Do you find it hard to say you’ve changed your mind?
In today’s episode, learn how you can articulate that you’ve shifted a decision.
This happens often in the business world.
Today’s phrases will help you connect with colleagues.
Change of mind
Lindsay asks Michelle if she tends to change her mind in her personal life or in the workplace.
Michelle says it happens more in her personal life.
She shifts what she wants to do at times.
Lindsay is the same and often seeks help from her partner.
It can be hard to make decisions.
Having someone to help you see all the angles is a good thing.
In today’s episode, Lindsay and Micehlle talk about the vocabulary you can use to share you’ve changed your mind in the business setting.
It is best to know what to say when you quickly shift directions in your plans, thoughts, or ideas.
You can check out episode BE 246: That Tracks! Two Business English Phrases From the Golden Globes for more vocabulary to use in the professional world.
This could be good for giving directions, expressing your thoughts in a meeting or even in your personal life.
Vocabulary to express you’ve changed your mind
When changing your stance on something, it is extremely vital to have words to show what is happening and to show that a change is coming.
Without it, people might get very confused and you could break the connection.
There are also words you can use to say an idea is completely cut off and won’t be replaced.
Here are some signal words or expressions you can use in these situations at work.
#1: Scratch that
This is a tad informal but very useful in a business setting.
Example:
- So I’ll order 20 meals. Scratch that, 30 meals for lunch instead.
#2: Nevermind
This is very universal and is a neutral expression.
It’s not really informal and also not too formal.
You can use this for someone to disregard your initial decision or statement.
Example:
- We should call our donors to ask what they think. Nevermind- let’s just send them an email.
#3: Forget it!
Three phrases are used with “forget” to convey this meaning.
- Forget it
- Forget what I said
- Forget I mentioned it
These are straightforward ways to say you’ve changed your mind.
When you say this, the person you’re talking to can disregard what you said initially.
Example:
- Okay, so forget what I said about working Saturday. Enjoy the weekend!
#4: Disregard
Similar to ‘forget it’ but more formal.
This is used to express that someone needs to forget what you said or not consider your first decision.
Example:
- Disregard the last sentence. I need to make a change.
#5: Ignore that/me
These are very straightforward and casual.
Each will be used in an informal situation.
This has a self-deprecating tone so Lindsay and Michelle don’t advise you to say this to a superior or in a very formal presentation.
Example:
- If our margin increases, we might have to think about the products we use. Actually- ignore me. I don’t think that will happen.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Michelle using the vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
This is for you to better understand how to use these words in a real English conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle work together and are prepping for a big meeting.
Lindsay: So I can write out the agenda items. No- ignore that. I can ask Jeannie.
Michelle: That’s a good idea. Oh and tell her to disregard what I wrote in the third column.
Lindsay: Will do.
Michelle: Now let’s talk about our visuals. Scratch that- we need to first review all the data.
Lindsay: Right- and forget what I said about the follow up emails. WE don’t have time for that.
Michelle: Right. I mean. I can delegate that to Thomas. Oh, nevermind, he’s on vacation. Ok let’s forget that.
Takeaway
Changing your mind is an extremely important skill in very common business situations.
It is helpful in keeping things fluid in business in terms of sharing information and making decisions.
You want to have the vocabulary to share you’ve changed your mind when you are throwing out ideas and brainstorming in a business setting.
When having conversations and connecting in these situations, showing you are human is crucial.
Don’t hesitate to pivot and have a different perspective after making an initial decision.
What is your favorite vocabulary from today’s episode?
Share it in the comments below.
