Hello,

Today we are going to take a look at some useful vocabulary for participating in a business business_manmeeting. Here’s a list of some common terms and phrases used in meetings. Read the definition first and then the example, in order to better understand the way these words and phrases are used.

  • to abstain = to decide not to use your vote

Eight members voted in favour, five against, and ten abstained.

  • to adjourn = to suspend or postpone a meeting to a later time

The meeting was adjourned until Friday.

  • agenda = a list of matters to be discussed at a meeting

There are several  important items on the agenda.

  • AGM = abbreviation for annual general meeting = a meeting that happens once every year in which the annual report is presented and new officers are elected

You have to vote for a new chairperson at the AGM.

  • AOB or a.o.b (abbr.) = any other business; it is used at the end of the list of subjects to be discussed at a meeting

And the last item on our today’s agenda is AOB.

  • apologies = item on the agenda announcing people who are absent

We can skip the apologies because everyone is present today.

  • casting vote = a deciding vote, given by the person in charge of a meeting, if the number of votes about something is equal

His role was decided based on the chairman’s casting vote.

  • consensus = a generally accepted decision or agreement

If we cannot reach a consensus on this matter we will put it to a vote.

  • to fix a time = to arrange or agree a time

Let’s fix a time for our next meeting.

  • grievance = a complaint

The first item on the agenda relates to a grievance reported by our manager.

  • mandatory = required

It is mandatory that all managers attend the meeting.

  • minutes = the written record of everything said at a meeting

Could you take the minutes, Carmen?

  • to outline sth = to give the main facts about something

Please outline the main points of your argument.

  • to reach a decision = to make a decision about something

The board of directors took four hours to reach a decision.

  • to stick to sth = to limit yourself to doing one particular thing

We should stick to the agenda and discuss that under AOB.

  • show of hands = a vote in which people raise one of their hands to show that they support an opinion / a suggestions

Let’s vote on this with a show of hands.

  • to speak out = to give your opinion on a subject

If you have any questions, please speak up now.

  • to turn to sth = to start to think about something or consider a particular thing or person

Now let’s turn to our sales figures.

  • to wrap (sth) up = to finish

Let’s wrap things up for today and get back to our desks.

Good luck!

Autor: Cecilia Stănia – Trainer intern A_BEST Limba Engleză

Cecilia Stănia este absolventă a Facultăţii de Limbi şi Literaturi Străine Dimitrie Cantemir, specializarea Studii Limba şi literatura Engleză– Limba şi Literatura Germană, promoţia 2010.

Cecilia a fost mereu interesată să-şi îmbunătăţească cunoştinţele de limba engleză, de aceea ea a urmat modulul Psihopedagogic Nivelul I.

În calitate de trainer A_BEST, Cecilia predă engleza – limbaj general şi business – în mediul corporate.