Meetings: joining in, interrupting and disagreeing
Speaking up without sounding rude — in the room or on a video call.
15 minutes · A free lesson from Phone calls and meetings
Many capable people stay silent in meetings because they are waiting for a perfect gap, or worry about sounding rude. A small set of phrases solves both problems.
Meeting language
Joining in
- Could I just add something here?
- Can I come in on that point?
- Building on what Ali said…
Interrupting politely
- Sorry to interrupt, but…
- Sorry — before we move on…
Agreeing and disagreeing
- I completely agree.
- I see your point, but…
- I'm not sure about that, because…
Clarifying
- Just to be clear, are you saying…?
- Sorry, I didn't quite follow — could you go over that again?
Video calls
- Can everyone hear me?
- I think you're on mute.
- Sorry, you broke up a bit there.
Closing
- So, to sum up…
- The next steps are…
- Shall we meet again on Thursday?
Quick check: Which is the most polite way to disagree?
- That's wrong.
- I see what you mean, but I'm not sure it would work here.
- No, no, no.
Show the answer
B: I see what you mean, but I'm not sure it would work here.
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which is correct?
- I don't agree.
- I am not agree.
- I not agree.
Show the answer
A: I don't agree. — Or, more softly: I'm not sure I agree.
Quick check: Which phrase joins a discussion?
- “I think you're on mute.”
- “So, to sum up…”
- “Building on what Ali said…”
Show the answer
C: “Building on what Ali said…” — Could I just add something here? and Can I come in on that point? work too.
Quick check: Someone's sound drops on a video call. What do you say?
- “Can I come in on that point?”
- “Sorry, you broke up a bit there.”
- “Shall we meet again on Thursday?”
Show the answer
B: “Sorry, you broke up a bit there.” — Can everyone hear me? and I think you're on mute are useful on calls too.
Quick check: Which is clearer than “Please do the needful”?
- “Kindly revert.”
- “Could you send me the signed form by Friday?”
- “Do it.”
Show the answer
B: “Could you send me the signed form by Friday?” — Say what you need, and by when.
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now