Intermediate
Focus: Accessory
Intermediate focus: Add variation and link ideas. Keep flow with short pauses.
How to train (quick guide)
- Read Set 1 once quietly.
- Say all reps out loud.
- Do sets in order.
- Repeat the whole exercise 2 times.
🏋️ Natural Softening (Sound Less Direct) – Reps: 2×8
Make your sentences smoother and more natural.
⚠️ RULE
👀 Read direct version → 🗣 Say softened version
Add one softening phrase. Keep it natural.
SET 1 – Basic Softening (2×8)
Say the softer version out loud.
- I don’t agree. → I don’t really agree.
- That’s wrong. → That’s not really right.
- I don’t like it. → I don’t really like it.
- It’s bad. → It’s kind of bad.
- I don’t understand. → I’m not really sure I understand.
- That’s strange. → That’s a bit strange.
- I don’t want that. → I don’t really want that.
- It’s difficult. → It’s kind of difficult.
- I don’t really agree with that.
- That’s kind of strange, actually.
- I’m not really sure that’s correct.
- It’s a bit more complicated than that.
- I don’t really think that works.
- That seems kind of unfair.
- I’m not completely sure about that.
- It’s a little harder than I expected.
SET 2 – In Real Sentences (2×8)
Use one softener. Keep it natural.
🧊 COOL DOWN
Say one opinion about something you watched. Soften it.
Disagree with something gently.
Explain one small problem without sounding angry.
Optional listening:
Watch a podcast or interview.
Notice how often people say “kind of,” “a bit,” “I think,” or “not really.”
✅ Finish when
You stop sounding too direct.
Your opinions feel smoother and more natural.
Softening phrases come automatically when you disagree.