Business English: Essential Phrases for Managing Meetings Like a Professional
Updated: Jul 16
Running a meeting isn’t only about having good ideas—it also requires the right language.
Whether you’re leading an international team, attending online meetings, or speaking with clients, knowing the right expressions helps you sound confident, professional, and natural.
Today we’ll learn practical Business English phrases used by native speakers to:
Speed up a meeting
Slow a discussion down
Keep everyone focused
These are phrases you’ll hear every day in international companies.
Why These Expressions Matter
Many English learners know grammar but struggle during meetings because conversations move quickly.
Native speakers rarely say:
“Please stop.”
Instead, they use softer, more professional language such as:
“Let’s stay on topic.”
or
“We’re running short on time.”
Learning these expressions immediately makes your English sound more natural.
1. Speeding Up the Meeting
Sometimes discussions become too detailed.
Use these expressions to move things forward.
I think we should move on.
Example:
We’ve discussed this issue enough. I think we should move on.
We’re running short on time.
Example:
We’re running short on time, so let’s discuss the remaining points.
Let’s be brief.
Example:
Let’s be brief so everyone has a chance to speak.
I would like to skip item two and go directly to item three.
Example:
Item two can wait until tomorrow.
2. Slowing the Meeting Down
Sometimes people speak too quickly or several people talk at once.
Use these phrases.
Hold on, guys.
Example:
Hold on, guys. Let’s hear Sarah first.
Wait a second.
Example:
Wait a second. I didn’t catch that.
Let’s take it one step at a time.
Example:
Let’s solve the first problem before moving on.
We need to spend some more time on this.
Example:
This decision is important. We need to spend some more time on it.
We need to look at this in more detail.
Example:
The proposal isn’t complete yet.
I think we should discuss this more.
Example:
Before making a decision, I think we should discuss this more.
3. Keeping Everyone on Topic
Meetings often go off track.
These expressions politely bring everyone back.
Let’s stay on topic.
Example:
That’s interesting, but let’s stay on topic.
Let’s stick to the agenda.
Example:
We can discuss that later.
Keep to the point, please.
Example:
Could you summarize your main idea?
I’m afraid we’re getting off topic.
Example:
Let’s return to today’s objective.
I’m not sure now is the appropriate time for this discussion.
Example:
Let’s schedule another meeting for that issue.
Pronunciation Tip
Native speakers often reduce these expressions.
Instead of saying: "We are running short on time." You’ll often hear: "We’re running short on time."
Instead of saying: "Let us stay on topic." You’ll hear: "Let’s stay on topic."
Practice contractions—they instantly make your English sound more natural.
FAQs
What level is this vocabulary?
Upper A2 to B2.
Are these phrases formal?
Yes. Most are commonly used in international business environments.
Can I use them in Zoom meetings?
Absolutely. They’re used in both online and face-to-face meetings.
Which phrase is the most useful?
“We’re running short on time.”
You’ll hear this in meetings almost every day.
Want more essential business phrases?
Download our Business English Essentials Guide to learn the remaining expressions with meanings, examples, pronunciation tips, and common learner mistakes.
Ready to Improve Faster?
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Mini Challenge
Imagine you’re leading a meeting.
How would you politely say:
We need to continue.
This conversation isn’t relevant.
We should discuss this longer.
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