English for Meetings: Getting Feedback

The English for Meetings workshop continues with this installment. In this section, we’ll look at different English phrases to build participation and get everyone involved in the meeting’s discussion.  Using some of these English phrases can build a lively meeting with lots of ideas and input, hopefully leading to better decision making.

Opening for feedback

Getting off on the right foot is important to establishing the right atmosphere in the meeting. You can simply open the meeting with a few of these expressions to let people know that their ideas are expected and encouraged.  Also, it might help people feel more comfortable sharing their ideas.  These expressions are commonly heard at the start of the meeting or whenever there is a lull (slow moment) in the discussion.

• I’d like to hear what everyone thinks about each idea.
• I’m open to feedback
• Let’s try to brainstorm some ideas. Would anybody like to start?
• Does anybody have any ideas?
• How do you suggest we deal with this?

Asking for opinions

These English expressions also encourage people to share their ideas and opinions, but with a specific topic in mind. 

• What’s your opinion?
• I’d like your opinion on this
• What’s your point of view on this
• Can we have your thoughts on this
• What do you think?
• What do you think about this?
• How do you feel about this?

Focusing a discussion on the cause

These English expressions direct the meeting participants to dig deeper into the reasons for a situation.

• What are the underlying causes of …
• What is at the root of this problem?
• What’s behind this …?

Giving Positive Feedback

Using these English expressions can encourage people further to participate.

• I think we are on the right track.
• We are definitely on the same page now.
• I think we’re all on the same wavelength.

Example Dialogue:

Chairperson:	I’m open to feedback. Your opinions are important, so I’d like to hear what everyone thinks. Let’s try to brainstorm some ideas. Would anybody like to start? Does anybody have any ideas?
Donna:	I have an idea
Chairperson:	Yes Donna, what’s your opinion?
Donna:	We could lower prices.  This would lead to an immediate increase in sales volume.
Chairperson:	Great idea.  Looking around the room, I can see that we’re all on the same page

Check out the other units in the English for Meetings Workshop. In each section you will find standard English phrases that you can mix, match and adapt to your specific content.