Meetings are essential for team working and getting things done.
But done badly,
they can feel like a waste of time and energy.
Preparation task
Match the definitions (a–h) with the vocabulary (1–8).
Vocabulary Definition
1. ……
D minutes a. to be the loudest or most noticeable
part of something
C to acknowledge
2. …… b. being productive with the least use of time
or effort
recognize
A to dominate
3. …… c. to accept or recognise the importance of
someone or something
G underlying
4. …… d. a written record of what is said at a
meeting
B efficient
5. …… e. often expressing opinions by talking
E vocal
6. …… f. to force someone to answer a difficult
question
H clarification
7. …… g. under the surface or not immediately
obvious
8. ……
F to put someone on the spot h. a clear and easy-to-understand explanation
of something confusing
Task 1
Circle the three correct answers for each question.
Which of these are examples of badly managed meetings?
a. Meetings that don’t finish when they are supposed to
b. Meetings where only the loudest people get to give their opinions
c. Meetings where no decisions are needed
d. Meetings where discussions go off-topic -> speak about something else
Which of these should you do when creating an agenda for a meeting?
a. Consider which of the items are more important.
headlines within the "text"
b. Create subheadings or a list of smaller points for each topic.
c. Show which poblems
items need to be resolved during the meeting.
d. Send the prepared agenda to the participants well
an hour
aheadbefore
of time the meeting.
<- with a lot of time to spare
new project
What should you do when someone goes off-topic?
staff cutting
a. Tell them they’ve gone off-topic and they should be quiet
b. Suggest they keep
‘park’ their thoughts in the
mind‘parking
but go on lot’
with the topic
bullet points
c. Record their thoughts or ideas in the minutes
go back to/ check the progress
d. Follow up on their thoughts or ideas at a different time
Depending on .... + will/ modal verb
Depending on the prices of the beverages, Fernando will be more or less drunk during the festival.
It depends on the prices of the beverages if Fernando will be more or less drunk during the festival.
Discussion:
Task 2
Have you been in any badly managed meeting?
Write a number (1–8) to put the steps in the correct order.
___ Go through the points of the agenda.
Ways to excuse yourself/ your behaviour:
___ Start the meeting.
I'm sorry but...
___
Prepare
I'm sorrythetoagenda and
interrupt youconsider
but who needs to be invited to the meeting.
___
Send
Excuseoutmethe agenda to the participants.
but...
___
End the meeting.
Pardon my interruption but...
___ Redirect interrupt
Could I you briefly
participants whenbut...
they go off-topic and summarise each point.
..../ that is very interesting/ important but...
___ Follow up on ‘parked’ topics and issues.
___ Send out the minutes of the meeting.
Discussion
Have you been in any badly managed meetings?
