Final answer:
To express uncertainty or reduce emphasis in a conversation, one should use qualifiers like 'possibly' or 'maybe', as well as phrases that indicate openness to other possibilities and avoid conveying an unwavering authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
When expressing stance and wanting to communicate uncertainty or reduce emphasis, the appropriate choice is to use qualifiers. Qualifiers such as "possibly", "maybe", and phrases like "it seems that", "it appears to me that", or "I may be wrong, but" help to soften the tone of the conversation.
They effectively introduce a level of uncertainty that can make the dialogue more inviting and less authoritative, which is particularly useful in academic settings.
These qualifiers convey that the speaker is open to other possibilities and acknowledges that there is room for debate. It is a strategy that avoids the pitfalls of polarizing conversations by 'bossing' people with a projected sense of unwavering authority.
Using words such as "possible", "likely", "plausible", and "risk" in stating facts or opinions can signal to the listener that the speaker is considering various outcomes or levels of confidence in their statements.