How to Interrupt & Ask Questions in English Work Meetings

English work meetings can feel fast and furious when it’s not your first language. Particularly when you have a burning question to ask! How can you interrupt your colleagues during the meeting and ask a question, without appearing rude? Find out here, and participate confidently in English work meetings.

Politely interrupt during English work meetings

The way that a lot of English-speakers politely interrupt a conversation is to apologise. For example:

Sorry to cut in.

Quick thing.

Excuse me for interrupting.

It makes the conversation longer, but it’s considered polite communication and is common in English work meetings.

“It’s like “everyone” – but warmer in its tone, and closer to the group.”

Ask questions during English work meetings

Once you’ve caught your colleagues’ attention, it’s time to ask the question that is on your mind. Here are 4 typical situations in English work meetings.

Situation 1. You're Confused

If you are feeling lost during English work meetings, get clarification with a question like this:

Could you explain that in a bit more detail?

English Tip: Using words like “could” and “a bit” softens your request, making it more polite. Additionally, the phrase “a bit more detail” is deliberately vague, which helps avoid making the other person feel attacked for being unclear.

Situation 2. You Want Advice

If you need advice or information about a project or task, introduce the topic with a question like this:

Can we discuss _____ for a moment?

And now you can ask your specific questions related to the project or task, like:

What tools are best for this part of the project?

Are there any recommendations for this stage?

Remember that asking to discuss the topic first is a smart move to signal that your colleagues should be ready to contribute to that topic. This way, you’ll get better, more focused advice during your English work meetings.

Situation 3. You Want Someone Else to Talk

If you want to invite someone else to speak during your English work meetings, ask this:

Would you like to add your thoughts, [Name]?

This phrasing is polite and works well if you know that person is ready to speak. However, if you prefer not to target one individual, you can address the entire group with a more general question like:

Would anyone else like to add something?

This approach keeps the conversation open to the whole team in your English work meetings.

Situation 4. You Want to Know What To Do Next

To know about the next actions you should take after the meeting, you can ask directly with a question like:

Before we finish, what is our next move?

If you prefer a slightly softer and more formal tone, you might say:

Could I just confirm the next steps?

English Tip: Using the word “just” makes your request less demanding, which can be particularly useful in formal or sensitive situations with your colleagues in English work meetings.