Category Archives: Meetings

BEP 27 INT (Transcript) – Meetings: Expressing Opinions

In this intermediate Business English Pod episode, we look at ways to give and ask for opinions. We’ll be looking at the formal (or careful) language often used in meetings, as well as the more informal (or direct) language used in casual discussions.

This episode is the first in a regular series of intermediate level podcasts focused on functional Business English language. Each podcasts will introduce and explain how to use a particular type, or function, of language (eg. expressing an opinion, making a suggestion or clarifying information etc.). These podcasts are also designed to support our more challenging advanced level episodes by breaking down the featured language into smaller, more easily understood chunks.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 24 – Teleconferencing: Using Diplomatic Language

In this Business English Podcast we’re going to listen to a teleconference between the head office management of a US guitar manufacturer and the manager of their new Latin American plant.

Key language structures explained are: diplomatic language and using probing questions. We also introduce some useful English phrases for starting a teleconference meeting, interrupting and clarifying.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 20 (Transcript) – Meetings: Supporting your Argument (Part 3)

In the final episode of our three-part Business English Pod series on supporting your argument or position in meetings, we look at language used to make your statements more persuasive.

Jack is going to summarize his proposal for the move to Costa Rica and hopes to get a final recommendation on the outsourcing project to present to the Board. He must persuade the managers to proceed, and answer the objections raised at the last meeting.

Key language: Persuasive arguments and effective use of language to support your arguments.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 19 (Transcript) – Meetings: Supporting your Argument (Part 2)

Welcome to the second part of our Business English Pod series on how to support your position or argument in meetings.

Our friend Jack is giving an update on the Costa Rican project. Dan is against the idea, because as production manager, he doesn’t want to lose all his staff. The HR manager, Angie, also doesn’t want to lay off her US staff, and is worried about the difficulty of hiring workers in another country. Jack tries to defend his plan, but has difficulty supporting his argument.

Key Language: emphasizing, minimizing, supporting points & vocal stress.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 17 (Transcript) – Meetings: Supporting your Argument (Part I)

In the first part of our ESL Business English Podcast series on making and supporting your arguments in meetings, we cover the key language used to organise your thoughts and support your ideas.

In later episodes (BEP 19 & BEP 20) we’ll look deeper into the topic and provide further examples of language you can use to support your position.

Transcript & Study Notes.