Language Lunch: Chairing and Participating Effectively in Meetings and Discussions

Chairing meetings is a key communicative skill, but it can require a delicate touch! In this Language Lunch, we will look at language for moderating and participating in discussions effectively and politely. 

The Language Lunch series is a fun and time-saving opportunity to improve your English-language competence over a light buffet lunch which will be provided free of charge. In the summer semester, the series continues with three workshops: (1) English Grammar for People Who Hate Grammar, (2) Concise and Clear: Using AI for Informative Texts, and (3) Chairing and Participating Effectively in Meetings and Discussions. You are welcome to book one, two or all three workshops, but in any case, please make sure that you register separately for each Language Lunch.

Content

• Phrases for chairing and leading a meeting or discussion
• Language for interrupting politely 
• Strategies for managing interaction and interruptions

Goals

To be able to:

• Introduce speakers and invite contributions
• Use a variety of language for leading and participating in a discussion
• Use language effectively to highlight key ideas and keep a discussion on track

Methods

Interactive workshop with focused activities (e.g. worksheets, Mentimeter, role-plays) to develop and apply the target language.

• Using a variety of language to chair and manage a meeting or discussion
• Identifying key communicative concerns when chairing a meeting or discussion
• Using politeness strategies and turn-taking language effectively
• Applying this language in a simulated discussion