Language reference

Here are some examples of the language you can use to make your conference calls more effective.

Managing introductions

Michaela, good to have you here. Jon, Dave and Maria are already on the call.

How is everyone? Paula? How was your holiday?

Dealing with quality problems

Could you go on mute if you are not speaking as there is a lot of background noise?

David, you are very faint. Could you speak up?

Jean, could you dial in again?

Managing late joiners

Barbara will be late, so I suggest we wait ten minutes and then start.

I suggest we go on mute until 10.40. OK?

Let’s start and I can update Pawel when he joins in.

Discussing aims and perspectives

The main objective today is to… What we want to achieve today is to…

I know there are different perspectives on this issue, but this can be useful to help us to find some creative solutions.

Discussing procedures

Given the timing today, let’s focus on…

I’ll contact you individually after the call to discuss…

There are too many people on the call today for us to deal with…

Communicating protocols

Please introduce yourself with your name each time you speak. Can we keep inputs short — no more than two minutes — please? Please say clearly whether or not you agree with any proposals.

I’m not being rude but I may interrupt to keep things on track.

Including “isolated” individuals

Remember to involve Peter, who is sitting alone in York.

Jackie, as you are sitting alone, can we start with you?

Oscar, do jump in if you have anything to say.

Managing native speakers

Therese, Mike, please remember to speak slowly and clearly.

Can we begin with the non-native speakers?

I may interrupt you from time to time to clarify for the others.

Asking for comments

Phil, what do you think of Pascale’s ideas?

Margaret, anything to add to what Richard said?

Jan, do you have a similar point of view to Natalie’s?

Clarifying for the group

Let me just summarize that for everyone. You’re saying that… Just so we all understand, can I paraphrase the key points?

Can I just clarify a couple of points for everyone?