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perspective?
Useful phrases
I'd like to ask Petra to tell us about the new development at this point, if I may.
Mr Baker, what is your opinion here?
Jim, it would be useful to hear your perspective on this.
Pam, how would this affect the HR [Human Resources] department?
Julie raised the point that our existing contract is about to expire. What's your take on this, Jan?
Tara, you've been working with this client for some time now. What do you say to the point Helen raised?
    Reminding participants to be brief
Useful phrases
Before we move on to the next item, could you quickly give us your opinion on this, Maria?
I'm afraid we have to move on to the next item. Could you bring your point to a close, please?
I'm afraid I have to stop you there. Time is ticking away.
Could I ask you to keep your comment brief, please?
Can I remind you that we only have 15 minutes for each item?
    Keeping to the agenda
    Example: directing the discussion
    David: … and therefore we would be strongly in favour of B, because, as I've already said, we …
    Chair: Could I stop you there for a moment, David? I'm afraid time's running short. Jo, what do you think about item two?
    Jo: Design would like to rethink the shape of the packaging. We'd like to make it a little taller, because …
    David: I totally agree. Some years ago we opted for square packaging for another product and it was a total flop. In fact, this particular product was …
    Chair: That's a valid point, David, but I'd like to bring the discussion back to this year's launch if possible …
Useful phrases
I think we risk moving away from the agenda here. Could we bring the discussion back to …?
We have a lot to cover this morning – I'm afraid we don't have time to go into that. Can we focus on …?
I'm afraid we're getting sidetracked. Let's return to …
That's an important point, but I think that's a discussion for another day. I'd like to go on with the sales figures.
That's a valid point. May we come back to that later?
    Summarising and concluding an item
Useful phrases
So, we've established that the July deadline is too ambitious. What is a more realistic target?
So, just in order to summarise/sum up/recap what we've said, …
So, to bring this point to a close, we can say that …
So, am I right in concluding that we'll … ?
I think we've agreed/we're all in agreement that …
    Moving on to the next agenda item
Useful phrases
The next point/item two on today's agenda is …
I'd like to move on to item three now.
Now, turning to item four, …
Anyway, about the new location …
Useful vocabulary
    to raise a point: einen Punkt ansprechen
    to expire: auslaufen
    font: Schriftart
    to focus on sth: sich konzentrieren auf
    square: rechteckig
    to elaborate: etwas ausführen
    ambitious: ehrgeizig
    Bringing about a decision
    The purpose of most meetings is not only to exchange information, but also to reach decisions. If a decision does not come about naturally, the chair might have to „push“ the participants to make up their minds. Sometimes it may also be necessary to postpone taking a decision.
    How to reach consensus
    Attendees need sufficient time to express their opinions. Nobody likes to be rushed into a decision. Minority views should receive ample attention so that their owners feel they were heard. A short break often helps to bring about a decision.
    Summarising the general mood at the end of each item on the agenda contributes to a clear outcome. Every attendee is more aware of what the general views are. The chair can also help the participants reach a decision by phrasing questions carefully. If the chair has the feeling that there are more outspoken supporters in favour of an issue, they should ask: „Does anyone object?“ rather than „Does everyone approve?“
    Example: summarising and bringing about a conclusion
    Chair: So, to sum up item five, we've agreed that we're going to opt for silver packaging. The next item on the agenda is „Cardboard or plastic