English work meetings can feel scary. Everyone talks quickly, and it’s intimidating to speak in front of a group of people – especially if English isn’t your first language!
You might want to avoid talking during English work meetings. Understandable, but sometimes it’s necessary to speak. The most common reason? You have a question.
This moment can be stressful. It’s difficult to know how catch the group’s attention when they are busy talking. How can you politely interrupt in English?
Next, you need to actually ask your question. Maybe you need clarification; or advice, or another person’s input. Depending on your situation, the question will be phrased differently.
You need to do all of this in English! But don’t worry. Here you will find great phrases and tips to confidently use your voice in English work meetings.
How to (politely) interrupt English work meetings
First thing’s first. When the conversation is fast, how can you make everyone stop for a second so that YOU can talk?
English-speakers have an amazing strategy to politely interrupt a conversation: they simply apologise. For example:
- Sorry to cut in.
- Quick thing.
- Excuse me for interrupting.
After using one of these phrases, the normal response from the people around you is to pause their conversation and give you their attention. Now, you have created the space you need to express your point, or ask your question.
True, frequently apologising makes the conversation feel 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 get the information you need. Here are 4 typical situations where you need to ask a question 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. You can get more tips for polite requests here.
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.
Perform your best during English work meetings
Being an active contributor to English work meetings has so many benefits.
- You are equipped to advocate for yourself
- You get the information you need in the right way
- You `present yourself as a competent professional in English.
For more language and communication tools, remember to check Talktips trainings and take confident control of English work meetings.
Want to go further?
