Business meetings: key phrases

Choose all the phrases that can be used to open a meeting.

• I would like to start by...

• If you would allow me to continue...

• Welcome ladies and gentlemen.

• In conclusion, ...

What are phrases such as "It's out of the question.", "I'm not at all convinced it will work." and "I respect your opinion, but..." used for?

• preventing an interruption

• playing for time

• disagreeing

• making suggestions

I'd like to... the following points

• go over

• get back

• comment

I would like to go back ... the main points

• in

• about

• over

Choose all the phrases used to summarise outcomes and conclude a meeting.

• In short, ...

• To sum up, ...

• Thank you all for your attention.

• If I could just finish explaining...

• It really depends. On the one hand...

Choose all the phrases that can be used for being non-committal or playing for time.

• It really depends. On the one hand...

• That's an interesting idea. Can I get back to you on that?

• If you could just hold on a minute...

• I'm really glad you asked that question.

• Correct me if I'm wrong, but...

Can I get back to you ... that?

• on

• over

• by

• in

What can the following be used for?

"Sorry, could you repeat that?"

"I'm not with you. Could you explain that again?"

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but..."

• Preventing an interruption

• Being non-committal

• Disagreeing

• Asking for clarification

Thank you very much for being ...

• in time

• on time

• the meeting

• the time

• punctually

Can you ... on your progress?

• discuss

• talk about

• fill us in

• tell us