Speaking up in meetings can be intimidating — especially in English. Whether you’re joining team calls, leading presentations, or participating in group discussions, it’s easy to worry about making mistakes or not sounding fluent enough.
The good news? You don’t need perfect grammar to speak with confidence. In this guide, we’ll show you how to feel more prepared, sound more natural, and communicate clearly during work meetings in English.
Why you need to feel confident speaking English at work
In many international companies, English is the common language — even if it’s not your first language. Being able to express your ideas clearly can help you:
- Contribute more actively in meetings
- Build trust with colleagues and clients
- Show leadership and initiative
- Avoid misunderstandings
Confidence isn’t about speaking fast or using complex vocabulary — it’s about communicating clearly, even when you make small mistakes.
Common mistakes and challenges non-native speakers face in meetings
If you feel nervous in meetings, you’re not alone. Here are some common challenges English learners face:
- Speaking too softly or too quickly when nervous
- Losing track of the conversation
- Not knowing how to interrupt or ask for clarification
- Using incorrect vocabulary or overly formal language
The first step is recognising what holds you back — so you can work on improving it.
10 useful phrases to sound professional and natural in meetings
Here are some common English expressions you can use in meetings:
- “Let me just add to that…”
- “I’d like to share my thoughts on this.”
- “Could you clarify what you mean by…?”
- “Let’s come back to that later.”
- “I see your point, but…”
- “Can we circle back to that?”
- “I’m not sure I agree with that.”
- “Just to summarise…”
- “Let’s move on to the next topic.”
- “Thanks, that’s helpful.”
If you’re unsure about how to use these phrases naturally, a tutor can help. Our guide on how to find the right English tutor online for you explains what to look for.
How to practise your English to speak more fluently at work
Speaking fluently doesn’t mean speaking fast — it means speaking clearly and confidently. Here are some tips:
- Record yourself answering typical meeting questions
- Practise phrases you often use at work
- Learn vocabulary specific to your role or industry
- Join a conversation club or practise with a tutor
If you work with international clients, travel for business, or lead meetings, you may benefit from lessons focused on real-world workplace English. Learn more in our guide on how to improve business English for work.
Tips to stay calm and confident when you have to speak up
Even fluent speakers feel nervous sometimes. Try these strategies:
- Prepare notes or bullet points before the meeting
- Take a deep breath before speaking
- Don’t be afraid to pause and think
- If you don’t understand something, ask politely
- Focus on communication — not perfection
Want more support with day-to-day English? You can also build your confidence by learning essential English phrases for travelling around the world — they’re surprisingly useful in workplace conversations too.
How Big Brain Languages can help you speak clearly and confidently
Our tutors are experts in workplace communication. In your lessons, you can:
- Practise phrases you’ll actually use in meetings
- Role-play common situations like team updates or giving feedback
- Improve pronunciation and vocabulary
- Get real-time feedback from native teachers
If meetings are part of your daily life, learning with a native tutor can help you sound more professional and feel more at ease.
