Essential Business English Phrases for Meetings and Negotiations

Knowing essential business English enhances professional image, increases job opportunities in multinational companies and better salary prospects. 

It plays a vital role in:

• Career Advancement
• Business Success
• Confidence and Efficiency
• Global connectivity
• Time efficiency
• Increased business revenue
• Improved international relationships
• Competitive edge in the global market
• Better communication with clients and colleagues

Essential Business English phrases for Meeting:

1.Preparing for a Meeting:

• Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss
• I’d like to request a meeting with (team/person).
• I’ll send you a meeting invite with the details.
• Can we arrange a conference call for (date/time)?

2.Discussion and Participation:

• What are your thoughts on this (topic)?
• Can you elaborate on that point?
• Let’s open the floor for discussion.
• Excuse me, may I add?

3.Decisions and Actions:

• Let’s summarize the actions items.
• What’s the deadline for (task)?
• We have decided to (decision)?
• Can we take a break?

4.Closing the Meeting:

• Thank you all for your input.
• Let’s adjourn the meeting.
• We’ll follow up on this (tasks).
• The meeting is concluded.

Essential Business English Phrases for Negotiation:

Mastering business English phrases is crucial for success in International business.

1.Opening the Negotiation:

• I’d like to discuss the terms of the contract.
• Let’s explore possible options for cooperation.
• Can we start with a brief overview of your proposal?
• We are interested in negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement.

2.Making Proposals:

• We propose the following terms.
• Our initial offer is.
• We’re willing to consider.
• Let’s discuss potential compromises.

3.Counteroffers and Concessions:

• We are willing to make a concession on (aspect).
• I can meet you halfway on (issue).
• Let’s find a middle ground.
• In exchange for (concession), we require (condition).

4.Reaching Agreement:

• I think we have a deal.
• Shall we shake on it?
• Let's finalize the contract.
• We have reached a mutually beneficial agreement.

5.Closing the Negotiation:

• Thank you for your cooperation
• I’m glad we could come to an agreement.
• We look forward to working together
• Let’s confirm the details in writing.

Polite Expressions for Disagreeing in Meetings:

1.Mild Disagreement:

1. I'm not entirely convinced...

2. I have some reservations about...

3. I'd like to offer an alternative perspective...

4. Have we considered [different angle]?

5. I'm not sure I agree entirely...

2.Constructive Criticism

1. While I understand your point, I think...

2. I see where you're coming from, but...

3. That's an interesting idea, however...

4. I'd like to build on that idea by suggesting...

5. Can we explore other options?

3.Respectful Disagreement

1. I respectfully disagree with [point].

2. I have a different opinion on this matter.

3. I'm afraid I don't share the same view.

4. I'd like to offer a counterpoint.

5. Can we discuss the pros and cons?

FAQ's

1. Why is Business English important?

Business English enables effective communication, professional image, and global collaboration.

2. What are common Business English challenges?

Miscommunication, lost opportunities, difficulty building relationships, ineffective negotiations, and negative professional reputation.

3. What's a common way to start a meeting?

Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Let's begin.

4. How do I politely interrupt someone in a meeting?

“Excuse me,” or “May I add something?”

5. What's the difference between “offer” and “counteroffer”?

An offer is initial, while a counteroffer is a response.