Taking
something at face value means to not look any deeper into what is being said. If the listener tries to
read into it, the wrong conclusion will be reached.
No ulterior motive. Just
read/hear what is presented and do not read into it.
Take this at face value, but you look really hot
today. Where did you get that shirt? (If the listener didn't take it at face value, he/she might wonder if the speaker is interested, romantically or otherwise)
Take this at face value, but you had mentioned the cost of getting a nose job yesterday and how much you wanted
one. I saw the prices. They're really not as bad as you thought. (If the face value clause were not said, the listener might be offended. It could be construed the speaker is implying the listener should
get a nose job because it looks bad or
whatever)