Language of Meetings. Tip #7: Interrupting At times, you might want to interrupt the discussion to add a point. Here are three polite ways to do that: May I have a word? Could I just say one thing? Excuse me – sorry for interrupting, but…
Language of Meetings. Tip #6: Suggestions If you’d like to make a suggestion or recommendation, you can use these phrases. The “weaker” phrases introduce an option as a possibility. The “stronger” phrases give more emphasis to your belief that it is a good idea. Weak: We could… Why don’t you/we….? How about…? Strong: I suggest……
Language of Meetings. Tip #5: Giving Your Opinion Now let’s learn some phrases for giving your opinion – with some detail in order to give you some flexibility in the way you express your opinion: Strong I strongly believe that… I’m convinced that… Normal I think / believe / feel that… From my point of…
Language of Meetings. Tip #4: Asking For Opinions Meetings often begin with the presentation of some information and then a request for opinions. To ask people for their opinions, you can say: What does everyone think about…? I’d like to get your feedback on… What are your thoughts about/on… ? After one person has…
Language of Meetings. Tip #3: Beginning a Meeting To start the meeting, the meeting leader may use one of these phrases: Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming today. Since everyone is here, let’s get started. First, I’d like to welcome you all. If there are new people in the meeting, or people from different departments…
Language of Meetings. Tip #2: Stay Neutral Whether people speak formally, neutrally or informally depends on where they are, what they are talking about and who they are talking to. In a formal setting, you wouldn’t ask someone you don’t know, “How’s it going?”, and you wouldn’t ask the very formal “How do you do?”…
Language of Meetings. Tip #1: Be positive In business meetings, the use of direct phrases such as “I disagree” or “You’re totally wrong”, however true they may be, can alienate people and potentially the resolution of the problem. Beginning your disagreement with a positive phrase or using softer language can help you avoid potential conflicts.…
Develop your Telephone Speaking Skills. Tip #7: Using Prepositions and the “Phone” There are a few prepositions that we use together with “phone”. On the phone/on the line Example: Shh! I’m on the phone. Example: Bob’s on the other line. Over the phone Example: Reserve it over the phone. By phone Example: I arranged it all by phone From…
Develop your Telephone Speaking Skills. Tip #6: Show Interest The conclusion of a call gives you the opportunity to build trust and further your relationship. Showing interest in the other person’s working and personal life is a good start: Example: Do you have anything planned for the weekend? Show your appreciation of the other person and…
Develop your Telephone Speaking Skills. Tip #6: Keep Control of the Conversation Control the conversation, rather than letting it control you. If you receive a call in English and need time to prepare, say: “I’m sorry, could I ring you back in a few minutes?” Then take a few deep breaths and call back when…