Virtual meetings have their own unique vocabulary. From "screen sharing" to "lagging," knowing these phrases is essential for modern professionals.
1. The "Can You Hear Me?" Check
Starting a meeting often involves technical checks.
- "Am I audible?" (Formal)
- "Can everyone hear me clearly?"
- "I think you're on mute, John."
- "Your video is frozen."
2. Handling Technical Issues
Don't panic when technology fails. Explain it calmly.
- "My internet connection is a bit unstable today."
- "There's a bit of a lag/delay on the line."
- "I'm going to turn off my camera to save bandwidth."
- "Let me rejoin the call, I'm having audio issues."
3. Screen Sharing
Presenting your work requires specific phrases.
- "Let me share my screen with you."
- "Can everyone see my screen?"
- "Is the font size okay for everyone?"
- "I'm going to switch tabs now."
4. Interrupting Politely
It's harder to interrupt on video without being rude. Use these phrases:
- "Sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to add..."
- "Can I just jump in here for a second?"
- "May I ask a quick question about that slide?"
- "Raising hand" feature: "I see Sarah has her hand raised."
5. Ending the Call
Don't just click "Leave."
- "I think we've covered everything."
- "I have a hard stop at 3 PM." (I must leave at 3 PM)
- "Thanks everyone, have a great day."
- "I'll send out the meeting minutes shortly."
Practice Mock Zoom Calls
Use EnglishMeet to simulate virtual meetings. Practice your introductions and technical troubleshooting phrases.
Start Practicing Now