Business meetings can be stressful whether you are the chairperson or a participant.
How to take part in a business meeting — English listening and speaking lesson
One way to make a good impression is to use a wider variety of specific vocabulary. So try to learn some of the phrases featured in the listening.
People having a meeting in English
Listen to this podcast on phrases to use in a business meeting
Before you listen
Discuss these questions with a partner or think about your answers:
- What kind of meetings do you have in your job?
- Are your meetings more formal or informal?
- Do people usually speak English in your meetings?
- What is a common goal of team meetings?
While you listen
- 1. What are three different ways to introduce yourself in a meeting, according to Phil and Pippa?
- 2. Why do they say it’s not always helpful to use your job title when introducing yourself?
- 3. What should you do if you don’t get the chance to introduce yourself at the beginning of the meeting?
- 4. Why might someone say, “I have a background in…” during a meeting?
- 5. What are two polite ways to disagree with someone in a meeting?
- 6. What phrases can you use to interrupt a meeting politely if it’s moving too quickly?
- 7. What is an agenda and why is it helpful in a meeting?
- 8. What is AOB and when is it used?
💬 Match the phrase to its function
Match each phrase to what it helps you do in a meeting:
"Let's get the ball rolling"
"Could I add a thought?"
“I like that idea, but my thinking is a bit different”
“I’m responsible for the podcasts”
“Please can we stick to the agenda?”
🗣 Discussion (pair or group work)
- 1. How do you usually introduce yourself in professional meetings? Would you change anything after watching this video?
- 2. In your culture, is it normal to apologise when interrupting someone?
- 3. What phrases from the video would be useful in your next meeting? Why?
- 4. Do you think meetings in English-speaking workplaces are too polite, too indirect or just right?
Want to improve your English for work?
Our Communication at Work course helps professionals feel more confident in meetings, emails and everyday office conversations.
