I was having a debate with a friend about which movie to watch. After a back-and-forth discussion, they finally said, “I guess so” with a shrug.
It felt like a hesitant agreement rather than genuine enthusiasm. It made me think about how “I guess so” can sometimes imply uncertainty or reluctance.
Responding effectively to this phrase can help clarify intentions and move the conversation forward, whether you want to address the hesitation or build on it.
1. “Do you have any reservations about it?”
You’re seeking to understand their hesitation better.
Example: “Do you have any reservations about it?”
When to use: When you want to address their uncertainty and clarify their stance.
When not to use: If you prefer to proceed with the decision as is.
2. “I appreciate your input. Let’s discuss further.”
You acknowledge their response and suggest continuing the discussion.
Example: “I appreciate your input. Let’s discuss further.”
When to use: When you want to explore their thoughts more deeply.
When not to use: If you’re looking for a quick resolution.
3. “Alright, let’s go with it and see how it turns out.”
You’re willing to proceed despite their hesitation.
Example: “Alright, let’s go with it and see how it turns out.”
When to use: When you’re okay with moving forward even with some uncertainty.
When not to use: If you need a more enthusiastic agreement.
4. “Could you clarify what you mean by that?”
You want to get more specifics about their uncertainty.
Example: “Could you clarify what you mean by that?”
When to use: When you need more information to understand their hesitation.
When not to use: If you’re comfortable proceeding without further details.
5. “I sense you’re not fully on board. Any concerns?”
You’re addressing their lack of enthusiasm directly.
Example: “I sense you’re not fully on board. Any concerns?”
When to use: When you want to openly address their reluctance.
When not to use: If you prefer to avoid confronting their hesitation.
6. “That’s fair. What would make you feel better about it?”
You’re asking for feedback to improve the situation.
Example: “That’s fair. What would make you feel better about it?”
When to use: When you’re open to suggestions and want to address their concerns.
When not to use: If you’re not interested in changing the current plan.
7. “Thanks for your input. Let’s see how it goes.”
You’re acknowledging their response and taking a wait-and-see approach.
Example: “Thanks for your input. Let’s see how it goes.”
When to use: When you’re open to proceeding with the plan as is.
When not to use: If you need a more definitive agreement.
8. “I understand your hesitation. Can we find a compromise?”
You’re addressing their reluctance and looking for a middle ground.
Example: “I understand your hesitation. Can we find a compromise?”
When to use: When you want to work together to resolve their concerns.
When not to use: If you’re not open to negotiating.
9. “It sounds like you’re not completely sure. How can I help?”
You’re offering assistance to address their uncertainty.
Example: “It sounds like you’re not completely sure. How can I help?”
When to use: When you want to provide support or clarification.
When not to use: If you prefer to proceed without additional input.
10. “Okay, let’s proceed but keep in mind we can adjust if needed.”
You’re moving forward while leaving room for adjustments.
Example: “Okay, let’s proceed but keep in mind we can adjust if needed.”
When to use: When you want to move forward with flexibility.
When not to use: If you need a firm commitment.
11. “I hear you. Let’s go ahead and see what happens.”
You’re acknowledging their uncertainty and suggesting to move forward.
Example: “I hear you. Let’s go ahead and see what happens.”
When to use: When you want to take a trial approach.
When not to use: If you need more enthusiasm.
12. “Is there anything specific that’s making you hesitant?”
You’re probing for details about their reluctance.
Example: “Is there anything specific that’s making you hesitant?”
When to use: When you want to identify the root of their hesitation.
When not to use: If you’re satisfied with the current level of agreement.
13. “Let’s discuss your concerns and find a solution.”
You’re inviting them to discuss their concerns openly.
Example: “Let’s discuss your concerns and find a solution.”
When to use: When you’re interested in addressing their issues comprehensively.
When not to use: If you prefer a simpler approach.
14. “Okay, let’s move forward but stay flexible.”
You’re agreeing to proceed while remaining adaptable.
Example: “Okay, let’s move forward but stay flexible.”
When to use: When you’re okay with proceeding with flexibility.
When not to use: If you need a more definite commitment.
15. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll take that into account.”
You’re acknowledging their input and considering it.
Example: “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll take that into account.”
When to use: When you want to show that you’re considering their hesitation.
When not to use: If you want a more enthusiastic response.
16. “I get that you’re unsure. How about we revisit this later?”
You’re recognizing their uncertainty and suggesting a future discussion.
Example: “I get that you’re unsure. How about we revisit this later?”
When to use: When you want to give them time to reconsider.
When not to use: If you need to make a decision immediately.
17. “Got it. Let’s proceed and see how it turns out.”
You’re moving forward with their tentative agreement.
Example: “Got it. Let’s proceed and see how it turns out.”
When to use: When you’re comfortable with a trial approach.
When not to use: If you need a more decisive answer.
18. “Thanks for your honesty. How can we improve this?”
You’re thanking them for their input and looking for ways to improve.
Example: “Thanks for your honesty. How can we improve this?”
When to use: When you want to enhance the situation based on their feedback.
When not to use: If you’re not interested in making changes.
19. “Alright, let’s try it and make adjustments if necessary.”
You’re agreeing to try their suggestion with the option to adjust.
Example: “Alright, let’s try it and make adjustments if necessary.”
When to use: When you want to proceed with room for changes.
When not to use: If you need a clear commitment.
20. “Thanks for your input. Is there anything that would make you more confident?”
You’re seeking to understand what could improve their confidence.
Example: “Thanks for your input. Is there anything that would make you more confident?”
When to use: When you want to address their concerns to boost their confidence.
When not to use: If you’re okay with the current level of agreement.
21. “Got it. I’ll keep your thoughts in mind as we proceed.”
You’re acknowledging their input and planning to consider it.
Example: “Got it. I’ll keep your thoughts in mind as we proceed.”
When to use: When you want to show that you’re taking their input seriously.
When not to use: If you need a stronger commitment.
22. “Understood. Let’s go ahead and see how it works out.”
You’re moving forward while remaining open to evaluation.
Example: “Understood. Let’s go ahead and see how it works out.”
When to use: When you’re comfortable with a trial approach.
When not to use: If you require a more decisive agreement.
23. “I see your point. How about we adjust the plan slightly?”
You’re acknowledging their concerns and suggesting a modification.
Example: “I see your point. How about we adjust the plan slightly?”
When to use: When you want to address their concerns with a compromise.
When not to use: If you prefer to stick with the original plan.
24. “Thanks for your feedback. Let’s proceed and evaluate as we go.”
You’re thanking them for their input and suggesting a flexible approach.
Example: “Thanks for your feedback. Let’s proceed and evaluate as we go.”
When to use: When you’re open to ongoing evaluation and adjustment.
When not to use: If you need a more committed response.
25. “Okay, let’s proceed with the understanding that things might change.”
You’re agreeing to move forward with the understanding that changes may be needed.
Example: “Okay, let’s proceed with the understanding that things might change.”
When to use: When you’re okay with potential changes along the way.
When not to use: If you need a more concrete commitment.
26. “I appreciate your input. Can we address any specific concerns?”
You’re showing appreciation and asking for more details on their concerns.
Example: “I appreciate your input. Can we address any specific concerns?”
When to use: When you want to delve deeper into their hesitation.
When not to use: If you’re not interested in discussing their concerns further.
27. “Thanks for sharing. Let’s move forward and adjust as needed.”
You’re acknowledging their input and suggesting a flexible approach.
Example: “Thanks for sharing. Let’s move forward and adjust as needed.”
When to use: When you’re comfortable with proceeding and making adjustments.
When not to use: If you need a more definitive commitment.
28. “I hear you. What’s the best way to address your concerns?”
You’re listening to their input and seeking the best way to resolve it.
Example: “I hear you. What’s the best way to address your concerns?”
When to use: When you want to address their concerns effectively.
When not to use: If you’re satisfied with proceeding without further input.
29. “Got it. Let’s move forward with the option to revise if needed.”
You’re agreeing to proceed while keeping the option open for revisions.
Example: “Got it. Let’s move forward with the option to revise if needed.”
When to use: When you’re open to making changes if necessary.
When not to use: If you need a firm decision.
30. “Thanks for your honesty. How can we improve this to make you more comfortable?”
You’re showing gratitude and seeking ways to make improvements.
Example: “Thanks for your honesty. How can we improve this to make you more comfortable?”
When to use: When you want to address their concerns and make improvements.
When not to use: If you prefer to proceed without additional input.
Top 10 Editor Choice Responses
- “Do you have any reservations about it?”
- “I appreciate your input. Let’s discuss further.”
- “Alright, let’s go with it and see how it turns out.”
- “Could you clarify what you mean by that?”
- “I sense you’re not fully on board. Any concerns?”
- “That’s fair. What would make you feel better about it?”
- “Thanks, I’ll take that into account.”
- “I get that you’re unsure. How about we revisit this later?”
- “Got it. Let’s proceed and see how it works out.”
- “Thanks for your feedback. Let’s proceed and evaluate as we go.”
