Professional English Class - Christian K.
BIAYA – UPC – 2025 - 2026
Chapter 4:
Participating in Meetings and Conferences
This chapter helps students communicate professionally during meetings by expressing ideas
clearly, responding politely, and participating actively.
4.1. Learning Objectives
• Express opinions clearly and professionally
• Ask for clarification respectfully
• Agree and disagree politely
• Make suggestions and propose solutions
• Interrupt appropriately
• Summarize key points effectively
4.2. Key Vocabulary for Meetings
Starting a Meeting:
• Let’s begin the meeting.
• The purpose of today’s meeting is…
• Our main goal is to discuss…
Giving Opinions:
• In my opinion…
• I think that…
• From my point of view…
• What I believe is…
Agreeing:
• I agree with that.
• Yes, that’s true.
• I think you’re right.
Disagreeing Politely:
• I see your point, but…
• I’m not sure I agree.
Asking for Clarification:
Professional English Class - Christian K. BIAYA – UPC – 2025 - 2026
• Could you repeat that, please?
• I didn’t catch that. What do you mean?
• Can you explain that more clearly?
Making Suggestions:
• We could try…
• What if we…?
• Another solution might be…
Closing a Meeting:
• Let’s summarize the key points.
• Are there any final comments?
• Thank you for your contributions
4.3. Useful Structures
Introducing an idea: I would like to add something.
Interrupting politely: Sorry to interrupt, but…
Clarifying: Let me make sure I understand…
Concluding: To conclude, we agreed that…
4.4. Short Model Dialogues
Dialogue 1 – Opinion + Agreement
A: In my opinion, we need better communication between departments.
B: I agree. That would improve coordination.
Dialogue 2 – Disagreement
A: I think we should increase the budget for this project.
B: I see your point, but I don’t think it’s possible this semester.
Dialogue 3 – Clarification
A: We must improve the current system.
B: Sorry, what do you mean by “improve” ? Make it faster ? Make it simpler ?
4.5. Classroom Activities
Activity 1 – Meeting Simulation
Topic: Improving student–administration communication at UPC.
Each participant must:
- Give an opinion
- Agree once,
- disagree once
- Suggest a solution.
Professional English Class - Christian K. BIAYA – UPC – 2025 - 2026
Activity 2 – Problem-Solving Discussion
Topic: Handling delays in exam announcements.
Groups identify the problem, propose solutions, use expressions, and present a short summary.
Activity 3 – Interrupting Politely
Students practice respectful interruption using expressions such as “Sorry to interrupt, but…”
4.6. Note-Taking Example
Topic: Improving Campus Safety
• Problem: poor lighting at night
• Solutions: install lights, hire more guards
• Agreement: lighting idea accepted
• Next step: proposal to administration
4.7. Language Tip – Professional Tone
Use softening expressions to sound more professional.
Instead of “Repeat,” say “Could you repeat that, please?”
Instead of “I don’t understand,” say “I’m not sure I understand. Could you explain? ”
4.8. Quick Check Complete the sentences:
1. I see your point, but ______.
2. Can you ______ that more clearly?
3. From my ______, we should change the system.
4. Can I ______ something here?
5. Let’s ______ the main points.
4.9. Exit Task
Write one opinion and one suggestion about improving UPC.