Partner A
Easier: Do you often speak in meetings? Why or why not?
What helps you speak up when a meeting in English moves fast?
More challenging: How can a chairperson ensure that all participants have an equal chance to contribute?
Jamesleads the live roundsAvalern · by SimmondsB15 min · English
Speaking up in meetings in English: vocabulary, dialogue and conversation questions
Editorially responsible: James Simmondspublished 30 Sept 2026AI-generated text (learn more – how we use AI on these pages)
Live rounds with a trainer and a small group. To warm up: Theo asks, you answer.
Allow the microphone – Theo asks the first question.
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AI conversation partner, synthetic voice · your voice is processed live by Google Gemini, we store no audio and no transcript · max. 5 minAbout the AIWith headphones you can interrupt Theo. Without them, the microphone only listens once Theo has finished.
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Question of the day
What is one reason mentioned for staying quiet in a meeting?
Show the answer – Open the answer to the question of the day
Correct answer: People worry about their grammar.
You can find the answer in the English introduction.
Listen to the introduction
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Transcript
Hi, I'm Theo, and this is a two-minute conversation starter. Today: speaking up in meetings. Do you ever sit in a meeting in English and stay quiet? You are not alone. For many people, it is difficult to join the conversation – Jump to the vocabulary entry for join the conversation. Sometimes, the fast pace – Jump to the vocabulary entry for fast pace makes it hard to find the right moment to make a point – Jump to the vocabulary entry for make a point. Other times, you might worry about your grammar. But your ideas are valuable! Teams work better when you share your thoughts – Jump to the vocabulary entry for share your thoughts. A good trick is to prepare a few phrases to interrupt politely – Jump to the vocabulary entry for interrupt politely before the meeting starts. That way, you feel more confident when you want to speak up – Jump to the vocabulary entry for speak up. How do you feel about speaking English at work?
Vocabulary
- speak up/spiːk ˈʌp/
- Meaning: To express your opinion clearly.
- Example: It can be scary to speak up when you are new.
- share your thoughts/ʃeə jɔː ˈθɔːts/
- Meaning: To tell other people what you are thinking.
- Example: The manager asked everyone to share their thoughts.
- join the conversation/dʒɔɪn ðə ˌkɒn.vəˈseɪ.ʃən/
- Meaning: To start taking part in a discussion.
- Example: Don't be afraid to join the conversation.
- make a point/meɪk ə ˈpɔɪnt/
- Meaning: To state an idea or opinion in a discussion.
- Example: He waited for a pause to make a point.
- interrupt politely/ˌɪn.təˈrʌpt pəˈlaɪt.li/
- Meaning: To stop someone from speaking in a respectful way.
- Example: You can use a hand signal to interrupt politely.
- fast pace/fɑːst ˈpeɪs/
- Meaning: A quick speed of moving or speaking.
- Example: The fast pace of the discussion confused me.
Dialogue
- AnnaThe meeting with the London office was tough today.
- TomI know. The fast pace made it really hard to follow.
- AnnaExactly. I wanted to make a point about the budget, but I couldn't find a gap.
- TomNext time, you could just raise your hand to interrupt politely.
- AnnaThat's true. It's just hard to speak up when everyone is talking so quickly.
- TomMaybe we should ask them to slow down a bit.
- AnnaGood idea. I'll suggest that in our next call.
Questions for your conversation
Partner B
Easier: Is it easy to understand your colleagues? Why or why not?
When is it hardest for you to say something in an English meeting?
More challenging: What strategies would you use to politely challenge a senior manager's proposal?
Partner A
Easier: Do you prepare notes before a meeting? Why or why not?
How do you usually prepare for an important meeting in English?
More challenging: To what extent does company culture affect how freely employees express their opinions?
Useful phrases
- Could I just say something here?
- Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question.
- I'd like to make a point about the schedule.
- What are your thoughts on this?
- Could you speak a little slower, please?
- I completely agree with you.
Topic quiz
Five quick questions check vocabulary and listening comprehension.
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Who is Theo?
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We store neither audio nor a transcript. During the conversation, your voice is sent to Google (Gemini) for processing. The conversation ends after no more than five minutes.
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