10 Real-Life Business English Phrases for Meetings

Jorge (Manager):

Hi, Anna. Can you hear me?

Anna:

Yes, I can hear you clearly—ready to start.

Jorge (Manager):

Great—let’s get started.

Manager:

Morning, everyone. Thanks for joining. So, here’s our goal for today — we need to confirm the launch date and finalize the marketing plan.

David:

Sounds good. I’ve got the latest updates ready.

Frank:

Should we also redesign the login page while we’re at it?

Manager:

Good point, but that’s out of scope for this phase. Let’s focus on the dashboard first.

Project Manager:

So the plan is to launch in six weeks.

Legal Counsel:

I’m not comfortable with that timeline—legal review alone takes three.

Project Manager:

What would be realistic?

Legal Counsel:

Ten weeks, with a two-week buffer.

Project Manager:

What’s the buffer for?

Legal Counsel:

Testing, approvals, and any last-minute fixes.

Marketing Manager:

We’re still missing the final numbers for the report.

Marketing Analyst: 

I think Finance was supposed to send those over.

Marketing Manager:

Okay, but can you take ownership of this? Just make sure we get everything by tomorrow.

Marketing Analyst: 

Sure, I’ll follow up with them.

Manager: 

So, I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page — the client wants the updated proposal by Monday, right?

Account Manager:

Yeah, and they asked us to include the revised pricing and a short summary of the new features.

Manager: 

Perfect. Has the design team sent their part yet?

Account Manager:

Not yet, but they’ll have it ready later today.

Manager: 

Okay, great. Once you get it, can you send me a quick preview?

Account Manager:

Sure, no problem.

Account Manager:

The client asked if we can lower the retainer next quarter. Should we discuss that now?

Consultant:

Hmm, I’d rather not until we see the final numbers.

Account Manager:

They’re pushing for an answer this week though.

Consultant:

I get it, but let’s park that for now and wait until finance confirms the margins. No point negotiating blind.

Account Manager:

Fair enough. I’ll tell them we’ll get back to them once the numbers are in.

Daniel:

The new hires need more help; I want three office days next month.

Chloe:

I see where you’re coming from, but a lot of us have long commutes and daycare pickup.

Daniel:

What if everyone comes in on Wednesday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., for hands-on help?

Chloe:

Midweek is already busy, and there aren’t enough desks. That won’t work.

Daniel:

Okay—send me what would work for your team, and I’ll change the plan.

Marcus:

The client wants the dashboard and the export tool by Thursday.

Nina:

Ok, here's the thing. Let’s be realistic about what we can deliver—dashboard is fine, but the export still has bugs.

Marcus:

Okay. What can we release without breaking things?

Nina:

The dashboard plus a basic CSV download. The rest needs another week.

Marcus:

Got it. I’ll tell the client: dashboard now, export next week (Thursday or Friday).

Ryan:

Morning. Quick check — did the Dallas shipment go out yesterday?

Catherine:

Not yet. They held it because the address on the order didn’t match the delivery address.

Ryan:

Really? I thought we fixed that on Monday.

Catherine:

Yeah, they updated it, but it’s only going out today.

Ryan:

Okay, thanks. Just let me know once it’s on the road.