Cohesive Devices - Exercise

Beginning a business meeting effectively sets the tone for productive and organized discussions. Here are some phrases, idioms, and example sentences you can use to start a business meeting:

Opening the Meeting

Welcome everyone.
"Welcome everyone. Thank you for joining today's meeting."

Let's get started.
"Let's get started. We have a lot to cover today."

I’d like to begin by…
"I’d like to begin by thanking everyone for their time."

Shall we start?
"Shall we start? We have an exciting agenda ahead."

Good morning/afternoon, everyone.
"Good morning, everyone. Let's dive into today's agenda."

Setting the Agenda

Today’s agenda includes…
"Today’s agenda includes a review of last quarter’s performance and planning for the upcoming project."

Here’s what we’ll be discussing today…
"Here’s what we’ll be discussing today: market analysis, budget allocation, and project timelines."

I’d like to outline the main points for today’s meeting.
"I’d like to outline the main points for today’s meeting before we dive into details."

Let’s go over the agenda first.
"Let’s go over the agenda first to ensure we’re all on the same page."

Our objectives for today’s meeting are…
"Our objectives for today’s meeting are to finalize the budget and assign tasks for the new project."

Introducing Participants

Let’s introduce ourselves.
"Let’s introduce ourselves quickly for those who are new to the team."

I’d like to introduce…
"I’d like to introduce Sarah, who will be joining us from the marketing department."

Can everyone quickly share their role and what they’ll be contributing to today’s discussion?
"Can everyone quickly share their role and what they’ll be contributing to today’s discussion?"

Referring to Previous Meetings

Following up on our last meeting…
"Following up on our last meeting, we need to finalize the action items discussed."

As we discussed last time…
"As we discussed last time, today we will be focusing on the implementation plan."

I’d like to revisit the key points from our previous meeting.
"I’d like to revisit the key points from our previous meeting to ensure we’re all aligned."

Getting Input from Participants

I’d like to hear your thoughts on…
"I’d like to hear your thoughts on the proposed marketing strategy."

Can we get an update on…?
"Can we get an update on the current status of the project?"

What are your views on…?
"What are your views on the new policy changes?"

I’m eager to hear your feedback on…
"I’m eager to hear your feedback on the latest customer survey results."

Using Idioms

Let’s hit the ground running.
"Let’s hit the ground running and start with the budget review."

Get the ball rolling.
"To get the ball rolling, let’s look at the sales figures from last month."

Let’s get down to business.
"Let’s get down to business and tackle the agenda items one by one."

Break the ice.
"To break the ice, let’s start with a quick round of introductions."

Setting the Tone

Thank you all for being here.
"Thank you all for being here. Your input is invaluable to our success."

I appreciate everyone making time for this meeting.
"I appreciate everyone making time for this meeting. Let’s make the most of it."

Let’s ensure we stay on track and stick to the agenda.
"Let’s ensure we stay on track and stick to the agenda to respect everyone’s time."

Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.
"Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas as we go through the agenda."