Speaking Tutorials: Participating in Professional Meetings

Tutorial

Why is this important?

Professional meetings are not only about sharing ideas. They also require you to ask for opinions, agree, disagree politely, clarify information, interrupt respectfully and delegate tasks. Mastering these expressions will help you communicate naturally and confidently in any workplace.

1. Asking for Opinions

Use these expressions to invite others to share their ideas.

Expression

Example

What do you think?

What do you think about this campaign?

What’s your opinion?

What’s your opinion on the slogan?

How do you feel about…?

How do you feel about this proposal?

Would you agree that…?

Would you agree that emotional marketing is more effective?

2. Agreeing

Use these expressions to support someone else’s idea.

Expression

Example

I completely agree.

I completely agree with Helen.

Exactly.

Exactly. That’s our biggest challenge.

That’s a good point.

That’s a good point.

I couldn’t agree more.

I couldn’t agree more.

3. Disagreeing Politely

Good professionals disagree respectfully.

Expression

Example

I’m not sure I agree.

I’m not sure I agree with that approach.j

I see your point, but…

I see your point, but I’d like to suggest something different.

Perhaps we should consider…

Perhaps we should consider another strategy.

I’m afraid I have a different opinion.

I’m afraid I have a different opinion.

4. Clarifying Information

Use these expressions when you need more information.

Expression

Example

Could you explain that a little more?

Could you explain that a little more?

What exactly do you mean by…?

What exactly do you mean by “comfort”?

Just to make sure I understood…

Just to make sure I understood…

So, if I understand correctly…

So, if I understand correctly, we’re changing the campaign?

5. Interrupting Politely

Sometimes you need to speak before someone finishes.

Expression

Example

Sorry to interrupt…

Sorry to interrupt, may I add something?

Can I just say something?

Can I just say something?

Before we move on…

Before we move on, I’d like to ask a question.

If I may…

If I may, I’d like to share an idea.

6. Delegating Tasks

Managers frequently assign responsibilities during meetings.

Expression

Example

You’ll be responsible for…

You’ll be responsible for the creative concept.

I’d like you to…

I’d like you to prepare three proposals.

Can you take care of…?

Can you take care of the presentation?

You’re expected to…

You’re expected to deliver the report by Friday.

Speaking Challenge

Imagine you are Emilia during the client meeting.

Respond to your teacher using the expressions above.

Ask Helen for her opinion about the new slogan.

Agree with André’s suggestion.

Disagree politely with one of Nathalie’s ideas.

Ask Dr Foster to clarify one point.

Interrupt politely to present your campaign idea.

Delegate one task to André before Friday.

Task