Vocabulary for business meetings in English. These pages will help you prepare for meetings. With quizzes and tests. For learners of Business English.
Definition
A meeting is a gathering of two or more people to discuss a particular topic or issue. Business meetings are usually held to make decisions, share information, or discuss plans.
There are a few things to keep in mind when participating in a business meeting. First, be sure to arrive on time and be prepared. This means having all the necessary materials with you and being familiar with the agenda. Second, be an active listener. Pay attention to what others are saying and contribute to the discussion. Third, be respectful of others' views and opinions. Even if you don't agree with someone, you can still show respect. Finally, be prepared to compromise. In many cases, business meetings are about finding a middle ground that everyone can agree on.
Elements
A.G.M. Annual General Meeting
Absentee Person not at the meeting, not present.
Agenda Written list of points to be discussed at a meeting.
Alternative Choice of two or more possibilities.
Attendee Participant or person attending a meeting.
Ballot System of secret voting: voters place their ballot-papers in a ballot-box.
Casting vote Deciding vote, usually by the Chairman, when votes are in equal number.
Chairperson The person who conducts the meeting.
Clarify Make something clearer by giving more information.
Conference Formal meeting for discussion or exchange of views among people with a shared interest. A conference typically lasts several days. (Example: a conference on climate change).
Conference Call
Telephone calls linking three or more people in different places so that they can communicate simultaneously.
Consensus General agreement.
Deadline Future date by which something must be done.
Decision Reach a conclusion or resolution concerning future action.
I-conference A meeting or discussion between two or more people via the Internet.
Interrupt Stop a person who is speaking in order to say or do something.
Item A separate point for discussion on an agenda.
Main point What is most essential?
Minutes A written summary of the proceedings at a meeting.
Objective What is aimed at, what one wants to achieve or obtain.
Point out Draw attention to something e.g. point out an increase in demand.
Proposal A course of action put forward for consideration: to make a proposal.
Proxy vote A vote cast by one person for another.
Recommend Advise a course of action: to make a recommendation.
Show of hand Raised hands to express agreement or disagreement in a vote.
Summary A brief statement of the main points.
Task A piece of work to be done: to assign a task to someone.
Unanimous In complete agreement.
Video conference
Conference linking people in different locations by satellite, TV, etc.
Vote Express one's agreement or disagreement: to cast a vote.
Conclusion
Meetings can be an important part of doing business, but they can also be a waste of time if they're not conducted effectively. By following the tips above, you can make sure that your business meetings are productive and efficient.
