HOW TO FOCUS ON THE MAIN ISSUE

Helpful Phrases:


The major
The only major problem we need to solve is absenteeism.
Our primary concern is
Our primary concern isn't only increased sales but better quality as well.
What is the real issue?
What's the real issue? Managers are not committed to their jobs.
The most important
The most important hurdle of this negotiation is to convince Mr.Brown.
We really need
We really need to look after our workforce.

HOW TO POSTPONE AN ISSUE

Helpful Phrases:


We’ll defer
We'll defer the matter till we have all relevant information.
Let’s leave
Let's leave this issue aside for the time being.
It’s too late to
It's too late to discuss advertising today. We'll have more time tomorrow.
Shall we leave it for?
Shall we leave the final decision for this afternoon's session?
Let’s postpone
Let's postpone the discussion till everyone has arrived.

HOW TO COME BACK TO A TOPIC

Helpful Phrases:


Now, where were we?
Now, where were we? Yes, prime time ratings.
What were we saying?
What were you saying when Carl interrupted us?
As I was explaining
As I was explaining before lunch, higher prices don't always deter buyers.
Return to
Let's return to point five: Clay Corporation.
This leads us back to
This leads us back to the subject we were discussing yesterday.

HOW TO KEEP A MEETING IN TRACK

Helpful Phrases:


That’s another subject
Finance is another subject altogether. Now we'll just talk about sales.
We can’t discuss that issue
We can't discuss that issue today. It's not on the agenda.
That's outside the scope
That's outside the scope of our meeting so we'll leave it for now.
Let's get back on track
Let's get back on track. We're wasting too much time.
We’re digressing
We're digressing. I want to stick to the main subject.

HOW TO KEEP A MEETING IN ORDER

Helpful Phrases:


We can’t all speak at once.
We can't all speak at once. Hector, you start.
Let’s concentrate on
Let's concentrate on the agenda for the day.
Shall we take turns?
Shall we take turns? We can vote one by one.
Please lower your voice.
Please lower your voice. You won't convince anyone by shouting.
Will you let Maria speak?
Jake, will you let Marian speak? She has important things to say.