Meetings in English

very encouraging: disappointing.
    Try to soften criticism
    Criticism is usually received best if it is expressed diplomatically. To soften a statement in English, try using:
    „not quite/not really“ + a positive word (eg „adequate“) or
    „a little/somewhat“ + a negative word (eg „disappointing“).
    Criticism: can you read between the lines?
What is said
What is meant
This isn't quite what we were expecting.
    This falls a little below our expectations.
This doesn't meet our expectations at all.
The design isn't quite what we were hoping for.
    The design is not exactly what we were looking for.
We don't like it at all.
Their performance isn't really up to scratch.
    Their performance is a little under par.
Their performance is not acceptable.
    Straight talking
    Despite your best efforts to put your point across tactfully, sometimes there are situations which call for a more direct approach. In English, unpleasant news is often preceded by short phrases which brace the listener for what is to come.
    Example: let's face facts
    A: I accept that sales were a little lower than expected.
    B: Let's not beat around the bush: they were very disappointing.
    A: Frankly, I think that's overstating it a little. Those kinds of figures are to be expected in the current business climate.
    B: Look, I think we should face facts: the product is just not performing as we planned. To be honest, I think it's time we pulled the plug …
Useful phrases
Let's not beat around the bush …
Let's face facts …
Let's be honest …
Let's get one thing straight …
To be honest, I …
Frankly, I …
I don't want to rock the boat/upset the applecart, but …
I don't want to paint too black a picture, but …
Useful vocabulary
    remainder: Rest
    range: Produktpalette
    to conceal: verstecken
    to brace: wappnen
    to beat about/around the bush: um den heißen Brei herumreden
    current: aktuell
    to rock the boat/upset the applecart: die Pferde scheu machen
    Making suggestions and having your say
    Example: making suggestions
    A: I would advise the Board to slash the budget for tobacco advertising. That way, we are on the safe side.
    B: Why do you think that?
    A: The new EU directive poses an immediate threat to our market share.
    B: In my view this prospective danger is still in the stars. What I think is that we should deal with the problems at hand, rather than musing about what might happen in ten years' time!
    A: I'm not dodging the issue of teenage smoking, if this is what you mean. On the contrary! We'll have to face the music sooner or later. I assure you that I do care about the issue.
    Informal formulations and questions for making suggestions are also suitable for meetings. A more tentative way of making a suggestion includes „would“, „could“ or „might/may“.
Useful phrases
Why don't we try …?
Let's take a novel approach in this matter.
Shall we …?
May/might I suggest we stick to our initial plan?
Wouldn't it be worth trying to give a new supplier a chance?
Could there be another way forward?
    Expressing your opinion
    Of course, you can simply state your opinion by plainly saying what you mean. You would usually use an introductory phrase like „I suggest“ or „I would advise that …“
    In a discussion, your tone of voice and intonation would of course also influence the way your opinions come across. Quite naturally, the point you want to make should be pronounced more emphatically than the rest of the sentence. Another way of emphasising and adding stress is to use auxiliaries that you would not need for grammatical reasons.
Useful phrases
    Neutral expression of an opinion
I suggest that we reconsider our standpoint.
My proposal is to start negotiations as fast as we can.
    Strong expression of an opinion
I strongly recommend investing in commodities.
It is high time we became active in this field.
I advise all of you to reconsider your views.
There's no alternative to buying new machines.
It's not a rumour, our competitors are launching the new storage system, that's a fact.
I do think it's important to meet before the 17 th !
    However, the best phrases won't make an impact unless your entire performance radiates confidence. Here are some tips.
    Checklist: how to have your say
•
Try to avoid a thin voice, hurrying or stuttering – there's no need to be afraid.
•
There's no need to hesitate if you know your point is valid. If you are not sure yourself, say that you are not sure.
•
Look at the group: make eye