Inviting introductions from participants

(if necessary)

First of all	I'd like to introduce	........................
	let me introduce

Would you like to say a few words about yourselves?

Right, thank you.

Explaining the purpose of the meeting

If everyone has got a copy of the agenda, let me first explain the purpose of the meeting.

The objective of this meeting is to ...

As you all know, we are here today to ...

Presenting the agenda

Now, let's look at the agenda in detail.

As you can see there are four main points/items.

I propose/suggest that we take them in the following order.

I think we will need about 10 minutes for point I.

Inviting someone to state his/her position

Would you like to start, Mr. Brown?

Mr. Smith, perhaps you could give us a brief outline of your position on this matter?

Stop people talking

One at a time, please.

We can't all speak at once.

Mr. Black first, then Mr. Jones.

Asking for repetition or clarification

1. If you didn't hear:

I am sorry. I didn't hear what you said. Would you mind repeating it, please?

2. If you didn't understand:

I am sorry, I don't quite follow you. Could you go over that again, please?

Saying that something is irrelevant

I am afraid that's outside the scope of this meeting.

We are beginning to lose sight of the main point.

Keep to the point, please.

Keeping an eye on the time

We are running short of time.

Could you, please, be brief.

Controlling decision-making

I'd like to propose that ...

Can we take a vote on this proposal?

All those in favour. Rights All those against. Right, thank you.

So that motion has been accepted/rejected by 4 votes to 2.

Closing the meeting

Right. That just about covers everything.

So, the next meeting will be on ... (date) at ... (time)

Thanks for your participation.

Right, I declare the meeting closed.

■ Ex. 1. Each of these phrases fulfils a particular purpose. Match the phrases with the definitions.

Let's look at the agenda in detail.	A. Introducing somebody
Ladies and gentlemen, are we ready to begin?	B. Putting a proposal to the vote
Would you like to start, Tom?	C. Interrupting somebody
Could you please be brief?	D. Getting started
All those in favour. Right. All those against. Right, thank you.	E. Giving the floor to somebody
Right. That's just about covers everything.	F. Discussing the procedure
I am sorry I didn't hear what you said.	G. Winding up
Would you like to say a few words about yourselves?	H. Missing somebody's words

■ Ex. 2. Write down what you would say at a meeting in each of the following situations». You are in the chair and

1. The speaker is getting away from the point.

2. You want everybody to vote on the proposal.

3. Mr. Wilson has been giving his views for some time and you want to interrupt him.

4. You see that everybody has come.

5. You want to set the time limit for items 1,2.

6. You've missed the point the speaker made.

7. You want to close the meeting.

8. You want to call the speakers to order.

9. You want Mrs. Thompson to give her point of view.

10. You want to explain the purpose of the meeting.

■ Ex. 3. Refer to texts 1-6 Section A, Unit VI. Study the agenda of the meeting below.

AGENDA 10 am Wednesday 4th December FMA head office boardroom 1. Minutes of last meeting 2. Ben Rosselli’s physical condition 3. Successor to the Presidency 4. Any other business

Student A — Imagine that you are Mr. Jerome Patterton. You chair the meeting, open it, discuss the agenda, the procedure, invite a senior official of the bank to report on Ben Rosselli's physical condition, give the floor to the two candidates seeking office.

Student В — Imagine that you are one of the bank's senior officials. Report on Ben Rosselli's physical condition, pay tribute to Ben Rosselli. Make use of Ex. 2. (Grammar Exercises. Unit V).

Student С — Imagine that you are Roscoe Heyward. Expound your views on the future of FMA. Structure your presentation according to the classical model.

Unit VII

Topic: Depression and recession

Grammar: Future: will, shall / be going to

Communication Skills: Meetings (Part II)