Expressions for Persuading, Encouraging and Deterring

Cindy : Hi, Sandi. How are you?

Sandi   : Great. And you?

Cindy : Ahahaha, it's a bit ridiculous!

Sandi   : What's the matter, Cindy?

Cindy : The results of the short story contest were announced this morning. And I didn't win

any prizes because I forgot to send it. And I just knew it this morning when I found the envelope inside my drawer.

Sandi   : That's too bad. How come? But, don't worry about it. You'll win another contest and you'll not forget next time, won't you?

Cindy : Yes, that's for sure. But, I don't think I'll never win a writing contest because I think I wrote it badly.

Sandi   : Huh? Look at this short story. It's written by Marcia an eleven years old girl. I think you can write better. Would it be possible for you to send your short story to the newspaper?

Cindy : OK, I'll consider that. Anyway, I'm not sure the newspaper will publish my short story.

Sandi   : Come on. Don't give up.

Cindy : Well, I'll try. If I fail, I'll quit writing short stories. I must admit I'm not a talented writer.

Sandi   : Oh, no. I wouldn't do that if I were you. I don't think it was a good idea.

Cindy : Thanks for telling me.

Sandi   : Let's just hope that someday your short stories will be published in a newspaper or magazine.

1. What does Sandi say to persuade Cindy to send her short stories to a newspaper?

2. What does Cindy say to respond to it?

3. What does Sandi say to encourage Cindy?

4. What does Cindy say to respond to it?

5. Cheryl thinks of quitting writing short stories. What does Sean say to tell her not to do that?

6. What does Sandi say to criticise Cindy's idea?

7. What does Sandi say to express his hope?

Expressions for Persuading

• Would it be possible for you to …?

• Won't you …, please?

• Why don't you …?

• Please!

• Not even for me/for my sake?

• Just this once!

• You're not going to let me down, are you?

• How I can persuade you to …?

• Could you/Couldn't you be persuaded …?

Expressions for Encouraging

• Come on ….

• Don't give up.

• Go on!

• Keep at it!

• Keep it up!

• You can do it!

• Stick to it!

• Don't worry, I'm sure you'll do better this time.

Expressions for Advising Someone Not to do Something (Deterring)

• I wouldn't do that if I were you.

• If I were in your position, I wouldn't ….

• I wouldn't … if I were in your shoes.

• You would be well advised not to ….

• If I were you I wouldn't ….

• The way I see it, you shouldn't ‘….

• I don't think you ought to ….

• I don't think you should ….

Practice the following short dialogue with your partner.

Pay attention to your intonation and expression.

A : This room is a mess! Why can't you be more tidy?

B : Sorry. I'll clear it up right away.

A : Your story is great. Why don't you try to publish it? It can be a best seller.

B : Thanks for your support and complement.

A : Don't give up. Try and try again. Come on.

B : All right then. I'll try my best.

A : If I were in your position, I wouldn't do that.

B : I'll consider your suggestion.

A : How can I persuade you to join the club?

B : Well, thanks for asking me. I really appreciate your concern.

A : I don't think you ought to buy that book. I think the story is awful.

B : Oh really? Thanks for your advice. I'll consider that.

A : Go on! I'm sure you can do it.

B : OK. Thanks for your encouragement.