🧩 BUSINESS ENGLISH SERIES #4

5 Essential Expressions for Meetings and Professional Discussions

Meetings are where decisions are made, ideas are evaluated, and leadership is noticed.
Many professionals understand English well, but during meetings they hesitate, stay silent, or use language that sounds unclear or too casual.

The problem is not intelligence or experience — it is meeting-specific language.

In this lesson, you will learn five essential Business English expressions that are commonly used in meetings, discussions, and presentations. These expressions help you:

• Enter conversations confidently
• Share ideas clearly
• Manage time and structure
• Disagree politely
• Sound calm and professional

Let’s begin.

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1️⃣ “Let’s kick things off”

Meaning:

To officially start a meeting, discussion, or presentation.

Why professionals use it:

Because meetings need a clear starting point. This phrase sounds confident, natural, and professional without being too formal.

Examples:

1. “Let’s kick things off by reviewing today’s agenda.”
2. “We’ll kick things off with a quick project update.”

When to use it:

• At the beginning of meetings
• When starting presentations
• When leading discussions
• When transitioning from small talk to work

This expression is widely used by managers, team leads, and presenters. It signals structure and leadership.

📘 Vocabulary Notes:

• agenda (n) – a list of topics to discuss
• review (v) – look at something carefully
• update (n) – new or recent information

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2️⃣ “I’d like to highlight…”

Meaning:

To draw attention to an important point, idea, or issue.

Why professionals use it:

Meetings often contain too much information. This phrase helps listeners focus on what really matters.

Examples:

1. “I’d like to highlight two key risks before we move forward.”
2. “I’d like to highlight the progress the team has made this month.”

When to use it:

• Presenting data
• Sharing updates
• Explaining risks
• Summarizing important points

This phrase sounds calm and professional. It is especially useful if you want to speak without sounding aggressive or emotional.

📘 Vocabulary Notes:

• key (adj) – very important
• risk (n) – a possible problem
• progress (n) – forward movement or improvement

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3️⃣ “From my perspective…”

Meaning:

To introduce your opinion in a polite, non-confrontational way.

Why professionals use it:

Meetings often include different opinions. This phrase allows you to disagree or share ideas without creating conflict.

Examples:

1. “From my perspective, we should delay the launch by one week.”
2. “From my perspective, customer feedback should guide this decision.”

When to use it:

• Sharing opinions
• Disagreeing politely
• Offering suggestions
• Participating in group discussions

This phrase is powerful because it shows confidence and respect for others’ views.

📘 Vocabulary Notes:

• perspective (n) – point of view
• delay (v/n) – make something later; a postponement
• guide (v) – direct or influence

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4️⃣ “Let’s come back to that”

Meaning:

To pause a topic and return to it later in the meeting.

Why professionals use it:

Meetings can easily lose focus. This expression helps manage time and keep discussions productive.

Examples:

1. “That’s an important point, but let’s come back to that after we finish the agenda.”
2. “Let’s come back to that once everyone has shared their input.”

When to use it:

• When discussions go off-topic
• When time is limited
• When more information is needed
• When managing group discussions

This phrase shows leadership and organization, especially when used calmly and respectfully.

📘 Vocabulary Notes:

• agenda (n) – meeting plan
• input (n) – ideas or opinions
• priority (n) – something more important than others

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5️⃣ “To wrap things up…”

Meaning:

To signal that the meeting or discussion is ending and to summarize key points.

Why professionals use it:

Meetings without clear endings create confusion. This phrase helps close discussions clearly and professionally.

Examples:

1. “To wrap things up, we’ve agreed on the next steps and deadlines.”
2. “Let’s wrap things up by reviewing action items.”

When to use it:

• Ending meetings
• Summarizing decisions
• Assigning tasks
• Confirming next steps

This expression is essential for effective meetings. It ensures clarity and accountability.

📘 Vocabulary Notes:

• action item (n) – a task that must be completed
• deadline (n) – final time something must be done
• confirm (v) – make something certain

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⭐ How These Expressions Improve Your Meeting Skills (Real Scenarios)

🔹 Scenario 1: Leading a meeting

You begin confidently:

“Let’s kick things off by reviewing today’s agenda.”

Result: Clear structure, calm authority.

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🔹 Scenario 2: Sharing an important concern

“I’d like to highlight a potential risk before we finalize the plan.”

Result: You sound professional, not negative.

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🔹 Scenario 3: Disagreeing politely

“From my perspective, this approach may cause delays.”

Result: Respectful disagreement without tension.

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🔹 Scenario 4: Managing time

“Let’s come back to that if we have time later.”

Result: Meeting stays focused.

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🔹 Scenario 5: Ending clearly

“To wrap things up, here are the next steps.”

Result: Everyone leaves knowing what to do.

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📝 Full Summary (Quick Reference Guide)

1. Let’s kick things off – start a meeting confidently
2. I’d like to highlight – draw attention to important points
3. From my perspective – share opinions politely
4. Let’s come back to that – manage time and focus
5. To wrap things up – end meetings clearly

These expressions help you participate actively, lead discussions, and sound professional in any meeting.

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🌱

Strong communication is not about speaking more — it is about speaking clearly, calmly, and at the right moment. Meetings are opportunities to show leadership, even without a title. Each expression you practice strengthens your confidence and your professional presence. Keep learning, keep using these phrases, and trust that your voice deserves to be heard. You’re building real communication power step by step.

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