In the world of international business, mastering English isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about using the right phrases at the right time. Whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or negotiating a deal, having a repertoire of professional expressions can make all the difference. This guide introduces essential English phrases that will help you navigate business situations with confidence and professionalism.

1. Starting a Meeting

Meetings are a cornerstone of business communication. Setting the right tone from the start is critical. Here are some key phrases:

Opening the meeting:

"Let’s get started. Thank you all for joining." "The purpose of today’s meeting is to discuss…" Welcoming participants: "It’s great to see everyone here." "Let’s begin by welcoming our new team member, [Name]."

2. Discussing Ideas

When you’re sharing or responding to ideas, clear and concise language is essential:

Presenting your ideas:

"I’d like to propose…" "Here’s what I suggest we do moving forward." Requesting feedback: "What are your thoughts on this?" "Does anyone have any suggestions or concerns?"

Acknowledging input:

"That’s an interesting point." "I see your perspective. Let’s explore that further."

3. Negotiations and Decision-Making

Negotiations demand tact and assertiveness. Use these phrases to navigate discussions effectively:

Making a proposal:

"We’re willing to offer…" "What if we consider a compromise on…?"

Responding to offers:

"We appreciate your offer, but…" "Could you clarify how this aligns with our objectives?"

Concluding negotiations:

"We’re happy to move forward with these terms." "Let’s draft the agreement to finalise the details."

4. Handling Difficult Situations

Every professional faces challenges, from disagreements to delivering feedback. The right language can help you manage these situations with poise:

Addressing disagreements:

"I see your point, but have we considered…" "Let’s find a solution that works for everyone."

Giving constructive feedback:

"I appreciate your effort on this project. Here’s an area for improvement…" "To achieve better results next time, let’s focus on…"

5. Ending Conversations or Meetings

How you close a discussion or meeting leaves a lasting impression:

Summarising action points:

"To recap, we’ve agreed on…" "The next steps are…"

Thanking participants:

"Thank you all for your valuable input." "I appreciate everyone’s time and effort today."

Tips for Mastering Business English

Practise regularly: Engage in mock meetings or role-play exercises to build confidence. Listen and learn: Watch business presentations or TED Talks to pick up professional phrasing. Seek feedback: Work with a language coach or mentor to refine your communication skills.

As a certified learning practitioner and language coach I specialise in equipping professionals with the language tools they need to excel in global business. From mastering meeting etiquette to commanding the boardroom, our coaching programmes are tailored to your unique needs.

Ready to take your English to the next level? Contact me today and transform your business communication skills. Take the complimentary English Proficiency Test here.


#LearnEnglish