Practice
English language for meetings
Sign in to saveYou have a useful point to make in a meeting, but the conversation moves quickly. A few reliable phrases can help you enter the discussion, explain your view, and leave with a clear understanding of what happens next.
Use clear, polite English to take part in a meeting from the opening through the agreed next steps.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
Can we confirm who will contact the supplier? /kæn wiː kənˈfɜːm huː wɪl ˈkɒntækt ðə səˈplaɪə/
The short answer
Use a short phrase for the meeting task, then add the detail that the group needs to discuss, decide, or do.
Could we begin with the delivery schedule?
Why it works: The speaker politely introduces one clear topic for the group to discuss.
4 more examples
-
I would like to add one point about the training plan.
Use this when you want to contribute without interrupting the flow of the discussion.
Not this:
I have a pointabout the training plan. What changes: This is understandable, but the longer phrase sounds more prepared and polite in a formal meeting. -
Could you clarify which costs are included in the estimate?
Use this when one detail affects your understanding or decision.
Not this:
What costsare included? What changes: This direct question can work, but Could you clarify makes the request softer. -
I agree with the proposal, but we need a realistic deadline.
This acknowledges a useful idea before you explain a condition or concern.
Not this:The deadline
is unrealistic. What changes: This may sound too blunt because it does not show what you support or suggest instead. -
Can we confirm who will contact the supplier?
Use this near the end of a discussion to turn a general idea into a clear action.
Not this:
Someone shouldcontact the supplier. What changes: The task is clear, but the person responsible is still unknown.
Read the full guide
First, decide what you need to do at this moment in the meeting. You may be setting the agenda, adding a point, checking a detail, supporting an idea, raising a concern, or agreeing on an action. Start with a phrase that signals your purpose. Then give a short reason, question, or proposal. This structure makes your contribution easier for others to follow.
Open the meeting with a clear purpose
At the start, tell the group why you are meeting and what you need to cover. Could we begin with and I would like to start with both introduce a topic politely. If there is an agenda, name the item rather than speaking in general terms.
I would like to start with the customer feedback from last month.
The phrase gives the discussion a clear first topic and helps listeners prepare their response.
Bring a new point into the discussion
When someone else is speaking, wait for a natural pause if you can. Use I would like to add, Could I come in here, or There is one point we should consider. Then explain the point in one or two sentences. This helps the group see how your comment connects to the current topic.
Could I come in here? The current plan does not include time for staff training.
The opening phrase signals that you want a turn before you give your reason.
Which phrase politely adds an idea: I would like to add one point about the budget, or The budget is my point?
I would like to add one point about the budget clearly signals that you are joining the discussion.
Ask for detail before you decide
Questions can prevent a decision based on an assumption. Use Could you clarify when a point is unclear. Use Can we look at when you want the group to examine information together. For a specific fact, ask a direct question after the polite opening.
Can we look at the figures for the second quarter before we choose an option?
The question explains why the group should examine the figures now.
Could you clarify whether the contract includes technical support?
The speaker asks for one detail that may change the decision.
Agree, disagree, and offer a useful alternative
Agreement can move a meeting forward, but you may also need to explain a concern. I agree with that because gives a reason for support. I see the benefit, although and I have a different view on let you disagree without making the discussion personal. Follow the phrase with evidence, a condition, or an alternative.
I see the benefit of a shorter launch period, although we need enough time to test the new process.
The speaker accepts one advantage while naming a practical concern.
How can you disagree more constructively than saying That will not work?
Say I have a different view because the timeline leaves no time for testing. The reason gives the group something specific to discuss.
Turn a decision into an action
Before a topic ends, check what the group has agreed and who will do each task. Can we confirm and Who will take responsibility for are useful when an action needs an owner. Add a date or a result when the group has already agreed one.
Can we confirm that Maya will send the revised outline by Friday?
This confirms the person, task, and deadline in one sentence.
Who will take responsibility for arranging the room?
The group can assign the task before the meeting moves to the next item.
Close with a shared understanding
A brief closing summary helps people remember what was decided. You can say To summarize, we have agreed to and check whether anyone has a final question. If a decision is still open, say what information the group needs before the next meeting. Do not promise an outcome that the group has not agreed.
To summarize, we will compare the two options and discuss the results on Tuesday.
The summary tells the group what will happen next without claiming that the final choice has already been made.
Before you go
Remember this
Choose language that matches your task in the meeting. Signal whether you are opening a topic, adding an idea, checking a detail, responding to a proposal, or confirming an action. Keep your point specific, and make the next step clear before the group moves on.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
This lesson does not have the recordings needed for a listening test. Use the written questions in the guide to check your understanding.
Try the written questionsQuestions about "English language for meetings"
What are useful phrases for starting a meeting in English?
You can say Could we begin with followed by the first topic, or I would like to start with followed by the reason for the meeting. Name the topic clearly so participants know what to discuss first.
Could we begin with the delivery schedule?
How can I add an idea without interrupting rudely?
Wait for a pause when possible, then use I would like to add or Could I come in here? Connect your point to the current discussion and explain it briefly.
The delivery schedule needs attention.
What can I say when I need more information in a meeting?
Use Could you clarify followed by the detail you need. You can also say Can we look at followed by the information that the whole group should examine.
I would like to add one point about the training plan.
How can I disagree politely in a meeting?
Acknowledge the useful part of the idea, then state your concern and reason. For example, say I see the benefit, although followed by the condition that needs discussion. Focus on the proposal, not the person.
I have a point about the training plan.
How should I end a meeting in English?
Give a short summary of the agreed actions, owners, and dates that the group has confirmed. If something is still undecided, state what information is needed before the next discussion.
Could you clarify which costs are included in the estimate?