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Meetings: Office English episode 2

BBC Learning English

127K views 2 years ago

Warm-up Questions

Do you enjoy meetings, or do you find them stressful? Why?
What do you think “Office English” will teach in episode 2 about meetings?
In your job or studies, what usually makes a meeting useful?

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Meetings: Office English episode 2

Why speaking up in meetings is hard + introducing yourself (00:00 – 04:09)

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1. What is the main focus of this episode?

How to speak up in meetings and get your ideas heard
How to write meeting minutes
How to negotiate salaries in meetings
How to avoid meetings completely

2. Which phrase is suggested as a professional way to introduce yourself when people may not know you?

Listen everyone, I’m the boss here.
I don’t really like meetings, but I’m here.
You should already know who I am.
For those who don’t know me, I’m…

3. Why can it be useful to say “I have a background in…”?

It helps you explain your expertise and how you can be useful in the meeting.
It is a way to ask for a break.
It is used only when you forgot your job title.
It tells people you want to leave early.

Meetings: Office English episode 2

Responding, disagreeing politely, and interrupting (04:09 – 08:01)

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1. Which phrase is recommended as a polite way to disagree?

Stop talking—listen to me.
That idea is rubbish.
You’re wrong.
I like that idea, but my thinking is a bit different.

2. What is suggested as a simple way to enter the conversation without being too direct?

Change the subject immediately
Wait until the meeting ends and send an email
Ask a question like “What about…” or “How about…”
Speak louder than everyone else

3. When you need to interrupt, what do they say you usually start by doing?

Giving a long explanation
Turning off your microphone
Making a joke
Apologising (e.g., “I’m sorry. Can I just ask…”)

Meetings: Office English episode 2

Making meetings useful: agenda, AOB, and staying on topic (08:01 – 10:24)

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1. What does “agenda” mean in the episode?

A list of things you’re going to talk about in the meeting
A plan for lunch after the meeting
A report written after the meeting
A list of people in the meeting

2. What does “AOB” stand for?

Ask our boss
Any other business
All official business
Agenda on board

3. Which phrase is used to help the meeting stay focused?

Please can we stick to the agenda.
We should cancel the meeting now.
Let’s ignore the agenda.
Let’s add random topics.

Meetings: Office English episode 2

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1. Why do the speakers say meetings can be stressful?

Because agendas are never allowed
Because people may feel nervous speaking, especially with people they don’t know well
Because meetings always last all day
Because you must always disagree

2. What is one benefit of sharing the agenda before the meeting?

It stops anyone from speaking
It helps everyone prepare in advance
It makes meetings longer
It replaces the need for a meeting

3. What is the main communication style they describe as common in Britain?

Politeness, often using phrases like “I’m sorry” and “Can I just…?”
Very direct, with no need to apologise
Silent meetings with no discussion
Only speaking through written notes

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Meetings: Office English episode 2

Which phrase from the video would be most useful for you in a real meeting, and why?
In your culture or workplace, is it normal to apologise when interrupting? What is considered polite?
What makes someone “dominate the conversation,” and what could a team do to prevent it?
Do you think agendas make meetings better? What should be on a good agenda (and what should not)?