1. 1 Group participation Guidelines

2. 2 1. Observe and analyze the culture of the environment 2. Listen and prepare to respond 3. Use appropriate strategies in meetings to politely: Clarify something that was said Express opinions / ideas Express certainty or doubt Agree or disagree Interrupt or regain the floor after an interruption 4. Remember physical and vocal skills including Facial expressions Body postures Gestures Volume and tone of voice

3. 3 Starter Phrases The following are some expressions you can use in meetings. Make sure that the tome of voice and body language you use conveys politeness while allowing you to assert yourself.

4. 4 1. Clarification Would you mind repeating that again I didn't quite catch the last part. I'm sorry, I didn't quite understand that.

5. 5 2. Stating an opinion 2. Stating an opinion In my opinion.. From my point of view.. As far as I can tell..

6. 6 3. Express certainty or doubt I'm confident that it will work. I'm sure that it will work. I'm not so sure that will work. It's unlikely to work (strong)

7. 7 4. Agreeing I agree with you. I think you're right. I like your idea.

8. 8 5. Disagreeing I agree to a point but I cannot agree with you I don't agree with you (strong objection) I'm still not convinced.

9. 9 6. Interrupting Excuse me or pardon me Could I just add May I interrupt for a moment to make a point? That brings up another issue

10. 10 7. Regaining the floor I'd like to hear what you have to say but if you could just let me finish my point. If you could just hold that point until I'm finished Perhaps I could return to that later..

11. 11 Some American idioms & Expressions Under the wire : having a very narrow time limit e.g., They got their tax returns in just under the wire at 11:45pm Tighten our belts : Cut down on spending e.g., We've had to tighten our belts around here because of budget cut backs. In the loop: Keep informed about what is going on. e.g., I‘ll keep you on the loop and let you know when we have reached our decision. More bang for the buck Get more for your money e.g., We will get more bang for the buck if we move to the town that has lots of recreational facilities. It costs less than joining a country club.

12. 12 Some American idioms Set in stone: A permanent decision e.g., I'm afraid the deadline is set in stone, so we have to finish the project by the end of the month. Touch base: Make contact with someone. e.g., Let's touch base after Christmas to see how far the project has gone. It's a done deal: The decision is already made. e.g., They've already signed the agreement, so it's a done deal.

13. 13 Some American idioms Nail down: Determine or cement a firm a date or commitment e.g., We've got to nail down a date for that meeting. Play it by ear: Do it spontaneously or without prior plans e.g., It may rain today so I don't know if we'll be able to go to the beach. Let's play it by ear. Taken aback or taken by surprise: To be stunned or very surprised e.g., When he told me that he was quitting, I was so taken aback. I really thought he was happy here.

14. 14 Some American idioms Taken our options open: Be open to other ways of doing something. e.g., We could do the project using everyone's research or we could just go with Tom's research; but let's keep our options open. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it: Wait until the situation arises e.g., Let's not worry about the details now, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Up to speed: To get to the necessary level. e.g., I'll start her training program soon so she can get up to speed.

15. 15 Questions?