English Lesson: "30 Questions About Meetings"

LESSON: BUSINESS ENGLISH
Topic: “30 Questions About Meetings” (B1 Level)
Goal: improve speaking and vocabulary skills

GENERAL MEETING QUESTIONS
1. How often do you have meetings at work?

Sample answer: We have meetings about twice a week. These are usually to catch up on our project progress and to discuss any urgent issues. It helps keep everyone on the same page and allows us to plan our work better.

2. What types of meetings are most common in your workplace?

Sample answer: The most common types are team meetings and project updates. Team meetings help us collaborate and share ideas, while project updates focus more on what we've achieved and what needs to be done next.

3. Who typically leads the meetings you attend?

 Sample answer: Our team leader usually leads the meetings. They organize the agenda and make sure everyone has a chance to speak. It’s effective because they know the projects well.

MEETING PREPARATION
4. How do you prepare for a meeting?

Sample answer: I review all the relevant documents and write down any questions or updates I have. This way, I can contribute effectively and ensure that I don’t forget to mention important points.

5. Do you think meetings should have a set agenda?

Sample answer: Yes, definitely. An agenda helps to keep the meeting focused and efficient. We don’t waste time on topics that aren’t relevant, which makes everyone more productive.

DURING THE MEETING
6. What do you usually do during meetings?

Sample answer: I mainly listen and take notes, but I also contribute by sharing updates on my tasks or giving feedback on others’ ideas. It’s important to be engaged and active during discussions.

7. How do you ensure your points are heard in a meeting?

Sample answer: I wait for the right moment to speak and make sure what I say is clear and concise. If the discussion moves on before I can share, I'll ask if we can circle back to my point.

8. Do meetings in your company start and end on time?

Sample answer: They usually start on time, but sometimes they run over if we’re discussing something important. Our team leader is pretty good at managing our schedule, though.

9. What’s the longest meeting you’ve ever been in?

Sample answer: The longest was about three hours. It was a yearly review where we discussed everything from performance to future goals. It was long but necessary.

10. Have you ever led a meeting? What was it like?

Sample answer: Yes, I’ve led a few when our team leader was unavailable. It was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but I prepared well, which made it smoother. It was a good learning experience.

AFTER THE MEETING
11. How do you follow up after meetings?

Sample answer: I usually summarize the main points and any actions I need to take, then schedule those tasks. If there were specific things I needed to communicate to others who weren't in the meeting, I would make sure to do that quickly.

12. Do you think meetings improve teamwork? Why?

Sample answer: Yes, they can really help by ensuring everyone knows what’s happening and feels involved in our projects. This builds a stronger, more connected team.

13. How do you handle disagreements in meetings?

Sample answer: I try to stay calm and professional. It’s important to listen to the other person's point of view and then explain my perspective. Often, just talking it out can lead to a compromise.

MEETING EFFECTIVENESS
14. Do you think meetings at your company are effective?

Sample answer: Most of the time, yes. They help us stay aligned and make decisions faster. Occasionally, some meetings could be more concise, but we’re working on improving that.

15. How could meetings be improved in your workplace?

Sample answer: By sticking more strictly to the agenda and possibly having fewer but more focused meetings. Sometimes discussions go off-track, which can waste time.

16. Do you prefer virtual or face-to-face meetings? Why?

Sample answer: I prefer face-to-face meetings because they allow for better communication and bonding with the team. However, virtual meetings are good for quick updates or when working from home.

17. Have meetings changed in any way since you started working here?

Sample answer: Yes, we’ve moved more towards virtual meetings since I started. It’s been an adjustment, but it allows for more flexibility and saves time on commuting.

18. What's one thing you dislike about meetings?

Sample answer: Sometimes they can be repetitive, especially if we’re covering the same topics without new developments. It feels like it could be handled over email instead.

19. Is there a historic example of a significant meeting that comes to mind?

Sample answer: The Yalta Conference during World War II is a historic example where leaders from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union met to discuss post-war plans. The decisions made in those meetings had a huge impact on the geopolitical structure of the world.

 

20. What role do you typically take in meetings?

Sample answer: I usually take on the role of the note-taker. I also make sure to ask questions if anything is unclear, helping to ensure we all understand the plans and actions.

PERSONAL VIEWS ON MEETINGS
21. Do you enjoy attending meetings? Why or why not?

Sample answer: I have mixed feelings. While I appreciate how they bring everyone together and help us stay informed, they can sometimes disrupt the flow of my workday if they’re not managed well.

22. Has a meeting ever directly influenced your work or decisions? How?

Sample answer: Yes, many times. Feedback and decisions made in meetings often influence my priorities and the direction of my projects. It’s where we align our goals and clarify any doubts.

23. What's the most productive meeting you've ever attended?

Sample answer: It was a planning session where we mapped out our project’s next six months. Everyone left with clear tasks and goals. It really boosted our productivity and focus.

24. Do meetings help you understand the goals of your company better?

Sample answer: Absolutely. They provide context on where the company is heading and how our work contributes to larger objectives. It’s motivating to see the bigger picture.

25. How important are meetings for your daily work?

Sample answer: They are quite important. They help me keep track of deadlines and understand what’s expected of me. Plus, they offer a chance to discuss any challenges I’m facing with my tasks.

26. What’s the most memorable thing that has happened in a meeting?

Sample answer: Once, during a routine team meeting, our CEO dropped in to thank us personally for our hard work on a successful project. It was unexpected and really boosted our morale.

27. Have meetings helped you build relationships with coworkers?

Sample answer: Yes, especially in larger meetings where I get to interact with colleagues from different departments. It’s a great way to understand their challenges and strengths, which helps in collaborating more effectively.

28. How do meetings impact your productivity?

Sample answer: They can both boost and hinder my productivity. While they are useful for getting clarity and aligning with the team’s goals, too many meetings or poorly timed ones can disrupt my workflow.

29. Do you think meetings are necessary for all types of work?

Sample answer: Not for all types, but for many, especially in collaborative environments where teamwork and communication are key. However, for more independent tasks, fewer meetings might be better.

30. How do meetings fit into your overall work schedule?

Sample answer: They are a regular part of my weekly schedule. I try to group them on certain days so I have other days free for focused work. This helps me balance meeting time with productive work time. [END]