Useful Words for Business Meetings in English

In today’s competitive workplace, how you speak in meetings matters as much as what you say. For professionals working in Canada, especially in government and corporate environments, strong English meeting vocabulary can enhance credibility, confidence, and career opportunities.

At LRDG, we work with public servants preparing for the Second Language Evaluation (SLE), professionals navigating the English-speaking job market in Montréal, and corporate teams aiming to communicate more effectively in English and French. This guide introduces useful and impressive English words and expressions that will help you participate confidently in professional meetings.

Why Strong Business Vocabulary Matters in Canada

In bilingual workplaces, effective communication is essential. Whether you are:

• preparing for a language evaluation or oral language assessment,
• working with the Public Service Commission, or
• leading meetings in a corporate environment,

your vocabulary directly impacts how your ideas are received.

Strong business English builds professional credibility and reinforces your leadership presence in meetings and high-level discussions. It supports long-term career growth in bilingual roles, particularly within the Canadian public service and corporate environments, while also strengthening collaboration across diverse, multilingual teams.

Want to elevate your professional communication skills?

Book a call with LRDG to discuss your learning goals or explore our English and French training programs designed for professionals.

1. Professional Vocabulary to Open a Meeting

Starting a meeting confidently sets the tone for success.

Useful expressions:

• Let’s get started by reviewing today’s agenda.

• Thank you all for making the time to attend.

• The purpose of today’s meeting is to discuss…

• I’d like to begin by outlining our main objectives.

• Let’s kick off the meeting by setting our priorities for today.

These expressions are commonly expected in professional business settings on a global scale and help demonstrate confidence and professionalism from the very first moment.

If you are interested in developing your professional English further, explore our ESL programs or get in touch with us to learn how LRDG can support your goals.

2. Expressing Ideas Clearly and Professionally

Being able to express your ideas diplomatically is key, especially in high-stakes discussions.

Professional phrases:

• From my perspective…

• I’d like to highlight an important point.

• One potential approach could be…

• Based on our current data…

These expressions are especially helpful for professionals preparing for oral language assessments or leadership roles.

3. Agreeing and Disagreeing Diplomatically

Professional disagreement is a valuable skill in Canadian workplaces.

Agreeing:

• I completely agree with that assessment.

• That aligns with my understanding.

• I share the same view.

Disagreeing politely:

• I see your point; however…

• I’d like to offer a different perspective.

• There may be another way to approach this.

Using these expressions correctly allows professionals to share different viewpoints while maintaining respect, clarity, and collaboration. Diplomatic language helps prevent misunderstandings, strengthens professional relationships, and ensures discussions remain productive, even when opinions differ. Mastering this skill is essential for effective teamwork, leadership development, and success in bilingual and multicultural workplaces.

To continue building these skills, explore LRDG’s online learning portal, where you can access live, Canadian-based content designed to support real workplace communication in English and French.

4. Asking for Clarification and Managing Discussions

In professional meetings, asking for clarification is not a sign of uncertainty; it is a sign of active listening and strong communication skills. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and shows engagement.

Useful expressions include:

• Could you please clarify that point?

• If I understand correctly…

• May I ask a follow-up question?

• Could we explore this further?

Mastering these phrases enables professionals to confirm understanding, invite further explanation, and guide discussions toward clearer outcomes, an essential skill for effective participation and leadership in meetings.

5. Closing Meetings and Defining Next Steps

Closing a meeting clearly is essential to ensure shared understanding, accountability, and forward momentum. Strong closing language helps summarize key points, confirm decisions, and clearly outline responsibilities, leaving participants aligned and confident about what comes next.

Common closing expressions include:

• To summarize our discussion…

• Our next steps will be…

• We’ll follow up on these action items.

• Thank you for your valuable contributions.

Using these expressions effectively reinforces leadership presence and brings meetings to a professional and structured conclusion.

By integrating these expressions into your meeting vocabulary, you can communicate more clearly, encourage constructive discussions, and achieve stronger outcomes. The key is not memorization alone, but regular practice in real contexts. Used consistently, these phrases will strengthen your confidence and influence, helping you lead more effective and impactful meetings.

6. Why Professionals Choose LRDG for Language Training

At LRDG, we specialize in language training for professionals, government employees, and corporate teams across Canada. Our programs are designed to support Public Service Commission language assessments, including the SLE, and to help learners succeed and advance in bilingual workplaces.

We offer:

• French language courses including corporate programs
• English and French courses for professionals
• Customized programs for learners, managers, and organizations

👉 Visit LRDG to explore our programs.
👉 Managers and HR teams can learn more on our Corporate Training page.

Start Your Language Journey with LRDG

Strong meeting communication is not about sounding complicated; it’s about sounding clear, confident, and professional. Whether you’re preparing for an evaluation or developing leadership skills, LRDG can help.

Book a call with LRDG to discuss your language goals and training options.