Business Meeting Vocabulary

Definition

To introduce a topic.

Sample sentence

She brought up the issue of client delays.

Conversation questions

• What important topic would you like to bring up in your next meeting?

Definition

To review or check carefully.

Sample sentence

Let's go over the proposal one more time.

Conversation questions

• How do you usually go over your work before submitting it?

Definition

To investigate or research.

Sample sentence

We'll look into the cause of the technical problem.

Conversation questions

• What problem have you had to look into recently?

Definition

To support an idea or claim.

Sample sentence

Please back up your argument with evidence.

Conversation questions

• How do you back up your opinions in discussions?

Definition

To check or continue after a meeting.

Sample sentence

I'll follow up on this task next week.

Conversation questions

• What's something you need to follow up on this month?

Definition

To summarize key points.

Sample sentence

Let me sum up the discussion before we close.

Conversation questions

• How do you usually sum up a conversation or project?

Definition

To proceed to the next topic.

Sample sentence

Let's move on to the next item on the agenda.

Conversation questions

• How do you know when it's time to move on from something?

Definition

To divide into smaller parts.

Sample sentence

We need to break down this project into weekly tasks.

Conversation questions

• How do you break down a big goal into small steps?

Definition

To find a solution or agreement.

Sample sentence

We worked out a plan that benefits both sides.

Conversation questions

• When did you last work out a problem successfully?

Definition

To finish or conclude.

Sample sentence

Let's wrap up before lunch.

Conversation questions

• How do you like to wrap up meetings or tasks?

Definition

To arrange or organize.

Sample sentence

I'll set up a call with the client tomorrow.

Conversation questions

• How do you set up your workspace for productivity?

Definition

To cancel something.

Sample sentence

The meeting was called off due to bad weather.

Conversation questions

• Have you ever had to call off an event? What happened?

Definition

To move an event to an earlier time.

Sample sentence

We brought the meeting forward to 2 PM.

Conversation questions

• How do you handle sudden schedule changes?

Definition

To postpone or delay.

Sample sentence

Let's put off the budget discussion until next week.

Conversation questions

• What things do you often put off and why?

Definition

To explain something clearly.

Sample sentence

She laid out her proposal with excellent visuals.

Conversation questions

• How do you lay out your ideas when presenting?

Definition

To create or suggest an idea.

Sample sentence

We need to come up with a new slogan.

Conversation questions

• When do you come up with your best ideas?

Definition

To reject or refuse.

Sample sentence

The board turned down our request for funding.

Conversation questions

• When was the last time you turned down an offer?

Definition

To perform or complete a task.

Sample sentence

We'll carry out the survey next month.

Conversation questions

• How do you ensure your plans are carried out properly?

Definition

To prepare a formal document or plan.

Sample sentence

They drew up a new contract for the deal.

Conversation questions

• Have you ever drawn up a plan or agreement yourself?

Definition

To assume control or responsibility.

Sample sentence

John will take over the project from here.

Conversation questions

• Would you like to take over leadership someday?

Definition

To resign from a position.

Sample sentence

The director decided to step down after five years.

Conversation questions

• Would you step down from a job for personal reasons?

Definition

To accept responsibility.

Sample sentence

We're ready to take on more clients this quarter.

Conversation questions

• What new challenge would you like to take on?

Definition

To remove small problems or difficulties.

Sample sentence

Let's iron out the details before we sign.

Conversation questions

• How do you iron out disagreements in a group?

Definition

To give control to someone else.

Sample sentence

She handed over the documents to HR.

Conversation questions

• Who do you usually hand over tasks to?

Definition

To appear or be perceived.

Sample sentence

He came across as confident during the meeting. = He appeared confident during the meeting

Conversation questions

• How do you want to come across to others at work?

Definition

To express one's opinion clearly.

Sample sentence

Please speak up if you disagree.

Conversation questions

• Is it easy for you to speak up in meetings?

Definition

To proceed with a plan.

Sample sentence

We decided to go ahead with the product launch.

Conversation questions

• What project are you excited to go ahead with soon?

Definition

To quickly review or check.

Sample sentence

Can you look over this report before we send it?

Conversation questions

• What do you always look over before presenting something?

Definition

To practice or review briefly.

Sample sentence

Let's run through the slides once before we start.

Conversation questions

• How often do you run through your presentation before meetings?

Definition

To stay informed or maintain progress.

Sample sentence

It's hard to keep up with industry trends.

Conversation questions

• How do you keep up with new developments in your field?

Definition

To deal with a problem.

Sample sentence

We must address the rise in employee turnover.

Conversation questions

• What issue do you think your organization should address first?

Definition

To assign resources or time.

Sample sentence

The manager allocated more funds to training.

Conversation questions

• How do you allocate your time each day?

Definition

To express clearly.

Sample sentence

She articulated her ideas with confidence.

Conversation questions

• How can you articulate your thoughts better in English?

Definition

To think of ideas collectively.

Sample sentence

Let's brainstorm solutions for this challenge.

Conversation questions

• When do you feel most creative during brainstorming?

Definition

To make something clearer.

Sample sentence

Could you clarify your point about deadlines?

Conversation questions

• When was the last time you had to clarify a misunderstanding?

Definition

To combine for strength.

Sample sentence

We consolidated two departments to improve efficiency.

Conversation questions

• Have you ever had to consolidate tasks or responsibilities?

Definition

To assign a task to someone else.

Sample sentence

A strong leader knows how to delegate effectively.

Conversation questions

• Do you prefer to delegate work or do it yourself?

Definition

To reach an agreement by discussion.

Sample sentence

We negotiated a fair price with the supplier.

Conversation questions

• How do you prepare for a negotiation?

Definition

To make a process easier.

Sample sentence

Her role is to facilitate the discussion.

Conversation questions

• What skills help you facilitate a good conversation?

Definition

To put a plan into action.

Sample sentence

The company implemented new safety policies.

Conversation questions

• What's a new habit or idea you want to implement in your life?

Definition

To begin formally.

Sample sentence

The HR team initiated a training program.

Conversation questions

• What's something new you'd like to initiate in your team?

Definition

To resolve conflicts between parties.

Sample sentence

She mediated the disagreement calmly.

Conversation questions

• Have you ever had to mediate between two people?

Definition

To change slightly.

Sample sentence

We modified the plan to fit the new timeline.

Conversation questions

• What's something in your life you've recently modified?

Definition

To summarize or describe briefly.

Sample sentence

He outlined the key points of the proposal.

Conversation questions

• How do you outline your ideas before a presentation?

Definition

To decide what's most important.

Sample sentence

We need to prioritize urgent projects.

Conversation questions

• How do you prioritize tasks when you're under pressure?

Definition

To repeat for clarity or emphasis.

Sample sentence

I'd like to reiterate that deadlines are final.

Conversation questions

• What do you often have to reiterate to your coworkers or students?

Definition

To solve or settle.

Sample sentence

The conflict was resolved peacefully.

Conversation questions

• How do you usually resolve personal or work conflicts?

Definition

To make more efficient.

Sample sentence

We streamlined our reporting process.

Conversation questions

• What process in your life could you streamline to save time?

Definition

To combine different ideas.

Sample sentence

She synthesized everyone's input into one proposal.

Conversation questions

• How do you synthesize different opinions in a group?

Definition

To confirm accuracy.

Sample sentence

Please verify the data before submission.

Conversation questions

• What kind of information do you always verify before acting?

Definition

To suggest formally.

Sample sentence

I'd like to propose a change in schedule.

Conversation questions

• Have you ever proposed a new idea that was accepted?

Definition

To recognize or admit something.

Sample sentence

He acknowledged his mistake during the meeting.

Conversation questions

• Why is it important to acknowledge other people's work?

Definition

To expect or predict something.

Sample sentence

We anticipate delays due to weather.

Conversation questions

• What kind of challenges do you try to anticipate in advance?

Definition

To give importance to something.

Sample sentence

She emphasized teamwork throughout her presentation.

Conversation questions

• What values do you emphasize when working with others?

Definition

To develop a detailed plan.

Sample sentence

We formulated a five-year business strategy.

Conversation questions

• How do you formulate your goals at the start of a new year?

Definition

To measure or estimate something.

Sample sentence

It's hard to gauge the public's reaction yet.

Conversation questions

• How do you gauge your own success or progress?

Definition

To correct a mistake.

Sample sentence

The company quickly rectified the billing error.

Conversation questions

• How do you usually rectify a mistake you've made?

Definition

To examine closely.

Sample sentence

The auditor scrutinized every financial report.

Conversation questions

• What kind of details do you usually scrutinize at work?

Definition

To commit to doing something challenging.

Sample sentence

The team undertook a major redesign project.

Conversation questions

• What big project would you like to undertake this year?

Definition

To work together for a goal.

Sample sentence

We collaborated with another department on the report.

Conversation questions

• Who do you collaborate best with, and why?

Definition

A list of items to discuss.

Sample sentence

Today's agenda focuses on marketing and finance.

Conversation questions

• How do you prepare for an agenda before a meeting?

Definition

General agreement among people.

Sample sentence

We reached consensus after a long debate.

Conversation questions

• How do you build consensus in your team?

Definition

Deep understanding of something.

Sample sentence

Her insight helped us understand the client's needs.

Conversation questions

• What new insight have you gained recently?

Definition

A clear goal or purpose.

Sample sentence

Our objective is to increase customer loyalty.

Conversation questions

• What's your main personal objective this year?

Definition

The result of an action.

Sample sentence

The outcome was better than expected.

Conversation questions

• What recent outcome made you proud?

Definition

A suggested plan or idea.

Sample sentence

He presented a proposal for the new project.

Conversation questions

• Have you ever made a proposal that was accepted?

Definition

A formal suggestion.

Sample sentence

The consultant gave several recommendations.

Conversation questions

• Whose recommendations do you usually trust?

Definition

A firm decision.

Sample sentence

The committee passed a resolution to cut costs.

Conversation questions

• What resolution have you made recently and kept?

Definition

A schedule for a project.

Sample sentence

We're working on a six-month project timeline.

Conversation questions

• How do you stay on track with your personal timeline?

Definition

A list of steps to reach goals.

Sample sentence

We created an action plan for the next quarter.

Conversation questions

• What's your action plan for achieving your next goal?

Definition

Comments or evaluations.

Sample sentence

We received great feedback from our clients.

Conversation questions

• How do you respond to constructive feedback?

Definition

up - Continued action after a meeting.

Sample sentence

Please send a follow-up email tomorrow.

Conversation questions

• How do you keep track of follow-ups after discussions?

Definition

Main lesson or message.

Sample sentence

The key takeaway is that teamwork drives success.

Conversation questions

• What's your biggest takeaway from your current job or study?

Definition

A standard for comparison.

Sample sentence

This report serves as a benchmark for future goals.

Conversation questions

• What benchmark do you use to measure success?

Definition

Major progress or discovery.

Sample sentence

The team achieved a breakthrough in design.

Conversation questions

• What breakthrough would you like to have this year?

Definition

A backup plan.

Sample sentence

We must prepare a contingency in case of delays.

Conversation questions

• Do you usually have a contingency plan in life?

Definition

A specific result or product to be completed.

Sample sentence

The final report is the project's main deliverable.

Conversation questions

• What's your most important deliverable this month?

Definition

An important achievement.

Sample sentence

Reaching 1,000 customers was a major milestone.

Conversation questions

• What personal milestone are you working toward now?

Definition

A strategic plan.

Sample sentence

The roadmap outlines our next 12 months.

Conversation questions

• What does your personal roadmap for the next year look like?

Definition

A person affected by decisions.

Sample sentence

All stakeholders must approve the proposal.

Conversation questions

• Who are the key stakeholders in your work or study life?

Definition

A limitation or restriction.

Sample sentence

Budget constraints affected the design process.

Conversation questions

• What constraints do you face when trying to reach your goals?

Definition

Agreement or harmony.

Sample sentence

We need better alignment across departments.

Conversation questions

• How do you create alignment in group work?

Definition

A particular point of view.

Sample sentence

His perspective helped us see the issue differently.

Conversation questions

• What new perspective have you gained recently?

Definition

through - Completing a commitment.

Sample sentence

Success requires consistent follow-through.

Conversation questions

• Are you good at follow-through? How do you stay consistent?

Definition

Responsibility for actions.

Sample sentence

We must strengthen accountability among team members.

Conversation questions

• How do you keep yourself accountable for your goals?

Definition

Deep understanding.

Sample sentence

His insight improved the final presentation.

Conversation questions

• What insight did you gain from your last mistake?

Definition

Shared decision or unity.

Sample sentence

Consensus was finally achieved after hours of debate.

Conversation questions

• Why is it sometimes difficult to reach consensus?

Definition

Something that limits progress.

Sample sentence

Time constraints made the project more stressful.

Conversation questions

• How do you manage time constraints effectively?

Definition

Agreement in goals or direction.

Sample sentence

The team reached alignment on the new vision.

Conversation questions

• How do you ensure alignment with your peers or manager?

Definition

A viewpoint shaped by experience.

Sample sentence

We appreciated her fresh perspective on the problem.

Conversation questions

• How does your perspective influence the way you make decisions?