English Lesson (Speaking and Listening): "Meetings" (B1 Level)

LESSON: BUSINESS ENGLISH (LISTENING & DISCUSSION)
Topic: “Meetings” (B1 Level)

Questions

1. How often do you have meetings?

 

2. Do you think that number is enough, or do you think it is too much or too few?

 

Formal meetings are usually long and with your boss, colleagues, or clients, and you have a facilitator who manages the meeting. Informal meetings are usually short, and you usually just talk about one subject, and you don’t follow a fixed schedule.

 

3. What are your common complaints about meetings?

 

4. What do you like about meetings?

 Vocabulary

a)    Unavoidable (adj) – not able to be prevented or avoided

b)    Attend (verb) – to go to and be present at (an event, meeting, etc.)

c)    At least – not less than a specified amount, level, etc.

d)    Average (noun)- Example: "On average, I get 8 hours of sleep daily."

e)    Complain (verb) – to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, etc., or that you do not like something

f)     Waste of time – Example: "Looking at posts on social media is a waste of time."

g)    Instead of - Example: "I decided to work from home instead of going to the office."

h)    Productive (adj)

i)     Unbelievable (adj) 

j)     Be conducted (adj) – Example: “The presentation was conducted in Room C.”

 

k)    Participants

l)     Be extended (adj) – Example: “The deadline will not be extended.”

 Guide Questions

1.    What did the speaker say about meetings?

2.    How many meetings do people attend?

3.    How long are meetings usually?

4.    What are the complaints of employees?

5.    What did the speaker say about English?

6.    What is another bad thing about meetings?

 

Transcript

Meeting is a big part of our work. They are unavoidable. Most of us attend at least one meeting a week. Other people attend more than one meeting a day. Some meetings are long. They take an average of one hour, but some meetings are short, about fifteen (15) minutes or less. Many employees complain that meetings are a waste of time. Instead of doing something productive, they sit on a chair and listen to someone who talks about useless subjects. Sometimes, we have meetings to talk about meetings. It is unbelievable.

Sometimes, meetings are conducted in English, and it is hard to understand the discussion, especially if your English level is low and the speaker speaks so fast. Another bad thing about meetings is that participants come late so the meeting is extended. This is bad when you have another meeting after your meeting. It means you will also be late for that.  (154 words)

 

Discussion

1. What kinds of meetings do you usually have: formal or informal meetings? Which one is better in your opinion?

 

2. Is it better to have a big meeting or a small meeting? Explain.

 

3. How often do you set up (organize) meetings?

 

4. What are the most difficult parts of setting up meetings?

 

5. How often do you facilitate or chair a meeting? If so, do you like doing it?

 

6. Describe a productive meeting.

Sample answers

a.    The agenda of the meeting is clear

b.    All the right participants attended

c.    The meeting starts on time and finishes on time

d.    Every participant or most participants are able to express their concerns

e.    In the end, there is a clear resolution or agreement

f.     In the end, there is a clear action plan on what to do next.

 

7. Do you prefer face-to-face meetings or video meetings? Why?

 

Sample Answer: I prefer face-to-face meetings because they are more personal, and you can communicate better. In addition, you can read people’s body language and see non-verbal cues.