Lesson 2- Instant Business or Boardroom Meeting phrases
A. PHRASES FOR GETTING STARTED
1. Since we’re all present, let’s kick start the meeting.
2. With everyone here, shall we get started?
3. Since everyone has arrived, it’s time to begin.
4. Alright, we have a lot to discuss today, so let’s dive in.
5. Now that everyone’s here, let’s get going.
6. Shall we get started with the agenda?
7 . Alright, let’s get started. First, I want to extend a warm welcome to
everyone.
8. I appreciate you all making it here on such a short notice.
9. Thank you for taking the time to join this meeting; your presence means a
lot.
10. For those who may not be familiar with me, I am …
B. Welcoming the invitees
1. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to …
2. I’d like to warmly welcome … Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.….
3. We’re delighted to have … with us today.
4. To start, I’d like to introduce …
5. For those who haven’t met our new … yet, let me introduce Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.
6. It’s a pleasure to welcome, Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.
7. I’d like to take a moment to introduce, Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.
8. I know many of you, but there are a few new faces. I am not familiar with………
C. Delegating responsibilities to the colleagues
1. Mr. John has graciously agreed to take the minutes today.
2. Ms. Shane will be presenting on the…….
3. Mr. Kumar has kindly offered to provide us with a report on the new budget
4. Ms. Ahmed, could you please take notes/minutes for us today?
5. Ms. Cate will be leading the discussion on (topic) from the agenda.
6. Mr. Arjun, would you like to start us off with ?
D. Tendering Apologies on behalf of absentees
1. Unfortunately, Mary isn’t able to join us today due to an urgent matter.
2. Elizabeth will be taking the minutes today since Sarah is at home with a fever.
3. I have received apologies for absence from Ms. Elina.
4. If you notice anyone missing, please inform, John so he can record it.
E. AGENDA CONTINUATION
1. We’re gathered here today to talk about…
2. Today, we’re here to discuss …
3. Our primary goal today is to …
4. I/we’ve called this meeting to …
5. As outlined in the agenda …
6. To start, we’ll be discussing …
7. First, we’ll cover …
8. After that, we’ll examine …
9. If time permits, we will also address …
10. Then, I’ll pass it over to Mrs. Shane for …
11. Next, we’ll focus on …
12. I’ll also invite your feedback, comments, opinions, views, suggestions, ideas on …
13. Lastly, we’ll discuss …
LESSON 1 – These phrases are designed to facilitate polite and effective communication for setting, accepting, rescheduling, or cancelling appointments.
Requesting an Appointment (Semi-Formal)
- “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?”