Meeting norms

 Get teams understanding on your walkthrough

• What do you think about that?
• What's your opinion?
• How do you feel about it?
• I'd like to hear your thoughts on that.
• I'm interested to hear your opinion about this.

Interrupting the meeting

• "Do you mind if I add to that?" or
• "Can I jump in here real quick?"
• "Sorry to interrupt but I've got something to say"
• "Sorry, may I interrupt you for just a moment?"
• "If I may interrupt you for a minute,
• I'd like to share something with you"
• Oh actually, if you don't mind me interrupting for a moment, I'd love to tell you a little bit about The Imagine Dragon Project.

Distracting from the meeting Agenda

• "How on earth did we end up talking about potatoes?"
• You've got to get your conversation back on track right?
• And it really is just that simple shift in the conversation. So here's how to do it.
• So anyway, getting back to my story..
• As I was saying...
• Where was I?
• Ah yes..
• So anyway, where were we?
• Ah yes... You were talking about apples!

What to say when you think you understood but you need to double-check.

• Do you mean?
• And then paraphrase what you heard
• or you could say
• "In other words, what you're saying is..."
• "I'd like to confirm what you said"
• or "Excuse me, can I just confirm that/what you said"

Agree with the points made in the meeting

• "Yes! Absolutely!"
• I completely agree with you!
• "I couldn't agree more"
• I couldn't possibly agree more.
• I really strongly agree with you.
• But what to say to somewhat disagree?
• "I see what you mean but..."
• I understand your point of view but...
• I can see where you're coming from but...
• I agree with you up to a point, however...
• I've got a different opinion.
• So then what to say when you disagree completely?
• I don't feel the same way.
• Actually, I don't quite agree or I disagree.
• I'm afraid I don't agree with you on that
• or about that.
• Now this is quite an interesting English expression.
• "I'm afraid"
• I'm afraid I can't help you.
• I'm afraid we've run out of sausages.
• I'm afraid I don't agree with you.
• Respectfully, I have to disagree.
• Well, we'll have to agree to disagree then.

you can simply change the topic and change direction.

• That reminds me...
• Or speaking about or speaking of that...
• Speaking about your holiday to Greece,
• did I tell you that I've got a trip planned later in the year?
• "Oh, by the way, did I tell you about this?"
• Or "Oh, while I remember..."
• Or "Before I forget
• I've got something I want to say."
• This has nothing to do with what we're talking about but
• I've got to share it anyway.
• I know this is completely changing the topic
• but I've got to tell you.
• but maybe you want to talk about politics,
• "I know not everyone agrees with me"
• but this is what I think.
• Or I know this is a contentious issue. Contentious.
• And then go in to explain. It might be an unpopular opinion
• but I strongly believe...
• I don't see eye to eye with everyone on this matter,
• but I think it's really important to discuss this.
• Whilst you may not agree with my views,
• I'm definitely interested in hearing yours.
• I'm not trying to ruffle anyone's feathers here. to make anyone upset or angry,
• you know, I'm just sharing a different opinion.
• I'm not intending to ruffle anyone's feathers.

What to say when you want to end a conversation?

• Well, I'd best be off! It's been great chatting.
• Anyway, I'd better get back to it.
• I better get back to work.
• I'm so glad I ran into you. It's been great catching up.
• I'll see you soon.