Business English Vocabulary and Meeting Skills Practice

1. Vocabulary

• 1.1 Today is the last day to sign up for the exhibition.
• 1.2 We'll set up all the equipment in the auditorium; it'll take about an hour.
• 1.3 Our shipping manager, Jack, can provide answers to your questions about...
• 1.4 Let's go over the sales figures together to prepare for the meeting on Tuesday.
• 1.5 They had a wonderful display.
• 1.6 I'd like to hold a meeting with the department heads on the 5th of June.
• 1.7 Mr. Evans' opening remarks.
• 1.8 High shipping costs are a major problem for exporters.

2. Meeting Essentials

Staff meeting, laser pointer, handout, brainstorming session, light refreshments.

• 2.1 At the beginning of the meeting, you must hand out the financial report to the board.
• 2.2 You'll need a laser pointer when giving your presentation.
• 2.3 Management wants to hold a staff meeting on Tuesday for all employees in the company.
• 2.4 We should serve everyone light refreshments.
• 2.5 The idea came to me during a brainstorming session we had last month.

3. Definitions and Terminology

• Annual: Something that happens once a year.
• Postpone: To move an appointment to a later date.
• Discuss: To talk about something.
• Resell: To sell again.
• Deposit: Money you pay when you agree to buy something.
• Greet: To say hello to someone who has just arrived.
• Conference call: Linking several phones or computers for a meeting.

4. Practice Exercises

Circle the correct answer:

• 1. Would Thursday at 11 suit Mrs. Parker? I am afraid that won't work as she has a previous commitment.
• 2. Mrs. Parker is out of the office right now. Would you like to leave a message?
• 3. How long is Adam's presentation supposed to be? It's an hour long plus 10 minutes for questions.
• 4. What's next on the programme? The CEO has 15 minutes for his opening remarks.
• 5. The line is busy; I'm putting you on hold.
• 6. Hello, this is Brad Foster. I understand Janice Buxton... I'm afraid Janice is unavailable.
• 7. We want to cater coffee; they will contact a few places.
• 8. We are going to Knight Avenue; will you require special transport?

5. Professional Guidelines

• Would you like to check the schedule now? It is free for next week.
• Please transfer my call. No problem, when are you leaving?
• You should make small talk.
• You must be professional.
• You don't have to feel nervous.
• You must always expect delays.
• There are advantages to holding meetings, but it is more convenient to use video calls.
• I want to attend the orientation meeting; I'll summarize the main points.
• Was Rick Jones at the board meeting? I don't know; I'll check the attendance.
• How much time is needed for this to be done in time?
• I didn't enjoy Charlie's presentation; I agree, he didn't prepare well.
• I'm sorry, but Thursday doesn't work. So, what day is convenient?
• Mr. Fields called to say no; I'll try to postpone his meeting.
• I'd like to speak to the manager; she isn't in the office.
• May I talk to the purchasing department? Mr. King couldn't join us yesterday.
• You shouldn't put someone on hold without asking.
• We have to make sure everything is ready.