Find the words you need in English meetings

You know what you want to say. This guide gives you clear phrases to join the discussion, take a moment to think and make your point — without sounding too direct or too formal.

For face-to-face, Teams and Zoom meetings.

Get instant access for €17

Immediate digital access. Yours to keep forever.

Speak Up in Meetings guide shown on laptop, tablet and phone
Sound familiar?

You can follow the meeting, but finding the phrase takes longer

You're really good at your job. You understand the discussion. You may already know exactly what you want to say. The difficult part is finding the right words in English quickly enough.

  • You want to add a point, but someone else starts speaking first.
  • Someone asks you an unexpected question and your mind goes blank.
  • You need more time to think, but everyone is waiting for your answer.
  • You disagree, but you aren't sure whether your phrase sounds too direct.
  • You didn't understand one point, but you don't know how to ask about it.
  • Someone interrupts you and you don't know how to finish what you were saying.
  • The meeting ends and you aren't sure what was decided.
The shift

Know how to start, even when you need a moment to think

A prepared opening phrase helps you begin. Once you have started speaking, it is easier to explain your point.

When you want to join the discussion
Instead of waiting for someone to ask for your opinion:
"Can I add something here?"
When you need a few seconds to think
Instead of giving the first answer that comes into your head:
"That's a good question. Give me a second to think."
When you disagree
Instead of staying silent because you aren't sure how strong your English sounds:
"I can see the logic, but I'm not sure it will work here."
When you need to check the decision
Instead of leaving the meeting unsure about what happens next:
"Just to confirm, we've agreed to [action]."

The phrases don't tell you what to think. They help you start speaking so you can explain what you already know.

Get the phrases for my next meeting
Built around real meetings

Use the right phrase for each part of the meeting

You don't need to read the whole guide before every meeting. Go directly to the situation that usually causes you difficulty.

  • Before the meetingPrepare the main points you want to make and any questions you need to ask.
  • When you want to speakUse a simple phrase to join the discussion, interrupt politely or return to a point.
  • When you need more timeAsk for a moment to think, check information or ask someone to explain something again.
  • Before the meeting endsMake sure everyone is clear about what was decided, who will do what and when it needs to be done.
Speak Up in Meetings guide open on a tablet
Four simple steps

Prepare five phrases before your next meeting

You don't need to memorise hundreds of expressions. Use the guide in four simple steps.

Make the phrases your own — worksheet pages from the guide
1

Choose the moments that cause you trouble

For example: starting to speak, answering unexpected questions, disagreeing, or checking the next step.

2

Pick one or two phrases

Choose phrases that sound like something you could genuinely say. A short phrase you remember is more useful than a long phrase you forget.

3

Add your real work details

Change the phrase so it fits your meeting.

General phrase: "My concern is that…"
Your phrase: "My concern is that we don't have the final figures yet."
4

Say the phrases aloud

A phrase you have only read may still be difficult to use quickly. Say it aloud once or twice, then keep it beside you during the meeting.

Judgement, not just translation

Learn which phrase is appropriate, not only what it means

A sentence can be grammatically correct but still sound wrong in a meeting. It may be too formal for a colleague, too informal for a client, or so indirect that nobody understands what you want. The guide helps you judge the difference.

  • Clear explanations of when to use each type of phrase
  • Short and longer options
  • Notes about formal and informal English
  • Realistic meeting conversations
  • Examples for colleagues, managers, clients and senior people
  • "Don't say this / Say this" corrections
  • Warnings about phrases that are correct but unsuitable
Speak Up in Meetings guide shown with example pages
Too general

"Do I have to prepare something?"

Clear and specific

"Could you let me know what you would like me to prepare?"

Too vague

"I'm not sure."

Natural English

"My first thought is that we can meet the deadline, but I need to check the figures."

Practical pages

Prepare the phrases you'll need for your next meeting

The guide includes practical pages that help you prepare for real meetings — and you can use them again each time you have an important one.

Practical planning and worksheet pages from the guide

Quick rescue guide

Use this when the meeting doesn't go as planned. It includes phrases for moments such as:

  • You still haven't had a chance to speak.
  • You lose the word you need.
  • Someone interrupts you.
  • You realise you misunderstood something.
  • You need to correct what you said earlier.
  • The online connection causes a problem.

Your personal phrase set

Choose the phrases that fit your role and the way you normally speak. You don't need to use the same phrases as everyone else.

Your next meeting plan.
Prepare:

  • The points you need to make
  • The question you want answered
  • The part that may be difficult
  • The five phrases you plan to use

After the meeting

Note which phrases you used and what you want to prepare before the next meeting.

You can use these pages again each time you have an important meeting, building a set of phrases that genuinely work for you.

Prepare for my next English meeting • €17
Harry, English teacher
The teacher behind the guide

Written by Harry

Harry has taught English and workplace English for many years. His students often describe the same problem: they understand the discussion and know what they want to say, but they don't always have the English ready when they need to speak. The guide was created for those exact moments.

  • English that people genuinely use in meetings
  • Clear international workplace English
  • The difference between natural, formal and informal phrases
  • The tone needed for colleagues, managers and clients
  • Phrases short enough to remember and use

Written by Harry, English teacher and host of Speak Better English with Harry.

Get the guide

Get Speak Up in Meetings

Use clear English phrases to take part in meetings without working out every sentence from the beginning.

You'll receive:

  • The complete 57-page digital guide
  • Practical phrases for every stage of a meeting
  • English for face-to-face, Teams and Zoom meetings
  • Real meeting examples
  • Tone and formality guidance
  • "Don't say this / Say this" corrections
  • A quick rescue guide
  • A personal meeting phrase worksheet
  • A plan for preparing your next meeting
  • Pages to review what worked afterwards
One-time price €17 Get Speak Up in Meetings

Instant access — ready to download immediately.

FAQ

Questions before you buy

Who is this guide for?
It is for professionals who work in English and can follow workplace discussions, but need more time to choose the right phrase when they speak.
What level of English do I need?
The guide is most useful for intermediate and advanced learners who can already discuss their work in English. It isn't a beginner course.
Will this help me know what to say in a meeting?
Yes. The guide gives you phrases for the moments when you may struggle to find the right English quickly. You'll have clear ways to start speaking, ask for time to think, interrupt politely, disagree, ask questions and confirm what was decided.
Will the phrases sound natural in an international workplace?
Yes. The guide uses clear workplace English that works in international teams. It also explains when a phrase sounds formal, informal, too direct or more suitable for a colleague, manager or client.
Can I use it in online meetings?
Yes. The phrases work in face-to-face, Teams and Zoom meetings. The guide also covers common online meeting problems.
Do I have to memorise all the phrases?
No. Choose the moments that cause you the most difficulty and prepare one or two phrases for each one.
Does it include follow-up emails?
It includes short phrases for confirming decisions and following up after a meeting. For complete, ready-to-send emails, see 78 Workplace Emails — it includes full templates for follow-ups, reminders, requests, deadlines and difficult replies.
How will I receive the guide?
You'll receive access to download the guide immediately after payment.
Can I get a refund?
Unfortunately, we're unable to offer refunds on this digital guide. You receive immediate access after payment, and unlike a physical product, a digital file cannot be returned once it has been delivered.
Ready?

Go into your next meeting with five phrases ready

Choose the moments that usually stop you. Pick five phrases. Add your real project, client or deadline. Say them aloud before the meeting.

Then you'll know how to start, how to ask for time and how to check what happens next.

Get Speak Up in Meetings for €17
Speak Up in Meetings Get it for €17