪtərəli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: In the most basic or exact sense
50. **Think outside the box**
*Meaning*: Think creatively and unconventionally
51. **Conventional limitations**
*Meaning*: Traditional restrictions or boundaries
52. **Interconnected** /ˌɪntərkəˈnektəd/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Connected with each other
53. **In a vacuum**
*Meaning*: In isolation from other factors
54. **Intersects** /ˌɪntərˈsekts/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Overlaps or crosses with
55. **Migration** /maɪˈɡreɪʃən/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Movement of people from one place to another
56. **Ripple effects**
*Meaning*: Consequences that spread outward
57. **Systems thinking**
*Meaning*: Understanding how parts work together
58. **Coordinated action**
*Meaning*: Organized activity working together
59. **Multiple fronts**
*Meaning*: Several different areas at once
60. **Simultaneously** /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: At the same time
61. **Magnitude** /ˈmæɡnəˌtud/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Great size or extent
62. **Throw in the towel**
*Meaning*: Give up or surrender
63. **Systemic issues**
*Meaning*: Problems affecting an entire system
64. **Gaining momentum**
*Meaning*: Becoming stronger and more successful
65. **Status quo** /ˈsteɪtəs kwoʊ/ (US), /ˈsteɪtəs kwəʊ/ (UK)
*Meaning*: The existing state of affairs
66. **Take a stand**
*Meaning*: Express an opinion firmly
67. **Stretch beyond**
*Meaning*: Extend further than usual limits
68. **Personal advancement**
*Meaning*: Individual career progress
69. **Sitting on the sidelines**
*Meaning*: Not participating; watching from outside
70. **Complaining about outcomes**
*Meaning*: Criticizing results without taking action
71. **Conscious choices**
*Meaning*: Deliberate decisions made with awareness
72. **Purchasing power**
*Meaning*: The ability to buy goods and services
73. **Bridge divides**
*Meaning*: Connect separated groups or ideas
74. **Toxic levels**
*Meaning*: Harmfully high amounts
75. **Build consensus**
*Meaning*: Create general agreement
76. **Obvious solutions**
*Meaning*: Clear answers that should be apparent
77. **Breaking through barriers**
*Meaning*: Overcoming obstacles
78. **Empathy** /ˈempəθi/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Understanding and sharing others' feelings
79. **Find common ground**
*Meaning*: Discover shared interests or beliefs
80. **Technological dimension**
*Meaning*: The technology-related aspect
81. **Layer of complexity**
*Meaning*: Additional level of difficulty
82. **Rapid innovation**
*Meaning*: Fast-paced development of new ideas
83. **Accelerate solutions**
*Meaning*: Speed up the development of answers
84. **Exponentially worse**
*Meaning*: Much worse at an increasing rate
85. **Optimize** /ˈɑptəˌmaɪz/ (US), /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Make as effective as possible
86. **Displace** /dɪsˈpleɪs/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: Force to leave or replace
87. **Concentrate power**
*Meaning*: Gather authority in few hands
88. **Tech giants**
*Meaning*: Very large technology companies
89. **In the driver's seat**
*Meaning*: In control of a situation
90. **Answering the call**
*Meaning*: Responding to a request for action
91. **Moral courage**
*Meaning*: Bravery in doing what is right
92. **Waiting for permission**
*Meaning*: Seeking approval before acting
93. **Perfect solutions**
*Meaning*: Ideal answers to problems
94. **Taking action**
*Meaning*: Doing something rather than just talking
95. **Platforms** /ˈplætˌfɔrmz/ (US), /ˈplætfɔːmz/ (UK)
*Meaning*: Means or opportunities for expression
96. **Fundamental reimagining**
*Meaning*: Basic rethinking of possibilities
97. **Stakes** /steɪks/ (US & UK)
*Meaning*: The important issues at risk
98. **Best effort**
*Meaning*: Maximum possible attempt
99. **Rise to meet our moment**
*Meaning*: Step up to face current challenges
100. **Pass us by**
*Meaning*: Go past without being seized
Intonation: Responding Tactfully
Intonation plays a key role when responding tactfully during a conversation. Using the right intonation helps convey respect, understanding, and openness, even if you disagree with the other person's view.
Here are some important points to remember about intonation when responding tactfully:
1. Rising Intonation: Often used in questions or to show interest, rising intonation at the end of phrases like "I see what you mean?" invites the speaker to elaborate without sounding confrontational.
2. Falling Intonation: Used to show confidence and finality, falling intonation in statements like "That makes sense." shows that you understand the point clearly.
3. Softened Tone: Keep your tone gentle and calm, which signals that you are listening and respectful, even when you make a countersuggestion.
4. Pausing: Brief pauses before responding give you time to think and prevent interrupting the speaker, which can be perceived as rude.
5. Emphasis: Stress certain words to highlight agreement or to soften disagreement, for example, "I can *see* where you’re coming from, but …" shows empathy before introducing a different opinion.
Here are some important points to remember about intonation when responding tactfully:
1. Rising Intonation: Often used in questions or to show interest, rising intonation at the end of phrases like "I see what you mean?" invites the speaker to elaborate without sounding confrontational.
2. Falling Intonation: Used to show confidence and finality, falling intonation in statements like "That makes sense." shows that you understand the point clearly.
3. Softened Tone: Keep your tone gentle and calm, which signals that you are listening and respectful, even when you make a countersuggestion.
4. Pausing: Brief pauses before responding give you time to think and prevent interrupting the speaker, which can be perceived as rude.
5. Emphasis: Stress certain words to highlight agreement or to soften disagreement, for example, "I can *see* where you’re coming from, but …" shows empathy before introducing a different opinion.