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Meetings in English have a totally different vibe from one-to-ones! Here you’ll learn a useful language tool for handling group meetings in English: how to confidently address a room full of colleagues using professional English.

How to use “everyone” during meetings in English

When you say “everyone” in English, you address the entire group as one entity. 

It can be a simple message, like: Thank you, everyone

Or it can be a question, like: How is everyone today?

Typically, presenting questions to “everyone” during meetings in English creates two results. It’s possible that you get a unanimous reply from the participants at the same time, like: good, thank you

Or it’s possible that you get responses from multiple participants one after the other. Imagine all the different answers when you ask a question like: Does everyone agree? 

The last option creates a slightly uncontrolled meeting environment, but it’s good for sparking up debates and conversations! 

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

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How to use “anyone” during meetings in English

You want a specific piece of information from just one individual of the group. You don’t care which person provides you the answer, as long as you get it!

In that case, during meetings in English, use “anyone” to phrase your question. For example: Can anyone send me the report?

Like “everyone”, the phrase “anyone” addresses the entire group without targeting one poor victim. 

However, with “anyone”, the expectation is that just one person from the group will volunteer to provide a response. Once the question is answered, you move forward with the next point for your meetings in English.

“Everyone” and “anyone” in English sentences

For the purposes of creating a correct English sentence, the idea of “everyone” and “anyone” is that it’s one entity. 

Incorrect: How are everyone?

Correct:  How is everyone?

Incorrect: Have anyone seen this?

Correct: Has anyone seen this?

Incorrect: Everyone know

Correct:  Everyone knows (with “s”). 

Top tip: don’t worry about using “everyone” or “everybody”.  Either option is good when you speak English. The same with “anyone” and “anybody”. 

How to use “You all” during meetings in English

When you want to sound more personal during your work meetings in English, you can refer to the group as “You all” .

It’s like “everyone” – but warmer in its tone, and closer to the group. For example: I hope you all had a nice weekend.

Other options for meetings in English

You might hear “team” or “folks” to address a group of colleagues during meetings in English. 

For example: 

Hey team, here’s a quick update. 

Don’t forget, folks, that we have a workshop on Friday. 

“Team” and “folks” are phrases that suggest a feeling of togetherness for meetings in English. That’s why they are often (although not necessarily) used by team leaders and managers in a spirit of motivation. 

While “team” is neutral in tone, “folks” is particularly warm and casual. Depending on the vibe of your company, that could be appropriate or not! 

In general, “folks” and “team” are not expressions to use consistently throughout meetings in English. They are often used when greeting colleagues at the start, or to catch the attention of the group during your meetings in English. 

The best tone of English

In summary, for casual meetings in English, phrases like “you all,” “folks,” and “team” are commonly used. On the other hand, “everyone,” “anyone,” and “team” are neutral options that work well in any type of meeting. By choosing the right tone, you’ll sound professional and perfectly in sync with the vibe of your meetings in English.

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