How to Learn English for Business Meetings
Meetings are where many professionals feel their English is tested most. The good news is that meetings follow familiar patterns, and a small set of phrases covers most situations.
Opening and agenda
Let's get started. The purpose of today's meeting is...
We have three items on the agenda.
Giving opinions
In my view, ...
I think we should consider...
Agreeing and disagreeing politely
I agree with Sara on this point.
I see your point, but I'm not sure that will work because...
Clarifying
Could you clarify what you mean by...?
Just to make sure I understand, you're saying that...
Interrupting and adding
Sorry to interrupt, but could I add something?
Building on what Ahmed said, ...
Closing and actions
To sum up, we've agreed to...
Who will take care of this, and by when?
How to practise
Learn five phrases a week and use them in real meetings.
Prepare two or three points before each meeting.
Record a mock meeting with colleagues and review it.
London College UK offers English for Business Administration and English for Management. See also our 8-week speaking plan for employees.
Frequently asked questions
How can I speak more in meetings?
Prepare points in advance and aim to contribute at least once per meeting.
What if I don't understand someone?
Politely ask them to clarify or repeat; it's normal and professional.
Is meeting English different from general English?
It uses specific phrases and a more formal tone, built on general English.
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