Expressing opinions

• We believe... (that) It seems to us... (that)
• We think... (that) We feel... (that)
• It is our view... (that) We tend to feel... (that)

· Our opinion is... (that)

Handing back to the team leader or the next speaker

• I'd like to hand back to...
• Now Peter Toolbox will explain...

Appendix 7.

Discourse markers in speech and in writing

Discourse markers are words and phrases which organize, comment on or in some way frame what we are saying or writing.

Discourse markers in speech

Markers, used to organize the process of doing sth.:

Right:

Ok: Right/OK, let’s have a look at exercise 3.

Modify or comment on what is being said:

Well: So do you live in Boston? Well, Near Boston.

Mind you: Mind you, it’s November, it’s not surprising that it’s cold.

Let me see: Let me see, I have it somewhere here…

Listen/Look: Look, why don’t you let me sort out?

Hang on/Hold on!: Hold on! Let me tell you what he said!

You see: I can’t do this, you see, I’m not the boss here. (explaining)

You know, sort of: He was, you know, sort of ….just standing there. (hesitation)

Anyway: Anyway, I’ll ring you tomorrow. (the speaker thinks the topic or conversation is over)

Still: Still, we can’t complain it was fine all last week. (contrasts two ideas)

At the end of the day: At the end of the day, he is the only child. (the most important point or argument)