Navigating Discussions in English for Non-Native Speakers: The Power of Transitional Phrases - Part One: Striking the Right Tone

As an English and US Culture Coach, I often work with clients who have to navigate stressful situations in their careers where they need to share their insights, and exchange ideas in English. Here, transitional phrases are like the invisible hand that guides the flow and sets the tone of a panel discussion. When striving for a lighter, more informal atmosphere, individuals can employ phrases that evoke a sense of camaraderie. While, in more serious or formal settings, a different set of phrases is needed to meet the cultural rules of etiquette. Therefore, in today’s article, I will focus on transitional phases and how to employ them in different contexts.

Setting the Tone: Light Versus Serious

Light Atmosphere

"Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of our topic." (nitty-gritty = details)

"Moving right along, let's spice things up with some real-world examples." (to spice something up = to make it more interesting)

"To keep things rolling, we'll now shift gears to discuss something a bit more exciting." (To keep things rolling = to continue with a flow)

These phrases lend a conversational touch to the panel, making it feel like an engaging chat among friends.

Serious Atmosphere

"Let's explore the nuances of this complex issue more deeply."

"To elaborate on our previous points, it's crucial to examine a number of examples."

"To continue with our discussion, let's consider the underlying aspects of…."

These phrases are better for academic conferences and more formal events such as policy discussions at a think tank.

If you're interested in discovering how I work with my English coaching clients and experience my unique blend of English teaching and coaching that focuses on personal growth and personalized support, don't hesitate to reach out to me at office@lingualinkdc.net. I'm here to help you every step of the way! Feel free to send me a message anytime—I'm always eager to assist you on your language learning and cultural  journey.

My mission is to help non-native English speakers succeed in the world with English coaching, US culture, and intercultural & cross-cultural training. The world is your oyster!