“That’s a Great Point” How to Acknowledge Ideas Professionally
BUSINESS ENGLISHPHRASES
Welcome to your guide on professional communication. In any high stakes environment, whether it is a business meeting, a graduate school seminar, or a formal interview, your ability to engage with others' ideas is critically important. Have you ever found yourself in a discussion where someone presents a valuable insight, even if it diverges from your own viewpoint? How you respond in that moment can define your professional presence.
One of the most effective tools in your Business English toolkit for this exact situation is the phrase: “That’s a great point.”
This simple expression is far more than just a polite comment. It is a strategic device that allows you to build rapport, demonstrate active listening, and gracefully transition into your own perspective. In this lesson, we will deconstruct this phrase to understand its meaning, its applications, and how you can use it to elevate your professional communication.
What Does “That’s a Great Point” Mean?
At its core, “That’s a great point” is a professional and respectful acknowledgment of another person’s contribution to a conversation. When you use this phrase, you are communicating several layers of meaning simultaneously.
You are signaling:
“I have heard and understood what you said.” This demonstrates active listening, a skill that is universally valued. It shows the speaker that their words were not ignored.
“You have made an intelligent observation.” This validates the speaker and their idea. It shows that you recognize the merit in their thinking, which fosters a positive and collaborative atmosphere.
“Your idea is a valid contribution to this discussion.” This communicates respect and intellectual maturity. It opens the door for further exploration of the idea rather than shutting it down.
Crucially, using this phrase does not obligate you to agree with the idea presented. You can acknowledge the validity of a point before respectfully offering a counterargument or a different perspective. This technique is fundamental for navigating disagreements without creating conflict.
Why It’s Useful for Business, Grad School, and IELTS
This phrase is a versatile tool that proves its worth in various professional and academic contexts. Let’s examine its specific benefits in three key areas.
In a Business Environment In the corporate world, collaboration is paramount. Using “That’s a great point” during a team meeting or a negotiation shows that you are a receptive and collaborative team player. It moves the focus from individual competition to collective problem solving. Colleagues and superiors alike value individuals who can listen thoughtfully and build upon the ideas of others, as it leads to stronger outcomes and a healthier work environment.
In a Graduate School Setting Higher education, particularly at the graduate level, is centered on academic discourse. Your professors and peers expect you to do more than simply state your own opinions. You are expected to engage with, analyze, and synthesize the ideas presented in your cohort. Acknowledging a classmate's contribution with “That’s a great point” serves as the perfect foundation for adding your own research, connecting their idea to a different theory, or asking a clarifying question.
In the IELTS Speaking Test The IELTS Speaking test, especially Part 3, assesses your ability to discuss abstract topics. The examiner is looking for fluency, coherence, and a wide range of language. Starting your response to a follow up question with “That’s an interesting point” or a similar variation adds a sophisticated structure to your answer. It shows the examiner that you can process information in real time and formulate a well-organized response, which can significantly improve your score.
Real-World Examples in Context
Let’s analyze how this phrase functions in specific scenarios.
In a Business Meeting: Imagine a team is debating a new marketing strategy. Sarah suggests focusing entirely on social media influencers. Instead of immediately pointing out the risks, a manager might say: “That’s a great point, Sarah. The potential for reach with influencers is significant. How can we integrate that idea with our existing email marketing campaign to ensure we reach all demographics?”
In an Academic Discussion: During a literature seminar, a student argues that a novel’s protagonist is purely selfish. Another student could respond: “That’s a great point about his self-serving actions in the first half. I would like to add that his motivations seem to shift after the climax of the story, which might suggest a more complex character arc.”
During a Job Interview: The interviewer remarks, “Our company believes that technical skill is the most important quality in an employee.” An excellent response would be: “That’s a great point, and I agree that technical proficiency is crucial. I also believe that strong communication skills are what allow those technical abilities to truly benefit a team.”
In a Professional Email: When receiving feedback on a draft proposal, you might write: “Thank you for your notes on the report. That’s a great point about the need to include more recent data in section two. I will revise the document and send a new version over this afternoon.”
Grammar and Usage Tips
To use this phrase correctly and effectively, follow these simple structural guidelines. The most common structure is to state the phrase, then use a conjunction like “and,” “but,” or “however” to introduce your own idea.
You can also use slight variations to avoid repetition:
“That’s a valid point.”
“That’s a strong argument.”
“You’ve raised a great point there.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Always use the correct form of the expression. It is important to avoid common grammatical errors that can make your speech sound unnatural.
For example, here are correct applications:
“That’s a great point; let me build on that.”
“I agree, that’s a great point about time management.”
Here are some incorrect forms to avoid:
Incorrect: “That’s a great pointing.” (The word is “point,” a noun.)
Incorrect: “You do great point.” (The correct verb is “make” or “raise,” as in “You make a great point.”)
Strategic Uses
Deploy this expression to achieve specific communication goals:
To smoothly acknowledge others' input without interrupting the flow of conversation.
To create a verbal bridge to transition from someone else’s idea to your own.
To avoid sounding dismissive or aggressive when you need to disagree.
To show cultural sensitivity and respect, especially in formal or multicultural settings where direct disagreement can be seen as rude.
Final Thoughts
Effective communication is not always about having the best idea or winning the argument. It is about fostering an environment of respect, clarity, and collaboration. Mastering a simple phrase like “That’s a great point” is a significant step toward becoming a more polished and influential communicator.
Your task now is to put this into practice. In your next meeting, class, or even a casual discussion, listen for an opportunity to use it. Observe how it changes the dynamic of the conversation. By making this tool a part of your regular vocabulary, you will enhance your professional presence and your ability to connect with others.