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Meetings · part 2 — making your point

State the bottom line and handle your own uncertainty.

結論を述べつつ、自分の迷いも扱えるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

The bottom line is ~.
I'm a little on the fence about ~.
My one reservation is ~.
On balance, ~.

Example conversation

ASo, are you for or against?
BThe bottom line is I support it, but I'm a little on the fence about the cost.
AUnderstandable.
BMy one reservation is the timing.
ACould we adjust that?
BIf so, then on balance, I'm a yes.

In context

Listen to someone giving a balanced view. 'Let me give you the bottom line: I support the project. That said, I'm a little on the fence about the budget — my one reservation is that the costs could creep. But if we set a firm cap, then on balance, I'm a clear yes. I just want eyes open going in.'

When to use it · practice

You're asked for a clear position. State the bottom line.
明確な立場を求められています。結論を述べましょう。
You're not fully decided. Admit you're on the fence.
完全には決めかねています。「迷っている」と認めましょう。
You want to weigh it up. Give your balanced verdict.
総合的に判断したいです。バランスの取れた結論を言いましょう。

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