🎯 Chairing a Meeting

Learn from Marcus White's Meeting Leadership at Quartz Power Group

Made with ❤️ by Houssine H@sni

1Listening Comprehension

Watch the video and answer these questions about Marcus's meeting:

Question 1:

What is Marcus White's position at Quartz Power Group?

Question 2:

Who is absent from the meeting and why?

Question 3:

What time will Miss Patricia Reyes arrive, and when does Marcus plan to take a break?

Question 4:

What is the topic of item 1 on the agenda?

2Meeting Opening Language

Complete Marcus's opening statements:

"Okay, well, good morning everyone, thank you very much for being here on time."
Complete the phrases:

1. "We've got a lot to _______ today so let's get _______."

2. "Has everyone got a _______ of the agenda?"

3. "Can I draw your _______ to item 4..."

4. "Perhaps I can begin by asking you to _______ us _______ on your progress."

3Meeting Structure Analysis

Analyze how Marcus structures the meeting:

Meeting Elements:

Number these elements in the order Marcus presents them:

Why does Marcus explain the timing for item 4?

4Professional Language Features

Identify the professional language techniques Marcus uses:

Politeness Strategies:

How does Marcus make his requests polite? Give examples from the transcript:

Giving Information:

Marcus says "Now, as you know..." before introducing item 1. Why does he use this phrase?

Transition Words:

List the transition words/phrases Marcus uses to move between topics:

5Role Play: You're the Chair

Practice similar situations using Marcus's style:

Scenario 1: Opening Your Meeting

You're chairing a quarterly review meeting. Two people are absent (Sarah from HR - sick, and Tom from IT - at a conference). You need to explain that the financial presentation will be moved to 2:30 PM.

Scenario 2: Drawing Attention to Special Items

Item 3 on your agenda requires a decision by the end of the meeting. You need to alert everyone about this timing.

Scenario 3: Introducing the First Topic

Your first agenda item is "New Customer Service Procedures" and Lisa has been working on this project. Introduce the topic and invite Lisa to speak.

6Vocabulary in Context

Match the words with their meanings based on how Marcus uses them:

Match the business terms:
Apologies
Representative
Contracted
Fill us in
Any Other Business

1. Apologies:

2. Representative:

3. Contracted:

4. Fill us in:

5. Any Other Business:

7Meeting Management Skills

Analyze Marcus's meeting management techniques:

Management Techniques Analysis:

Time Management: How does Marcus show he's thinking about time management?

Flexibility: What shows Marcus is prepared to be flexible with the agenda?

Information Sharing: How does Marcus keep everyone informed about changes?

8Language Functions

Identify what Marcus is doing with his language:

Match the phrase with its function:

Phrases:

  • A. "Thank you very much for being here on time"
  • B. "Can I draw your attention to item 4"
  • C. "Perhaps I can begin by asking you"
  • D. "We've got a lot to do today"
  • E. "It may also mean that we need to interrupt"

Functions:

1. Setting expectations:

2. Expressing appreciation:

3. Directing attention:

4. Making polite requests:

5. Warning about potential changes:

📋 Answer Key

Activity 1 - Listening Comprehension:

1. b) Managing Director

2. John from Facilities - apologies (excuse/absence)

3. b) Arrives 11:30, break at 11:15

4. Relocation and plans for flexible working

Activity 2 - Opening Language:

1. do, started

2. copy

3. attention

4. fill, in

Activity 3 - Meeting Structure:

Order: 2, 6, 3, 5, 4, 1 (Thanks → Schedule → Apologies → Agenda check → Item 4 explanation → Item 1)

Timing explanation: Patricia Reyes needs setup time, may need to interrupt first items, wants time under AOB for discussion

Activity 4 - Professional Language:

2. b) To provide background context

Politeness: "Perhaps I can...", "Can I draw your attention...", "Thank you very much"

Transitions: "Now", "So", "Ok", "Well"

Activity 6 - Vocabulary:

1. Apologies: Excuses for absence

2. Representative: Someone who speaks for a company

3. Contracted: Hired/employed for specific work

4. Fill us in: Update us/give us information

5. Any Other Business: Time for additional topics

Activity 8 - Language Functions:

1. Setting expectations: D

2. Expressing appreciation: A

3. Directing attention: B

4. Making polite requests: C

5. Warning about potential changes: E