Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

46. What you really mean
2. Linking Gambits

Imagine you are a journalist interviewing a politician for a newspaper article.

Journalist: What are you going to do about the slums?

Politician: Well, let me think ... that is a very difficult question.

Journalist: In other words, you don’t have any plans.

When we are asked a question which we either do not know the answer to or which we would prefer to avoid, we often use a hesitation phrase.

If someone insists on finding out our opinion, they can re-state what they think we believe.

Work in pairs as journalist and politician with the following interview questions. Use the phrases in the lists and make conversations like the example above.

Issue 1 — The New Nuclear Power Station

1. What is your opinion of nuclear power?

2. Are you in favour of the new nuclear power station being built 10 miles away?

3. Do you think it will cause health problems for the people in neighbouring villages?

4. What is happening to the people who have to leave their homes to make way for the power station?

5. Why have all the decisions been taken in secret?

Issue 2 — Houses for the Homeless

A large empty building in the centre of town has been occupied by squatters — people with nowhere to live.

1. Do you have plans to bring in the army to evict the squatters?

2. Is it true that you have cut off the water to the building?

3. Do you know that there are women with babies in the building?

4. Where are you going to put these people when they finally come out?

Hesitation Phrases:

Well, um ...

Well, let’s see.

Mmm, I’ll have to think about that.

Re-stating:

So what you’re saying is ...

So what you’re really saying is ...

In other words,

If I understand you correctly,

So you mean that ...