Out-neutral / Advice url
Skeptic
- The chances of that happening are pretty close to zero.
- If you believe that I have a bridge to sell you.
- Nothing lasts forever.
- You can’t believe everything you hear.
- I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you.
- It’s not worth it.
- I think you’re expecting something that’s not realistic.
- I don’t think that’s such a good idea.
- Lightning never strikes twice in the same spot.
- That’s not a good idea.
- There’s more to it than meets the eye.
- You can’t judge a book by its cover.
- It’s not what it’s cracked up to be.
- Take it with a grain of salt.
- You have to read between the lines.
Skeptic
Out-neutral / Advice url
Realistic-1
- Try to be realistic, don’t be fooled by wishful thinking.
- You’re kidding yourself.
- You can only go so far.
- Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
- Life’s not fun and games.
- In my opinion, you’re just fooling yourself.
- I’m just suggesting that you should look at your options again, because in the long run, I think you’re setting yourself up for endless let downs.
- Try to see the situation for what it is, because it’s better if you don’t have to learn that the hard way.
- It’s a question you have to ask yourself.
- You have to be realistic.
- You’re living in a fool’s paradise.
- The reason your ideas are not more successful is that they are all half-baked.
- You’re spending money like it was going out of style.
Realistic-1
Out-positive / Agreement url
Can I have your second scoop of ice cream?
- The rest is more than enough for me.
- No problem.
- I don’t mind at all.
- That’s fine by me.
- It’s my pleasure.
- Be my guest.
Can I have your second scoop of ice cream?
In-positive / Surprise url
Your favorite team wins 10 games in a row
- It happens only once in a blue moon.
- If that don’t beat all.
- There are no words to describe it.
- Will wonders never cease?
- Lo and behold.
- My goodness.
- It’s a whole new ballgame.
- Heavens to Betsy.
- Can you imagine that?
- Do you dig it?
Your favorite team wins 10 games in a row
In-negative / Doubt url
A skeptical Investor questioning an entrepreneur about startup
- When you get right down to it, it seems that there’s more going on than meets the eye.
- How can you be so sure of that?
- That raises yet another question.
- That’s the 64,000 dollar question.
- If you re-examine the whole situation, you’ll find that’s not the case at all.
- There’s more to it than meets the eye.
- You don’t have a shred of evidence.
- You don’t know what you’re saying.
- You never know how it’s going to turn out.
- I have no idea what you’re talking about.
- It leaves a lot to be desired.
- What you are describing sounds like a pipe-dream.
- What are you trying to accomplish?
- After what you’ve told me, I’m more skeptical than ever.
- That’s just the other side of the same coin.
- The bottom line is that, as far as I'm concerned, when it comes to knowing if it's a good decision or not, the jury is still out.
- You can take it any way you like.
A skeptical Investor questioning an entrepreneur about startup
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
My offer is good
- Don’t pass up an offer like this.
- You’ll never see an offer like this again.
- The offer still stands.
- It seems fair to me.
- That ought to add up nicely.
- I’m trying to accommodate you.
- There’s something in it for everyone.
- I’ll even go you one better.
- I’ll make it worth your while.
- That’s my final offer, take it or leave it.
My offer is good
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a friend who is working very hard at a new job
- You’ll get your reward in the long run.
- Of course it’s above and beyond the call of duty.
- It’s very sorely needed, and I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.
- It’s for a worthy cause.
- When you look back on it, you’ll see that it was all worth it.
- It’s not as if you have much of a say in the matter.
- That’s a good choice.
- That’s a wise decision.
- How’s it coming?
- You’re a good man.
- Do whatever you feel you have to do, whatever you feel is necessary in the situation.
To a friend who is working very hard at a new job
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a High School student who won the science fair
- You’re a real expert.
- That needed out of the box thinking, and you rose to the occasion.
- You should be proud of the fact that you did it all by yourself, with almost no help from anyone else.
- You just scratched the surface of what you can accomplish.
- I guess you’re curious about what makes things tick.
- It’s right up your alley.
To a High School student who won the science fair
Out-neutral / Advice url
Honesty
- The ends don’t justify the means.
- Tell it like it is.
- Keep it clean.
- You should set a good example.
- Honesty is the best policy.
- You can’t go wrong by being straight.
- Be a straight-shooter.
Honesty
Out-negative / Annoyed url
Don’t act innocent
- Don’t get cute.
- Don’t give me that look.
- Stop clowning around.
- Stop looking so smug.
- Laugh if you like.
- Don’t toy with me.
- Don’t play dumb with me.
- Oh it’s little miss goody two shoes.
- Wipe that smirk off your face.
- Don’t be a wise guy.
- Don’t you think that’s a bit much?
Don’t act innocent
Out-positive / Concern url
To a friend whose new job is harder than he expected
- How’s this working out for you?
- Perhaps you got more than you bargained for.
- Your old job is a hard act to follow.
- You have to give it time for the dust to settle, to see if it works out.
- Things sometimes get worse before they get better.
- This is a chance for you to show your mettle.
- Rise to the challenge!
To a friend whose new job is harder than he expected
Out-positive / Encouragement url
To a friend going on a much needed vacation
- It will do you a world of good.
- It’s for your own good.
- You’ll feel like a new man.
- You’re more full of vim and vigor than most people half you age.
- It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.
- It's a step in the right direction.
To a friend going on a much needed vacation