Meetings in English

that later?
    Summarising and concluding an item
Useful phrases
So, we've established that the July deadline is too ambitious. What is a more realistic target?
So, just in order to summarise/sum up/recap what we've said, …
So, to bring this point to a close, we can say that …
So, am I right in concluding that we'll … ?
I think we've agreed/we're all in agreement that …
    Moving on to the next agenda item
Useful phrases
The next point/item two on today's agenda is …
I'd like to move on to item three now.
Now, turning to item four, …
Anyway, about the new location …
Useful vocabulary
    to raise a point: einen Punkt ansprechen
    to expire: auslaufen
    font: Schriftart
    to focus on sth: sich konzentrieren auf
    square: rechteckig
    to elaborate: etwas ausführen
    ambitious: ehrgeizig
    Bringing about a decision
    The purpose of most meetings is not only to exchange information, but also to reach decisions. If a decision does not come about naturally, the chair might have to „push“ the participants to make up their minds. Sometimes it may also be necessary to postpone taking a decision.
    How to reach consensus
    Attendees need sufficient time to express their opinions. Nobody likes to be rushed into a decision. Minority views should receive ample attention so that their owners feel they were heard. A short break often helps to bring about a decision.
    Summarising the general mood at the end of each item on the agenda contributes to a clear outcome. Every attendee is more aware of what the general views are. The chair can also help the participants reach a decision by phrasing questions carefully. If the chair has the feeling that there are more outspoken supporters in favour of an issue, they should ask: „Does anyone object?“ rather than „Does everyone approve?“
    Example: summarising and bringing about a conclusion
    Chair: So, to sum up item five, we've agreed that we're going to opt for silver packaging. The next item on the agenda is „Cardboard or plastic packaging“. We've already heard everyone's views on this topic, so could we move straight to a show of hands for cardboard? That's six. Thank you. For the minutes, that's a majority decision in favour of cardboard.
Useful phrases
Could we make a yes or no decision on this item? Could all those in favour please raise their hands?
Could we have a show of hands for going ahead with the measure, please?
Am I right in saying that we've decided in favour of/ against this move?
So we have decided to commission Union Brozers with the catering for the event.
Is it okay with everybody to bring the launch forward by two weeks?
It would certainly be wrong to rush into a decision. Could we leave this until another time?
Useful vocabulary
    to opt for: sich entscheiden für
    majority decision: Mehrheitsentscheidung
    show of hands: per Handzeichen
    Closing the meeting
    Initiating further action
    Before the meeting closes, all the „to dos“ should be allocated. In the closing remarks, the chairperson or participants may also wish to discuss the date and time for the next meeting, when the minutes will be available or the date by which a decision should be made.
    Example: allocating follow-up tasks
    Chair: Jo has kindly offered to follow this up with the shipping department. Can you do this before next week's meeting, Jo?
    Jo: Yes, no problem.
    Chair: Great. Can somebody volunteer to contact the supplier before next week? David? Thank you. We're almost out of time, but does anyone have any last questions before we finish? No? Well, so we can finish the meeting. Thank you all for coming and for your input. I wish David a safe flight back to Brussels.
Useful phrases
We need somebody to contact the supplier. Ian, could you do this for us?
Tina has offered to file the application. How long do you think this process will take, Tina?
Could you follow this up for us, please?
Thanks for volunteering to do this, Marina. Do you think this will be possible in time for next week's meeting?
Georg, when will you be able to email out today's minutes to everyone?
Betty, do you think you could get back to us on that tomorrow by email?
We'll meet again on the first of next month.
I'll send out a group email with the minutes tomorrow.
Can we fix the date for the next meeting, please?
So, the next meeting will be on next Tuesday.
What about the following Wednesday? How is that for everyone?
    Bringing the meeting to a close
    There are different reasons why a meeting comes to an end.