Everyone likes a bit of a chat at the beginning of a meeting, but when it’s time to get started, use these key phrases:

每個人都喜歡在會議開始前聊點什么，但是要開始，請使用以下關鍵詞組：

To get the ball rolling

Definition: To get the meeting or discussion started.

含義：讓會議/討論開始

Example: “OK, everyone. Let’s get the ball rolling. Come and sit down and we’ll start the meeting.”

例句：好了各位，我們開始吧。來，請坐，會議要開始了。

To open with

Definition: To begin by talking about a certain topic.

含義：開始談論某一特定的話題

Example: “Let’s open with a summary of what each of you has achieved this week.”

例句：首先從你們本周完成的工作總結開始。

To hand over to

Definition: To introduce another speaker.

含義：介紹另外一位演講人

Example: “I’d like to hand over to Dave to explain our plans for the next quarter.”

例句：我想接下來15分鐘由戴夫來解釋我們的計劃。

On the agenda

Definition: Something on the plan to be discussed.

含義：計劃討論某事

Example: “Today, the first item on the agenda is to decide on a new supplier.”

例句：今天，議程的第一項是決定新的供應商。

To get down to business

Definition: To talk about the most important issues.

含義：討論最重要的議題

Example: “It’s time to get down to business. How much will this cost and how much time will it save me?”

例句：現在言歸正傳，花費是多少?節省的時間有多少?

To kick off

Definition: To get started.

含義：開始

Example: “Let’s kick off by reviewing the results of our last campaign.”

例句：首先從回顧我們上次活動的成果開始。

To take the minutes

Definition: To take notes on everything that was said and agreed on in that meeting.

含義：記錄在會議上說過、同意的事。

Example: “It’s my turn to take the minutes, so please let me know if there’s anything special you want me to make a note of.”

例句：輪到我來做記錄了。如果你有特別想讓我記錄的，請告訴我。

To help remember these phrases, try writing an introduction to a meeting using all of them. Imagine you are in a weekly meeting with your colleagues. How many of these expressions could you use?

為了幫助記憶這些詞組，嘗試用上這些詞組，寫一篇會議介紹。想象你和同事在日常的會議上。你能用上哪些表達呢?