Board Meeting Phrases – Lesson 5
SAMPLE PHRASES FOR GETTING STARTED ›› WELCOMING ›› MAKING INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES (can be used for conducting any meeting)
Right, everyone has arrived now, so let’s get started.
If we are all here, let’s start the meeting.
Now that everyone is here, shall we begin?
Shall we get down to business?
Well, since everyone is here, we should get started.
Okay, we have a lot to cover today, so we really should get started.
Hello everyone. Thank you for coming today.
Okay, let’s begin. Firstly, I’d like to welcome you all.
Thank you all for coming at such short notice.
I really appreciate your attendance at this meeting.
For those of you who don’t know me yet, I am …
Please join me in welcoming …
I’d like to extend a warm welcome to …
We are pleased to welcome …
Firstly, I’d like to introduce …
For anyone who hasn’t met our new … yet, this is …
It’s a pleasure for me to welcome …
I’d like to take a moment to introduce …
I know most of you, but there are a few unfamiliar faces. I am …
(Name) has kindly agreed to take the minutes today.
(Name) will be presenting the …
(Name) has kindly agreed to give us a report on …
(Name), would you mind taking notes / taking the minutes today, please?
(Name) will lead (topic) from the agenda.
(Name), would you like to kick off with …?
Unfortunately, Margaret cannot join us today. She was called away on urgent business.
Mark will be taking the minutes today, as Sarah is at home with a fever.
I have received apologies for absence from …
If you notice anyone missing, please let Mark know so that he can make a note of it.
2. PHRASES TO USE FOR OUTLINING PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES AND INTRODUCING THE AGENDA
We are here today to talk about …
We are here to discuss …
Our main aim today is to …
I’ve called this meeting today in order to …
As you can see here on the agenda …
Firstly, we’ll be talking about …
First of all, we’ll discuss …
After that, we’ll be looking at …
Followed by …
If time allows, we will also cover …
Then, I’ll be handing it over to … for …
Secondly, we’ll look at …
Next, I’ll ask you for (feedback, comments, your opinion, your views, suggestions, ideas) on …
And finally, we’ll discuss …………………………………
Warm Greetings – Lesson 4
1. Here are five warm and friendly greeting phrases to use when reconnecting with a friend after a long time:
- “Wow, it’s been ages! How have you been?”
- “It’s so good to see you again! I’ve missed you.”
- “Long time no see! What’s new in your world?”
- “Hey, stranger! It’s been forever. How’s life treating you?”
- “I can’t believe it’s you! This is such a nice surprise.”
2. These phrases help express excitement and warmth, making the interaction feel welcoming and genuine.
- “Welcome back! We’ve missed you so much.”
- “It’s so great to have you here again!”
- “Home just wasn’t the same without you.”
- “We’re so happy you’re back! How was everything?”
- “You’re back! Things feel complete again.”
These phrases convey warmth and make the person feel appreciated and valued.
3. Here are five expressions of surprise when you unexpectedly see a friend:
- “Oh my gosh, is that you? I can’t believe it!”
- “What a surprise! I wasn’t expecting to see you here!”
- “No way! This is such a pleasant shock!”
- “Wow, look who it is! What are the chances?”
- “This just made my day! I can’t believe it’s you!”
These phrases convey excitement and genuine astonishment, making the moment feel special.
4. Here are five similar expressions to “Haven’t we met before?”:
- “Don’t I know you from somewhere?”
- “Haven’t we crossed paths before?”
- “You look really familiar—have we met?”
- “I feel like we’ve met somewhere before.”
- “Isn’t this the first time I’ve seen you, or am I mistaken?”
These expressions are casual and great for starting a conversation with someone who seems familiar.
5. Here are expressions to greet someone after a journey:
- “Welcome back! How was your trip?”
- “It’s great to see you again! How was the journey?”
- “You’re back! I hope the trip went well.”
- “Welcome home! Tell me all about your travels.”
- “Glad to see you made it back safely. How was everything?”
- We missed you
- was your trip nice?
- It just wasn’t the same without you.
Routine PHRASES Lesson 3
Exclamatory words are words that generate a strong emotional response. Here is a list of common ones but you can certainly add your own ideas so you’ll have a quick and ready list of exclamatory words to use in speech
- Wow!
- Brilliant!
- Awesome!
- Ouch!
- Amazing!
- Bravo!
- Fantastic!
- Tremendous!
- Sheesh!
- Eureka
- Hooray!
- Gosh!
- Magnificent!
- Unbelievable!
Exclamatory words that can stand alone as a sentence while expressing emotions or reactions are called interjections. Interjections don’t require a subject or verb to express a thought. However, they can be inserted in a sentence by using commas.
- Wow, that was a thrilling ride!
- Brilliant, you solved the puzzle!
- Awesome, you got the job!
- Ouch, that really hurts!
- I don’t know what you feel but, sheesh, I think the food was too expensive!
More Phrases
- Excuse me
- Of course.
- It’s not a problem.
- I’ll start that right away.
- May I talk to you for a moment?
- May I confirm that with you tomorrow?
- Could you go over that with me?
- Could you repeat that, please?
- Would you mind if I took my lunch break?
- Would you mind if I left the office early today?
- Would you mind if I borrowed the report?
- Would it be possible to reschedule the meeting?
- I may need a bit more time to prepare the report.
- I’m afraid the meeting has been postponed.
- How can I help?
- What would you like me to do?
- Would you like me to complete the project?
- Is there anything I can do?
- I understand I will keep that in mind.
- I’ll make sure to remember that for next time.
- I will correct the error right away.
- I agree with you.
Start using these phases from this moment, this will instill confidence in you, self confidence is highly essential for speaking English.
1. Asking someone if they have understood what you have said:
Got it or have you got it?/Have you understood?/Understand? (not recommended.)/Is it
clear to you?/Am I clear?
2. When you require someone’s help, say
Could you please ………
Would you please mind……. Giving me
Please help me to move/lift/push this
3. When you enter someone’s privacy or you want someone to hear you or you want to interrupt someone’s talk, say
Excuse me
4. When you don’t hear something, say
Pardon me/excuse me / could you please repeat that/sorry
5. When you cause harm to others unwittingly, or when you can’t hear, ……………say
I am sorry, I am extremely sorry, sorry for……, Sorry I didn’t ……
6. When you want to appreciate someone, say
That’s it, exactly, certainly, obviously, fantastic, marvellous, well-done etc.
7. When you are introduced to someone for the first time, say
Hello, glad/pleased to meet you.
8. When you don’t know something, say
Sorry, Sorry I don’t know, Sorry I am not aware of this/that
9. Asking someone to repeat what he or she has said
Sorry/Pardon me/Could you please repeat that/I didn’t catch what you said/Could you say it again please?
When you didn’t hear someone clearly:What was that again?/Could you please write it down?
10. Please slow down the speech – Could you please slow down a bit? Could you please raise your voice a little?
More Instant Phrases
- I Am at Adam’s/I am on the phone/am on the computer/I am at Barber’s/I am at Khan’s/I am at
- Kumar’s./I am at my aunt’s/
I am at college’s/ I am at Central station - Excuse me where can I find a Pharmacy/drugstore? Could you please tell me where is the Principal’s room
- Sure or certainly, may I have some water please – of course or certainly/Are you coming tomorrow? Sure
- It’s not worth it: Don’t buy this shirt it’s not worth it
- I have got to go now/ I have to go now – Are you coming with me.
- Count me out/Count me in
- Not bad = Good
- Don’t be serious – I was just kidding.
- Dam it!
- Come what may!
- May I have a word with you?/May I talk to you for a minute/for some time
- Move on please/ Move on, please.
- Calm down, calm down. – Don’t worry, things will be alright soon
- Steady on/ Help yourself
- Hang on a second please/Hang on a minute please./Just a moment please – Take your
- time
- Please be quiet, I am working
- Hurry up! Will you? I am sick of you
- Stop it! Will you?
- Don’t worry, things will be alright soon
- Don’t forget tomorrow’s program, sure./Don’t forget to bring your CV tomorrow.
- When are you coming to my office?- Let me know by tonight
- Let’s have some coffee./ Let’s have some rest. – I am getting tired
- sooner the better.
- I am looking forward to it.
- He is in a mood./ he is on cloud nine.
- What’s the matter?/What’s wrong with it?
- How much Is this? How much does his dress cost?
- What a pity! A small boy is carrying a heavy bag./What a shame! Our political leaders
- are telling lies. Sorry to hear that!
- I don’t think so./I hope so/I hope not
- It’s up to you to…………../I leave it to you/Your wish
- That depends/ I can’t say now./ I am sure.
- That’s interesting. /That’s funny.
- I’ll start that right away.
- May I talk to you for a moment?
- May I confirm that with you tomorrow?
- Would you mind if I took my lunch break?
- Would you mind if I left the office early today?
- Would it be possible to reschedule the meeting?
- I may need a bit more time to complete the work.
- I’m afraid the meeting has been postponed.
- How can I help?/ How may I help?
- Is there anything I can do?
- I understand I will keep that in mind.
- I’ll make sure to remember that for next time.
- I will correct the error right away.
- I agree with you/agreed/It’s a deal
Lesson 2 Making Appointments (Advance)
Lesson 2 Making Appointments (Advanced Level)
“May I see you on Monday?”
“Could I/we meet with you this evening?”
“Are you available for a consultation at your office/clinic this evening?”
“I would like an appointment to discuss some financial issues related to my business. What time are you available?”
Making an Appointment Directly (Semi-Formal)
“Could I meet you this evening?”
“Is it okay if we meet on Monday/this evening?”
“Can we meet at Robinson Square tomorrow morning or this evening?”
“Would meeting at Ruby Park tomorrow afternoon at 2 work for you?”
“How about meeting at Central Square tonight at 9?”
“May I stop by your office this evening on my way home?”
“Could I/we expect to see you at Elizabeth’s party tonight?”
“Would you have a few minutes this evening to discuss my new business plans?”
Making an Appointment Through a Secretary/Receptionist/Assistant
“I would like to see Dr. Sen for a consultation this evening. Is he available?”
“Could I schedule an appointment with the attorney tomorrow evening to discuss [topic]?”
“Is it possible to meet with the chairman tomorrow afternoon?”
“Can I meet with the president today at 6 p.m.?”
“Is the lawmaker available today at 7 p.m.?”
“Could I arrange an appointment with the auditor on Thursday evening?”
Confirming or Accepting an Appointment
“Yes, you can see me this evening; I’m available until 7.”
“You’re welcome to drop by. Please try to arrive by 7 p.m.”
“Yes, I’ll be here until 8 p.m.”
“Yes, I’m available; you can meet me this evening.”
“I think Saturday should work; I’ll be away on a business trip until then.”
“Sure, you can come anytime between 5 and 7 p.m.”
“Yes, tomorrow evening works perfectly.”
“Yes, tomorrow morning is fine.”
“What time would you like to stop by?”
Politely Declining or Postponing an Appointment
“I’m sorry, but the attorney is currently on vacation.”
“I’m afraid he won’t be back until June 2nd.”
“We regret to inform you that the doctor is not available for appointments this week.”
“I’m afraid he may not be available tomorrow evening, but you can meet him the day after tomorrow.”
“I wish I could see you, but I have to leave for London tonight. Would Monday, January 2nd, work for you?”
“Unfortunately, I have an important commitment in New York, so I can’t meet with you until I return.”
“I’m sorry, I won’t be available tomorrow. Would Friday evening work instead?”
“I’m very sorry, but I can’t make it to the office by 4 p.m. today. Is tomorrow okay for you?”
“7 p.m. is a bit challenging for me. Would 8 p.m. work instead?”
“I’m afraid it’s not possible today.”
“Thursday is very busy for me. Would Saturday work instead?”
“I need to reschedule my Monday appointment one day earlier; would that be possible?”
Politely Cancelling an Appointment
“I’m very sorry, but I have to cancel my appointment due to an emergency meeting at Margaret’s.”
“My apologies; due to severe weather conditions, I need to cancel my appointments today.”
“I’m sorry for the mix-up. I thought I was available, but I have a meeting tomorrow. Would Monday work for you instead?”
“I regret that I won’t be available tomorrow. Shall we reschedule the appointment for Sunday?”
LESSON 1 Enquiry on Phone.
தொலைபேசியில் விசாரணை.
Good morning, Crescent Hospital. How may I help you?
காலை வணக்கம், கிரசென்ட் மருத்துவமனை,
நான் உங்களுக்கு எப்படி உதவுவது ?
Good morning this is Ramesh Calling from Annanagar.
காலை வணக்கம், நான் அண்ணாநகரிலிருந்து ரமேஷ் பேசுகிறேன்.
I would like to have an appointment with Dr. Ahmed today evening?
இன்று மாலை டாக்டர் அகமது வுடன் எனக்கு ஒரு சந்திப்பு வேண்டும்?
Can I see Dr. Moorthy this evening?
இன்று மாலை டாக்டர் மூர்த்தியைப் பார்க்கலாமா?
Can I have an Appointment with Dr. Shanti tomorrow morning?
நாளை காலை டாக்டர் சாந்தியுடன் எனக்கு அப்பாயின்ட்மென்ட் கிடைக்குமா?
Is Dr. Ravi available for consultation today?
இன்று டாக்டர் ரவி ஆலோசனைக்கு வருவாரா?
What time he visits the hospital?
அவர் எத்தனை மணிக்கு மருத்துவமனைக்கு வருகிறார்?
May I know at what time Dr. Raynal comes to the Hospital?
டாக்டர் ரெய்னல் மருத்துவமனைக்கு எத்தனை மணிக்கு வருவார் என்று, நான் அறிய முடியுமா??
I want to see Dr. Raynal.
நான் டாக்டர் ரெய்னாலைப் பார்க்க விரும்புகிறேன்.
Answer to Enquiry on phone:
தொலைபேசியில் கேட்ட கேள்விக்கு பதில்:
Hold on a moment please, I will check and tell you,
தயவுசெய்து ஒரு கணம் பொறுங்கள், நான் சரிபார்த்து உங்களுக்குத் தெரிவிக்கிறேன்,
After a few seconds.
சில வினாடிகள் கழித்து.
Yes, you can see the doctor today.
Yes, நீங்க இன்று மாலை டாக்டரைப் பாக்கலாம்.
Yes Sir, Dr. Moorthy is available for consultation from 7 to 9 in the evening.
ஆமாம் டாக்டர் மூர்த்தி மாலை 7 மணி முதல் 9 மணி வரை ஆலோசனைக்குக் இருப்பார்.
Yes, madam you can see Dr. Shanti from 5 to 7 in the evening.
ஆமா மேடம், நீங்க டாக்டர் சாந்தியை மாலை 5 மணில இருந்து 7 மணி வரைக்கும் பார்க்கலாம்.
Shall I book your appointment?
நான் உங்க அப்பாயின்ட்மென்ட்டை பதிவு செய்யட்டுமா?
Yes Please
ஆமா, தயவுசெய்து செய்யுங்கள்
Thank you
நன்றி
You are welcome.
நீங்கள் வரவேற்கப்படுகிறீர்கள
Address Enquiry
Could you please tell me the hospital’s address?
தயவுசெய்து மருத்துவமனை முகவரி சொல்ல முடியுமா?
It is at Dr. Besant Road.
இது டாக்டர் பெசன்ட் சாலையில் உள்ளது.
Any land mark please?
ஏதாவது லேண்ட் மார்க் சொல்ல முடியுமா?
It’s very close to Ice house Police station.
இது ஐஸ் ஹவுஸ் காவல் நிலையத்திற்கு மிக அருகில் உள்ளது.
Thank you
நன்றி
You are welcome
நீங்கள் வரவேற்கப்படுகிறீர்கள்
Introduction To Spoken English