I'm in complete agreement

MEETINGS are inevitable in any job. Bi Hao's job is no exception. Whether you're a meeting chairperson or an attendee, there are basics that everyone should keep in mind.

Vocabulary

First, we'll show you key words. Match the words in the box to their definitions below.

second; minutes; chairman; item; vote;

participants; to send your apologies; agenda;

propose; secretary; any other business; attend

a. The person in charge of a meeting

b. The people at a meeting

c. To go to a meeting

d. A list of topics to be discussed

e. One topic on the list

f. The last topic on the list

g. To formally make a suggestion

h. To support a formal suggestion

i. How decisions are made

j. An official record of what was said / decided

k. The person who writes the record of what was said / decided

l. To say that you cannot attend a meeting

ANSWERS: a-chairman; b-participants; c-attend; d-agenda; e-item; f-any other business; g-propose; h-second; i-vote; j-minutes; k-secretary; l-to send your apologies

Decision-making

One person is talking; the other is agreeing or disagreeing. Just how do you express your opinion in meetings? Match the following statements on the left with the responses on the right. Please pay special attention to words in italic:



1. I think it's a wonderful deal.

2. What we need to do is invest in the domestic market.

3. We need to borrow at least US$200 million.

4. This new model is a real breakthrough.

5. The marketing strategy is fully developed.

6. I think we should sell our main office. The rent is far too high.

7. It would be better to move to a greenfield site.

8. We need to put money into our current products.

9. We could consider a takeover.

10. The simplest answer is probably a joint venture agreement.



a) I agree with you up to a point (在某种程度上) but I think that's too much.

b) Sorry, I think we need something new.

c) No, I'm afraid I can't agree with you (恐怕我不能赞同你的说法). I think it'd be better to keep it.

d) Co-operation is the best solution — you're right there (你在这一点上是对的).

e) Excellent — our best deal for ages (多年以来).

f) I'm afraid I think expanding exports would be better.

g) I'm in complete agreement (完全同意).

h) No, that's out of the question (根本不可能的), I'm afraid. The share price is far too high.

i) It's a very clear plan. I agree entirely.

j) Yes, I'm in total agreement with you there. It's a real innovation.

ANSWERS: 1-e 2-f 3-a 4-j 5-i 6-c 7-g 8-b 9-h 10-d