10 Business English Phrases You Need to Know for Meetings

10 Business English Phrases You Need to Know for Meetings

10 December 2024

Effective communication is critical in professional settings, and mastering key business English phrases can make your meetings smoother and more productive. Whether you are leading a meeting, participating actively, or collaborating with international colleagues, knowing these phrases will help you express your ideas clearly and confidently. Here are 10 essential business English phrases you need to know for meetings.


1. “Let’s get started.”


This phrase is commonly used to kick off a meeting. It signals to everyone that the discussion is beginning.


Example:

“Good morning, everyone. Let’s get started with today’s agenda.”


2. “Let’s move on to the next point.”


Use this phrase to transition smoothly between agenda items or topics.


Example:

“We’ve covered the sales results. Let’s move on to the next point: marketing strategies for Q2.”


3. “I’d like to hear your thoughts on this.”


This is a great way to encourage participation and invite feedback.


Example:

“We’ve proposed a new pricing model. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this.”


4. “Could you clarify what you mean by…?”


If you don’t fully understand someone’s point, this phrase helps you ask for more detail politely.


Example:

“Could you clarify what you mean by ‘streamlining the workflow’?”


5. “Let’s table this for now.”


When a topic needs more time or is not urgent, this phrase suggests postponing it for a later discussion.


Example:

“We’re running out of time, so let’s table this for now and revisit it next week.”


6. “To sum up…”


Use this phrase to briefly recap key points or decisions made during the meeting.


Example:

“To sum up, we’ve agreed on the new deadlines and assigned roles for the project.”


7. “Let’s take a quick vote on this.”


When a decision needs to be made, this phrase helps you quickly gauge the group’s consensus.


Example:

“Let’s take a quick vote on this proposal. All in favor?”


8. “I’m not sure that’s feasible.”


This phrase allows you to politely express doubt or disagreement without being confrontational.


Example:

“I’m not sure that’s feasible given our current resources and timeline.”


9. “Let’s circle back to that later.”


If a discussion is off track or needs more information, use this to suggest revisiting the topic later.


Example:

“We’re getting into too much detail here. Let’s circle back to that later.”


10. “Are there any action items?”


At the end of a meeting, this phrase helps clarify the tasks and responsibilities assigned.


Example:

“Before we finish, are there any action items we need to note?”


Conclusion


Mastering these business English phrases can significantly enhance your effectiveness in meetings. They provide a structured way to lead discussions, ask for input, and manage time efficiently. By using these phrases confidently, you’ll ensure that your meetings are productive, professional, and clear. Practice them regularly, and you’ll soon feel more at ease in any business setting.

 

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