Business meetings are an important part of many people’s working day. They provide opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and make important decisions with your colleagues. However, participating in business meetings in a second language can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore some effective strategies to help you communicate confidently and professionally in English business meetings.

How to prepare for an English business meeting 

Before attending a business meeting in English, read over the meeting agenda. Look at the specific topics that will be discussed, and make time to review key vocabulary and phrases related to the meeting topic. This preparation will help you to keep track of the discussion during the meeting, so you’ll be able to contribute meaningfully. 

Once you’ve looked at the topics, it’s time to roleplay your contributions. ELSA AI can help you to run through interactions you might have, practicing the business English vocabulary you need, and suggesting potential questions that other attendees might ask. After you roleplay your potential interactions, our AI tutor will give you feedback on your grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, so you can work on any errors. That way, you’ll feel confident that you’re communicating clearly during the meeting. 

How to ask questions in an English business meeting

During a business meeting, asking insightful questions shows that you’re engaged, and is a good way of finding out necessary information. 

However, it’s important to frame your questions in a professional manner. Use appropriate language and a polite tone. Avoid using informal language or slang. Using business English vocabulary helps you convey your question effectively, and also shows your professionalism and respect for others.

If you are unsure about a specific term or concept, ask for clarification. For instance, if someone mentions a technical term that you are unfamiliar with, you can politely ask for a definition or explanation. This not only helps you understand the concept better but also shows that you are open to learning.

Useful language for asking questions 

Seeking clarification:

• “I’d appreciate it if you could expand on…”
• “Could you provide more details on…”
• “Could you please clarify…”

Asking for feedback:

• “What are your thoughts on…”
• “Can you share your perspective on…”

Checking understanding:

• “Am I correct in understanding that…”
• “Just to confirm, are you saying that…”

Encouraging participation:

• “Would anyone else like to add to this?”
• “Does anyone have questions or comments?”

Discussing future steps:

• “What is the next course of action?”
• “How should we proceed from here?”
• “Can we talk about the plan moving forward?”

Problem-solving questions:

• “What do you think might be the solution to this issue?”
• “How can we address this challenge?”
• “Do you have any ideas on how to overcome this obstacle?”

Timeframe questions:

• “When can we expect to see results?”
• “What’s the estimated timeline for this project?”
• “Is there a deadline for this task?”

Checking agreement:

• “Are we all on the same page regarding this matter?”
• “Is there consensus on this issue?”

Soliciting recommendations:

• “Could you suggest ways to improve this process?”
• “What do you recommend as a course of action?”

Remember to be concise and to the point when asking your question. Long-winded questions can derail the flow of the meeting and may not receive the attention they deserve. By keeping your question concise, it will add value to the discussion and allow others to respond more effectively.

How to answer questions in an English business meeting

Being able to respond to questions effectively is important in meetings. You should aim for clear, thoughtful responses to address any issues that your colleagues or clients might have. When answering questions, try to avoid using jargon or technical terms. Remember to maintain eye contact and use body language that conveys confidence and engagement.

If you find yourself unsure or needing more time to answer a question, it is perfectly acceptable to politely ask for a clarification or request some time to reflect on the question. This shows that you value the question and want to provide a well-thought-out response. It is better to take the time to provide a thorough and accurate answer than to rush into a response that may be incomplete or incorrect.

Useful language for answering questions 

Direct response:

• “Yes, that’s correct.”
• “No, that’s not accurate.”

Providing information:

• “To answer your question,…”
• “In regard to that, here’s the information…”
• “The data shows that…”

Confirming understanding:

• “Just to make sure I understand, you’re asking about…”
• “If I’m following correctly, you’d like to know about…”

Addressing concerns:

• “That’s a valid point, and we’re actively working on resolving this issue…”
• “You’ve highlighted an important issue; here’s how we plan to address it…”

Offering additional insights:

• “Furthermore, it’s worth noting that…”
• “One more thing to consider is…”

Proposing solutions:

• “To tackle this, we could consider…”
• “One solution might be…”
• “A possible way to address this is…”

Requesting clarification:

• “Could you please clarify your question or concern further?”
• “Could you specify which aspect you’re most interested in?”

Acknowledging different opinions:

• “It’s interesting to hear your point of view, and I’d like to offer a different angle…”
• “While I see where you’re coming from, it’s important to consider…”

Summarizing key points:

• “To recap, the key takeaways are…”
• “In summary, the main points are…”

Expressing gratitude:

• “Thank you for bringing up this question; it’s a crucial topic.”
• “Your question is important, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to discuss it.”

Answering questions with confidence requires preparation, thoughtful consideration, and effective communication skills. 

How to wrap up a business meeting in English

As a business meeting draws to a close, it is important to summarize the key takeaways and any action points to ensure everyone is aligned. Before the meeting ends, allow participants to ask any final questions or provide additional input.

Useful language for wrapping up

Summarizing key points:

• “To summarize, we discussed…”
• “In brief, the main takeaways are…”

Setting action items:

• “Before we close, let’s outline the action items moving forward…”
• “Each of us has a specific role; here’s what we need to do…”
• “Could everyone confirm their responsibilities and deadlines?”

Confirming next steps:

• “Our next steps involve…”
• “Our plan going forward is to…”
• “We’ll be following up with…”

Scheduling future meetings:

• “Let’s find a suitable date and time for our next meeting.”

Expressing appreciation:

• “I want to express my gratitude for your participation today.”
• “Thank you all for your valuable insights.”

Offering to address follow-up questions:

• “If anyone has additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.”
• “Should you have any further inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact me.”
• “I’m available for any follow-up discussions or clarifications.”

Encouraging feedback:

• “Your feedback is crucial to us. Please share your thoughts on how we can improve future meetings.”
• “We value your input; let us know how we can make these meetings more effective.”

Reiterating the purpose:

• “Our goal remains to…”
• “Our focus is on…”

Closing remarks:

• “In conclusion, I believe we’ve made significant progress today.”
• “To wrap up, I’m optimistic about our future endeavors.”

Adjourning the meeting:

• “That’s it for today. Thank you, and have a productive day.”
• “Let’s conclude today’s meeting. Goodbye, everyone.”

Express gratitude and appreciation for everyone’s contributions during the meeting. Use polite language to thank your colleagues for their time and valuable insights. This will leave a positive impression and help build lasting professional relationships.

Practice is the key to preparation

Using ELSA AI to roleplay your business meeting can boost your confidence and preparedness for an English-language business meeting. It is a safe and controlled way to practice, allowing you to refine your language skills and fine-tune any questions you might have or information you need to share. The roleplay process not only sharpens your language skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of cultural nuances and etiquette, critical for successful global interactions. ELSA AI will empower you to go into meetings with self-assurance, ensuring that language barriers don’t impede your success and professionalism.