How to say it

In this section, you’ll find a collection of the phrases and expressions used in the extracts on the previous pages (pp. 6–11). The numbers (1–12) after each of the phrases refer to the extract it was taken from.

Introducing people

Let me introduce you to… [1] Great to meet you. [1]

Nice to meet you, too. [1]

Being positive

It’s good to have a range of backgrounds on the team. [3]

I’m looking forward to seeing the suggestions. [12]

Offering support

Let me know if I can help you with anything. [1]

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. [4] Let me look into it for you. [7]

Are you under a lot of pressure? [8] Just ask me if you need some support. [8]

Expressing appreciation

I appreciate the offer. [1] That’s good to know. [4] Making small talk

How did you get interested in…? [2] Tell me what it’s like to live here. [4] Do you have any hobbies? [4]

How do people like to work here? [4]

Talking about your past

I was born in… [2]

I’ve worked in…[3]

I spent my childhood… [3]

Asking open questions

What happened there? [2]

How do you feel about that? [5] How’s work going? [7]

How are you coping with the move in general? [7]

Tell me more. [7]

What have you been up to? [7] What are you working on at the moment? [8]

How’s everything at your end? [10] How are things? [10]

How are you settling in? [10]

What do you think of…? [11]

Showing respect

I hope you don’t think I’m being rude by asking you this question. [3] Can I ask you something personal? [4]

I know it’s a lot to ask with the big time difference. [12]

Asking about processes

What happens now? [3]

What is the procedure if I’m having issues? [8]

Who needs to be consulted before we make this decision? [9]

Could we start the meeting two hours earlier? [12]

Explaining processes

We’ll be working with… [3]

English is the lingua franca. [3] We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual harassment. [5] We work with lots of people in different time zones. [8]

We have the authority to decide this. [9]

Checking understanding and clarifying

Could you say that again? [6] Could you slow down a little? [6] Are you saying that…? [6]

What do you mean by…?[6]

Is that correct? [9]

Can we just go over our arguments again so we’re clear about everything? [9]

Can you hear us OK? [10]

Showing agreement

We agree that… [9] That’s fine with me. [12] I’m fine with it, too. [12]