Business English

Focusing on the main problem/issue

What is the main problem?

What is the real issue (here)?

(I think) the major problem is . . .

Our primary concern is . . .

The crux of the matter is . . .

(As I see it), the most important thing is . . .

The main problem we need to solve is . . .

We really need to take care of . . .

It all comes down to this:

Asking for input

What should we do about it?

What needs to be done?

What do you think we should do?

What are we going to do about it?

Do you have any suggestions?

Any ideas?

Making Recommendations

I recommend that . . .

I suggest that . . .

I would like to propose that . . .

Why don't we . . .

Getting started

Let's get started.

We need to discuss . . .

We need to talk about . . .

Talking about discussion items

The first thing we need to discuss is . . .

The first item on the agenda is . . .

The first thing on the list is . . .

First, we need to talk about . . .

Presenting Options

We have several alternatives:

We have two options:

We could either . . . or . . .

Moving on

Let's move on to Item 2.

Let's move on to the next topic.

We need to move on.

The next item (of business) is . . .

We need to go on to the next item.

Shall/Should we move on?

Stalling the Discussion

Before we move on, I think we should . . .

Wait a minute. We haven't discussed . . .

Don't you think we need to . . .

Not so fast. We haven't (yet) . . .

Asking for Clarification

What to you mean by . . . .

I don't quite follow you.

I didn't get what you meant by . . .

Could you clarify that?

Could you elaborate on that?

Making a Suggestion/Proposal

I think we should . . .

Maybe we should . . .

I suggest . . .

Why don't we . . .

How about . . .

We could . . .

Giving Feedback

(I think) that's a good idea.

You have a good point.

Good idea/point.

I agree.

I disagree. I think . . .

Sorry. I don't agree with you.

You have a good point, but . . .

That's not such a good idea.

I don't think that's a good idea.

Asking for Opinions

What do you think, George?

What's your opinion on that, Martha?

Any thoughts on that?

Any ideas?

Checking for Consensus

Do we all agree (on that)?

Does everyone agree?

Summarizing

In summary,

The conclusion is . . .

So, we've decided to . . .

We're going to . . . (then)

Closing the meeting

That's all for today.

That's it then.

(informal)

The meeting is adjourned.

(very formal)

Helpful Hints for Business Letters

Before writing a business letter, consider the following:

Objective(s)

Why am I writing this letter?

What do I hope to accomplish?

What action do I want from my reader?

Your Audience

Who will read this letter?

How can I appeal to the reader's interest?

What attitude might the reader have toward this information?

Will the reader consider this good news or bad news?

Organization

What information should be included first/last?

What details does the reader need to know?

Does my conclusion motivate the reader to do something?

Do I end the letter in a positive and polite manner?

Professionalism

Do I use a professional business letter format?

Do my language and style show a positive attitude toward the reader/the company/the product/the information.

Will my reader be offended by anything in the letter?

Proofreading

Are there any spelling errors, typos, etc.?

Is the format of the letter appropriate?

Have I signed my name?

People often become nervous or fearful when giving presentations. Here are some phrases you can keep in mind when preparing for and giving a presentation.

About Yourself

I (really) want to tell you about this.

I have something interesting to tell you.

About Your Audience

This is something I think you should know . . .

This is important (to you) because . . .

You will be interested to know that . . .

You will benefit by knowing this . . .

About Your Subject/Material

The information is as follows:

A.

B.

C.

First, I will tell you about . . .

These are the main points/supporting ideas . . .

The best way to understand this information is . . .

Look at this. It will help you understand my topic . . .

This shows (you) . . .

Types of Charts

Pie chart

Bar chart/graph

Line graph/chart

Describing Movement

Types of Movement

Movement over Time

Enrollment increased by 4% in 1997.

There was a 4% increase in enrollment in 1997.

There was a 20% rise in immigration. (percentage)

Taxes remained the same from 2000 to 2001.

Taxes continued at 15% for two years.

Static (non-movement) Description

Sales stood at $1,400,000 in 1998.

Profits were $27,000 in 1999.

There was a loss of $21,000 in 2001.

***

Let's start with . . .

Let's start by . . .

The first item on the agenda is . . .

We need to discuss . . .

Let's look at item number one.

Let's move on to number two.

The next item on the agenda is . . .

What's next on the agenda?

Does anyone have any comments?

Any comments?

Are there any comments on that?

What do you think?

Good idea.

Good point.

Does everyone agree on that?

For Business Letters

1. Receiver (Who are you writing this to?)

Someone you know (friend, colleague, business partner, group, company)

Some one you don't know (To whom it may concern, Dear Sir/Madam)

How do you expect the receiver to respond?

2. Sender (Who are you?)

What is your relationship to the reader/receiver(s)?

What role are you assuming in the letter?

(friend, colleague, etc.)

3. Context (What background information does the reader need?)

Bring the reader up to date first.

Establish a connection

As requested . . .

It was nice meeting you in Toronto last week . . .

I read your article in Vague Magazine . .

Supporting details

Time frame (sequence of events)

4. Message (What do you want the reader to know or do?)

What do you hope to accomplish with the letter (inform, persuade, initiate action)

I am writing to inquire about . . .

Could you please send me . . .

Polite requests

Please . . .

Would you mind . . .

Could you please . . .

Would you be so kind as to . . .

5. Medium (What is the appropriate format?)

Fax, e-mail, formal business letter, memo, informal note

6. Tone (What tone do you wish to convey?)

informative

polite

business-like

friendly

humble

assertive

urgent

irate

7. Other recipients (Are there others who need to be informed of this communication?)

cc: courtesy copy

***

Pre-closing

It's been nice talking to you.

It's been great talking with you.

I really enjoyed meeting you.

It was nice meeting you, Mr. Brown.

I'm sorry, but I have to go now.

I'm afraid I have to leave now.

Thanks for the information/ the tour/ your time.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

Follow up

I'll give you a call.

I'll send you an e-mail.

I'll put a packet in the mail for you.

We'll send out that information right away.

I'll have my secretary schedule an appointment.

Could you send me a brochure/some more information?

Could I contact you by e-mail/at your office?

How do I get in touch with you?

How can I reach/contact you?

Closing

I look forward to seeing you again.

We'll see you on Friday.

See you next week.

Let me give you my business card.

Here's my e-mail/office number.

Let's keep in touch by e-mail.

We'll be in touch.

Call me if you have any questions.

E-mail me.

Beginning a presentation

It is common to greet the audience and introduce yourself when giving presentations:

Good morning,/afternoon/evening

I'm _________, the new Finance Manager.

My name is ________ and I represent _______

Let me take a minute to introduce myself.

Let me start by telling you a little about our company.

I've already met some of you, but for those I haven't , I'm ______

Introducing the topic

I'm here to talk about . . .

Today, I'd like to say a few words about . . .

I'm going to give you an overview of . . .

The main reason I'm here today is . . .

The focus of my remarks is . . .

I'd like to introduce . . .

Time consciousness

Thank you for your time

Thank you for taking the time to be here

I will probably take about . . . minutes

This should last only a few minutes

I hope to be finished by . . .

Showing organization

I've divided my topic into three sections/parts. They are . . .

This presentation can be divided into the following subtopics:

Sequencing

Let's move on to . . .

Let's move on to . . .

That brings us to . . .

Giving Reasons

This is why . . .

The main reason is . . .

Therefore,

So,

Generalizing

Generally,

Usually,

As a rule,

Most of the time,

In most cases,

Highlighting

Actually,

In fact,

As a matter of fact,

In particular

Particularly

Especially

Giving Examples

For example,

For instance,

Such as

Summarizing

To sum up

To summarize

In brief

Concluding

To conclude,

In conclusion,

Follow-up

Are/Were there any questions?

We have just a few minutes for questions