- •I. Business Meetings
- •1. Answer the questions
- •2. Match the words in bold to their definitions and speak about the proceedings of a business meeting.
- •5. For each sentence choose the correct phrasal verb.
- •6. Scan the text and outline the main features of each business meeting format. Types of Business Meeting Formats
- •Strategy Meetings
- •Pitch Meetings
- •Morale/Progress Meetings
- •7. Study the following vocabulary and answer the question: Why do we speak about the goal of each business meeting format and the purpose of a given meeting?
- •8. Complete the sentences by using each word once.
- •Intention, intent, purpose, goal, end, aims, object, objectives
- •9. Think of the suitable situation for each type of business meeting format.
- •10. Read the text and speak about the point you find the most difficult one. Effective English Business Meeting Tips
- •12. The following sentences are in the wrong order. Put them in the correct sequence so they all make sense.
- •13. Match the functions and the phrases you may need participating in a business meeting.
- •17. Act out a business meeting based on the following agenda.
I. Business Meetings
1. Answer the questions
a) What is a meeting?
b) How many people should participate in a meeting? Can you give an exact number?
c) What are the features of a business meeting?
2. Match the words in bold to their definitions and speak about the proceedings of a business meeting.
1. We will commence as soon as the last person signs the attendance sheet. |
a) on time (not late) |
2 We have a lot to accomplish today, so let's begin. |
b) plan to make something work |
3 Firstly, I want to thank you all for being punctual despite this early meeting. |
c) a suggestion put to a vote |
4 The first item on the agenda relates to a grievance reported by the interns. |
d) last thoughts spoken in a meeting (i.e. reminders, thank yous) |
5 Everyone knows who is going to be the next vice president, so this vote is really just a formality. |
e) required |
6 There must have been one proxy vote because I count twelve ballots but only eleven attendees. |
f) complaint |
7 The motion to extend store hours has been passed. |
g) deciding vote (usually by the chairman) when the votes are otherwise equal |
8 It is mandatory that all supervisors attend Friday's meeting. |
h) general agreement |
9 Let's wrap up here so that we can get back to our desks. |
i) item on agenda announcing people who are absent; apologies for absence |
10 Please fold your ballot in half before you place it in the box. |
j) a vote cast by one person for or in place of another |
11 The deadline for buying tickets to the conference is May 25th. |
k) explanation/proof that something is true/understood |
12 We need to come up with a strategy that will allow us to have meetings less frequently. |
l) assign |
13 We always vote for a new chairperson at the AGM. |
m) Any Other Business (unspecified item on agenda) |
14 Everyone is present today, so we can skip the apologies |
n) in complete agreement; united in opinion |
15 The role of treasurer was decided based on the chairman's casting vote. |
o) raised hands to express an opinion in a vote |
16 If we cannot come to a consensus by the end of the meeting we will put it to a vote. |
p) on time (not late) |
17 I just have a few closing remarks and then you will all be free to go. |
q) succeed in doing |
18 Before we address this matter, I'll need some clarification as to who was involved. |
r) a procedure (often unnecessary) that has to be followed due to a rule |
19 If no one volunteers to take the minutes I will be forced to designate someone. |
s) finish |
20 The last item on the agenda is AOB. |
t) due date for completion |
21 From the show of hands it appears that everyone is in favour of taking a short break. |
u) close a meeting |
22 As chair, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, Mr. Allan Davis. |
v) Annual (yearly) General Meeting |
23 The vote was unanimous to cut work hours on Fridays. |
w) begin |
24 Firstly, I want to thank you all for being punctual despite this early meeting. |
x) the person who leads or presides at a meeting |
25 If there are no further comments, we will adjourn the meeting here. |
y) a type of vote, usually in writing and usually secret |
3. Vocabulary Quiz. Choose the right answer.
1. We ran out of time and were forced to … the meeting.
a) allocate b) address c) adjourn d) accomplish
2. If you have a … please wait until Marie has finished speaking.
a) commence b) comment d) formality e) implement
3. The board members couldn't come to a … so they had to hold a vote.
a) grievance b) designate c) motion d) consensus
4. Markus was away on business, so … was assigned.
a) a show of hands b) apologies c) a proxy vote d) a participant
5. Before we … I want to remind everyone to sign the attendance form on the way out.
a) wrap up b) strategize c) recommend d) collaborate
6. In his … the chairman thanked everyone for doing such a good job this month.
a) agenda b) ballot c) closing remarks d) deadline
7. I'll … as soon as all of the board members take a seat.
a) verification b) commence c) brainstorm d) motion
8. Since everyone was so … we were able to finish the meeting early.
a) participant b) punctual c) confidential d) absent
9. We'll be discussing this year's profits at the … .
a) AOB b) AGM c) ABC d) AMM
10. A … to eliminate all part-time positions was put forward at the meeting.
a) action b) caution c) vision d) motion
4. Complete the sentences using the words from Exercise 2.
1. Let me see a … : how many people agree with the proposal?
2. Her … was voted on.
3. We need to … a new leader.
4. They had been discussing the issue for an hour but they did not reach a … .
5. This meeting is … for all employees.
6. A … is the vote that gives one group a majority when the other votes are equally divided.
7. Please, write your vote on the ballot and put it into the box.
8. They have … much in a very short period of time.
9. Their contract … in January.
10. The union has filed a formal … , accusing the company of unfair labor practices.
11. The … for submitting college applications is April 19th.
12. They haven't approved the loan yet, but that's just a mere/pure… .
13. Your argument needs some… . I didn’t understand it.
14. A new … for the committee has not yet been appointed.
15. The government is developing innovative … to help people without insurance get medical care.