#9 How to Offer Your Seat on a Bus｜Polite English Expressions
Izumi English Morning
#80 Proposing a New Project｜English Business Phrases
Izumi
When proposing a new project, it is important not only to present a good idea but also to communicate it in a way that makes it easy for the other person to consider.
When making proposals in English, avoiding strong assertions and presenting ideas as possibilities or options can create a more positive and cooperative impression.
In this article, I explain useful English expressions for introducing a new project, describing its content, and continuing the discussion based on the other person’s response.
Contents
Dialogue
Do you have a few minutes? I’d like to share an idea for a new project.
Sure. What kind of project are you thinking about?
I’ve been thinking about launching an internal training program to improve team communication.
That sounds interesting. What specific issues would it address?
It would help reduce misunderstandings between departments and speed up decision-making.
How do you plan to start it?
I suggest starting with a small pilot program and reviewing the results after three months.
1. Starting with a Polite Introduction
When proposing a new project, it is helpful to begin with a brief introduction rather than jumping straight into the main point.
Phrases such as “I’d like to discuss something” or “I’d like to share an idea” help make the conversation smoother.
Examples
- Do you have a few minutes?
- I’d like to share an idea for a new project.
The phrase “share an idea” is softer and more conversational than “propose”, making it suitable for the early stage of discussion.
Starting by sharing an idea and then adjusting the discussion based on the other person’s reaction is often an effective approach.
2. Explaining the Project Overview
When describing your idea, briefly explain what kind of project it is.
Example
- I’ve been thinking about launching an internal training program.
The phrase “I’ve been thinking about ～” suggests that the idea is not a sudden thought, but something you have considered over time.
This helps make your proposal sound more thoughtful and prepared.
Related Expressions
- I’ve been thinking about improving our onboarding process.
- I’ve been thinking about launching a new service.
- I’ve been thinking about reorganizing the workflow.
3. Explaining the Purpose and Benefits
One of the most important aspects of a proposal is clearly explaining why the project is worth doing.
This means showing concrete benefits from the listener’s perspective.
Examples
- It would help reduce misunderstandings between departments.
- It would speed up decision-making.
The expression “would help ～” presents benefits as positive possibilities rather than absolute claims.
This makes it especially useful when making proposals.
Related Expressions
- It would improve communication within the team.
- It would make the process more efficient.
- It would support our long-term goals.
Emphasizing the value of the project for the company or the team is a key point.
4. Explaining How to Proceed
Providing a clear plan makes your proposal more concrete and realistic.
Example
- I suggest starting with a small pilot program and reviewing the results after three months.
The term “pilot program” is commonly used in business to refer to a test initiative conducted before full-scale implementation.
Mentioning the timeframe and evaluation process further strengthens the credibility of your proposal.
Summary
Grammar Points
- I’d like to share an idea for a new project.
→ A useful phrase for introducing a new proposal. - I’ve been thinking about ～.
→ A way to show that the idea has been carefully considered. - It would help ～ / It would improve ～.
→ Expressions for presenting objectives and benefits realistically and politely. - I suggest ～ / starting with a pilot program.
→ Phrases for proposing a concrete plan of action.
