Online meetings are now part of everyday work. You may use Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or another platform, but the problem is usually the same.
You understand most of the meeting, but when you need to speak, you are not sure what to say.
In this lesson, I'll show you simple, useful phrases for real online meetings. You'll learn what to say when you need to ask someone to repeat something, add a point, interrupt politely, explain a technical problem, or close the meeting clearly.
The key is not complicated English. The key is having a few safe phrases ready before the meeting starts.
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Take the quiz →Watch the video lesson first, or use the written guide below to find the phrases you need.
When to use these phrases
You can use these phrases when you need to:
- start an online meeting
- check if everyone can hear and see you
- share your screen
- ask someone to repeat something
- ask for clarification
- explain a technical problem
- interrupt politely
- add your opinion
- move the meeting forward
- summarise decisions
- close the meeting clearly
Below, you'll find the phrases organised by the moment in the meeting where you need them.
1. Starting an online meeting
When you start a meeting, keep it clear. People want to know three things: why they are there, what you are going to discuss, and how long the meeting will take.
A simple, natural way to begin.
The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the launch timeline.
Today, we're going to look at the budget, the deadline, and the next steps.
We have about 45 minutes for today's meeting.
- I sent the agenda earlier, so you should all have a copy.
- Let's get started.
- Are we ready to start?
- Shall we get started?
- Okay, let's begin.
2. Checking if people can hear and see you
At the start of an online meeting, you often need to check the sound, camera, or screen.
- Can everyone hear me okay?
- Can you hear me clearly?
- Can everyone see my screen?
- Is the sound okay for everyone?
- Can you see the presentation?
- Let me know if you can't hear me properly.
Before we start, can everyone hear me okay?
I'm going to share my screen now. Can you see the presentation?
3. Sharing your screen
When you share your screen, tell people what you are doing before you do it. This helps everyone follow the meeting.
- I'm going to share my screen now.
- Let me share my screen with you.
- I'll pull up the presentation.
- I'll open the document now.
- Can you see what I'm showing you?
- I can make it bigger if needed.
- I'll stop sharing now.
I'm going to share my screen now, so you can see the latest version of the report.
Can you see the spreadsheet, or should I make it a little bigger?
Stuck for words mid-meeting?
Take the quiz and get the Meeting Rescue Phrases — for moments when you freeze, miss something, or need a few seconds to think.
Take the free test →4. Asking someone to repeat something
This is one of the most useful skills in online meetings. It is normal to miss a word, especially when the connection is not perfect or someone speaks quickly. Do not panic. Use a short phrase and ask clearly.
- Could you repeat that, please?
- Sorry, could you say that again?
- Could you repeat the last part, please?
- I didn't quite catch that. Could you say it again?
- Sorry, I missed the last point. Could you go over it again?
- Could you speak a little more slowly, please?
Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Could you repeat the last part, please?
Could you speak a little more slowly, please? I want to make sure I understand the details.
This does not make you sound weak. It makes you sound careful.
5. Asking for clarification
Sometimes you hear the words, but you are not sure about the meaning. In that case, do not just say "I don't understand." That can sound too broad. Ask about the exact point.
- Could you clarify what you mean by [word/point]?
- Just to clarify, are you saying that [your understanding]?
- Do you mean that [your understanding]?
- Could you explain that point in a little more detail?
- Can I check I've understood this correctly?
- So, are we saying that [decision/next step]?
Just to clarify, are you saying that we need to finish the report by Friday?
Can I check I've understood this correctly? The client wants the first draft this week, but the final version next week.
"Just to clarify" + your understanding. It helps you check the meaning without sounding lost.
6. Entering the discussion politely
In many online meetings, it is difficult to know when to speak. People talk over each other. There can be a small delay. You may wait too long and then the topic changes. These phrases help you enter the conversation politely.
- Can I add something here?
- Can I come in here for a moment?
- I'd like to add one point.
- There's one thing I'd like to mention.
- Can I just ask a quick question?
- Before we move on, can I add something?
Can I add something here? I think we also need to check the delivery date.
Before we move on, can I ask a quick question about the budget?
"I want to say something."
"Can I add something here?"
7. Interrupting politely
Sometimes you need to interrupt because you have a question, the information is incorrect, or the meeting is moving too quickly. The safest way is to apologise briefly and explain why you are interrupting.
- Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask a quick question?
- Sorry to jump in, but I think there's one point we need to check.
- Can I stop you there for a moment?
- Sorry, before we move on, could we clarify one thing?
- Could I come in there for a second?
Sorry to interrupt, but can I ask a quick question about the timeline?
Sorry to jump in, but I think there's one point we need to check before we make a decision.
"Can I butt in?"
"Can I jump in here?" or "Can I come in here?"
Do you get stuck when you need to speak in meetings?
Take the free quiz and get the Meeting Rescue Phrases for moments when you freeze, miss something, or need time to think.
Take the quiz →8. Giving your opinion in an online meeting
When you give your opinion at work, you do not always need a long sentence. A short, clear phrase is often better.
- I think we should [action].
- In my opinion, the best option is [option].
- From my point of view, [idea].
- I'd suggest [action].
- My main concern is [concern].
- The way I see it, [opinion].
I think we should wait until we have the final numbers.
From my point of view, option two is safer because it gives us more time.
My main concern is the deadline. I'm not sure Friday is realistic.
9. Disagreeing carefully
You may need to disagree in a meeting, but you do not want to sound rude or too direct. A good structure is: show that you understand, introduce your concern, then explain your reason.
- I see your point, but I'm not sure that will work because [reason].
- I understand what you mean, but I have one concern.
- I agree with part of that, but I think we also need to consider [point].
- I'm not sure I'd agree with that completely.
- Can I offer a slightly different view?
I see your point, but I'm not sure that will work because the client still hasn't approved the budget.
Can I offer a slightly different view? I think the timeline may be too tight.
"I disagree."
"I see your point, but I'm not sure that will work because …"
10. Talking about technical problems
Technical problems happen all the time in online meetings. The best phrases are short and direct.
- I'm having trouble hearing you.
- Your sound is breaking up a little.
- You're frozen on my screen.
- The screen is frozen.
- There's a bit of an echo.
- I think there's a problem with the connection.
- I'm going to leave and join again.
- Could you mute your microphone when you're not speaking?
- You're still on mute.
Sorry, you're breaking up a little. Could you repeat that?
I think there's a problem with my connection. I'm going to leave and join again.
You're still on mute. We can't hear you.
11. Moving on to the next point
If you are leading the meeting, you need to move from one topic to another. You can do this politely and clearly.
- Let's move on to the next point.
- Shall we move on?
- Let's look at the next item on the agenda.
- We're running short of time, so let's move on.
- I think we've covered this point.
- We can come back to this later if needed.
I think we've covered this point. Let's move on to the next item on the agenda.
We're running short of time, so let's move on and come back to this at the end if needed.
12. Summarising what has been discussed
Summarising is very important in online meetings. It helps everyone understand what has been agreed and what needs to happen next.
- Let me quickly summarise what we've agreed.
- So far, we've agreed that [decision].
- The main points are [point 1], [point 2], and [point 3].
- Just to summarise, [summary].
- The key decision is [decision].
- The next step is [next step].
Let me quickly summarise what we've agreed. We'll send the first draft by Friday, and Maria will check the final numbers.
The key decision is that we'll move ahead with option two.
13. Checking actions and next steps
At the end of a meeting, everyone should know what they need to do. This is especially important when people are working remotely.
- Who will take care of [task]?
- Can we confirm the next steps?
- So, [name] will handle [task], and [name] will send [document].
- What's the deadline for this?
- When do we need to have this ready?
- I'll send a short follow-up after the meeting.
Can we confirm the next steps? I'll update the document, and Anna will send the figures by Thursday.
Who will take care of the client update?
14. Closing an online meeting
When you close a meeting, keep it simple. Thank people, confirm the next step, and finish clearly.
- I think that's a good place to stop for today.
- We can leave it there for today.
- We'll pick this up again next week.
- Thanks, everyone. That was very useful.
- Thanks for your time, everyone.
- I'll send the follow-up notes later today.
15. Short follow-up phrases after the meeting
Sometimes you need to send a short message after the meeting. These phrases are useful in emails or chat.
- Thanks for the meeting today.
- Here's a quick summary of what we agreed.
- As discussed, I'll [action].
- Could you please send me [document/information] when you have a chance?
- Let me know if I've missed anything.
- I'll follow up again once I have an update.
Thanks for the meeting today. As discussed, I'll update the document and send it to the team by Friday.
Here's a quick summary of what we agreed. Let me know if I've missed anything.
Quick practice
Choose three phrases from this lesson and practise saying them aloud. Start with these:
- "Sorry, I didn't quite catch that. Could you repeat the last part, please?"
- "Can I add something here?"
- "Let me quickly summarise what we've agreed."
Do not try to memorise every phrase at once. Choose the ones you need most often in your own meetings.
If you often feel nervous in meetings, prepare a few phrases before the call. Keep them open in a document next to your meeting notes. This is not cheating. It is preparation.
Final thoughts
Online meetings are easier when you have ready phrases.
You do not need complicated English. You need clear English. You need phrases that help you join the discussion, ask questions, fix misunderstandings, explain technical problems, and finish the meeting with clear next steps.
Start with simple phrases. Use them often. Over time, they will feel more natural.
Test your meeting English
Do you understand meetings, but freeze when you need to speak? Take the free quiz and get the Meeting Rescue Phrases for real meeting moments — clarifying, entering the discussion, interrupting politely, disagreeing carefully, and recovering when you miss something.
Take the quiz →