In the workplace and life, meetings have become an important way of uploading, distributing and communicating. Before we get into the subject of the meeting, we usually make some opening remarks. But how to express the official opening in English? Sometimes the direct translation of Chinese preface may not be effective. Here I list some common expressions and their specific usage. Let's have a look.

Everyone likes to chat for a while at the beginning of the meeting, but when? It's time to start using these key phrases:

Everyone likes to talk about something before the meeting, but to get started, please use the following keyword groups:

make a move

Definition: Let the meeting or discussion begin.

Meaning: Let the meeting/discussion begin.

Example:? All right, everybody. Jean? Let's get started. Come and sit down, shall we? I will start the meeting. ?

Example: All right, everybody, let's get started. Come on, have a seat. The meeting is about to begin.

Begin with ...

Definition: Start by talking about a topic.

Meaning: Start talking about a specific topic.

Example:? Jean? Let's start by summing up what each of you has achieved this week. ?

Let's sum up the work you have finished this week.

turn over

Definition: Introduce another speaker.

Meaning: Introduce another speaker.

Example:? Me? I'd like Dave to explain our plans for next quarter. ?

I think Dave will explain our plan in the next 15 minutes.

On the agenda of the meeting

Definition: what is to be discussed in the plan.

Plan to discuss something.

Example:? Today, the first item on the agenda is to decide on a new supplier. ?

Today, the first item on the agenda is to decide on a new supplier.

Get down to business

Definition: Talk about the most important issues.

Meaning: Discuss the most important issues.

Example:? It? It's time to get down to business. How much will it cost and how much time will it save me?

Example: Now let's get down to business. How much will it cost? How much time was saved?

kick off (in soccer)

Definition: Introduction.

Meaning: Start.

Example:? Jean? Let's review the results of our last activity first. ?

Let's start by reviewing the results of the last activity.

Take minutes of meetings

Definition: record everything said and agreed in the meeting.

Meaning: record what was said and agreed at the meeting.

Example:? It? It's my turn to take minutes of the meeting. Please let me know if you have any. Do you have anything special for me to write down? ?

Example: It's my turn to take notes. If there is anything in particular you want me to record, please let me know.

To help you remember these phrases, try to write an introduction to the meeting with all the phrases. Imagine that you and your colleagues are having a weekly meeting. How many such expressions can you use?

To help you remember these phrases, try to use them and write an introduction for the meeting. Imagine that you and your colleagues are in a daily meeting. What expressions can be used?