Useful Expressions for Business Interaction

Analyzing Problems: Focusing on the main problem/issue

What is the main problem?

What is the real issue (here)?

(I think) the major problem is . . .

Our primary concern is . . .

The crux of the matter is . . .

(As I see it), the most important thing is . . .

The main problem we need to solve is . . .

We really need to take care of . . .

It all comes down to this:

Analyzing Problems: Asking for input

What should we do about it?

What needs to be done?

What do you think we should do?

What are we going to do about it?

Do you have any suggestions?

Any ideas?

Analyzing Problems: Making Recommendations

I recommend that . . .

I suggest that . . .

I would like to propose that . . .

Why don't we . . .

Asking for Information:Information about company

What does your company do?		We produce marketing materials.
What is your specialty?
What do you specialize in?		We specialize in art and design.
What is your main line of business?

What are your major products?		We produce office machines.
What services do you provide?		We design software.
		We provide technical support.

Asking for Information:Information about products

Could you give me some (more) information on this?		This is one of our top brands.
		It's our best selling refrigerator.
		This one is the best in its class.
What can you tell me about this (product)?		We're really pleased with its performance.
		It's an excellent computer.
		I highly recommend this one.
Tell me about this one/model.		This model comes with several features.
		This particular one has two components.

Asking for Information:Information about Price

What are you asking for this?

What does this sell for?

How much is it?

How much does it run?

This (one) sells for $5900.

This one goes for $2900.

This one is priced at $9695.

Closing a Conversation: Pre-closing

It's been nice talking to you.

It's been great talking with you.

I really enjoyed meeting you.

It was nice meeting you, Mr. Brown.

I'm sorry, but I have to go now.

I'm afraid I have to leave now.

Thanks for the information/ the tour/ your time.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

Closing a Conversation: Follow up

I'll give you a call.

I'll send you an e-mail.

I'll put a packet in the mail for you.

We'll send out that information right away.

I'll have my secretary schedule an appointment.

Could you send me a brochure/some more information?

Could I contact you by e-mail/at your office?

How do I get in touch with you?

How can I reach/contact you?

Closing a Conversation: Closing

I look forward to seeing you again.

We'll see you on Friday.

See you next week.

Let me give you my business card.

Here's my e-mail/office number.

Let's keep in touch by e-mail.

We'll be in touch.

Call me if you have any questions.

E-mail me.

Customer Survey (Restaurant)

What types of food do you like to eat?

What types of food do you not like to eat?

How often do you go out for a meal?

On what days of the week do you usually eat out?

Which meal(s) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) do you eat outside of your home?

How much do you spend on a typical meal?

Do you go out alone, as a couple, or in groups?

What are your main criteria in choosing a restaurant?

What are your main reasons for not going out to eat?

What is your primary means of transportation?

What area of the city do you live in?

Discussing Agenda Items

Let's start with . . .

Let's start by . . .

The first item on the agenda is . . .

We need to discuss . . .

Let's look at item number one.

Let's move on to number two.

The next item on the agenda is . . .

What's next on the agenda?

Does anyone have any comments?

Any comments?

Are there any comments on that?

What do you think?

Good idea.

Good point.

Does everyone agree on that?

Making Appointments

I'd like to make an appointment with Dr. Bill.

I'd like to schedule a meeting with Ms. Terry.

Could I schedule a time to meet with Mr. East?

	What time is best for you?
	When would be a good time for you?
	Would 9:00 on Thursday be okay?
	He'll be in on Tuesday.
	His schedule is open all day Monday.
	She's free any day but Wednesday.
	Dr. Itup will be away until Friday.

Will Mr. Rodgers be in tomorrow?

Is he available next Wednesday?

Does he have any openings on Tuesday?

Does she have any time on Thursday?

	Sorry, her calendar is full on Monday.
	She will be out on Wednesday.
	He doesn't have time on Tuesday.
	How about Friday at 4:00?

Thursday at 10:00 will be fine.

Friday at 11:00 sounds good.

Okay. Tuesday morning at 9.

Monday at 8:00 is not good for me.

Wednesday is not possible. 

Meetings and Discussions: Getting started 

Let's get started.

We need to discuss . . .

We need to talk about . . .

Meetings and Discussions: Talking about discussion items

The first thing we need to discuss is . . .

The first item on the agenda is . . .

The first thing on the list is . . .

First, we need to talk about . . .

Meetings and Discussions: Presenting Options

We have several alternatives:

We have two options:

We could either . . . or . . .

Meetings and Discussions: Moving on

Let's move on to Item 2.

Let's move on to the next topic.

We need to move on.

The next item (of business) is . . .

We need to go on to the next item.

Shall/Should we move on?

Meetings and Discussions: Stalling the Discussion

Before we move on, I think we should . . .

Wait a minute. We haven't discussed . . .

Don't you think we need to . . .

Not so fast. We haven't (yet) . . .

Meetings and Discussions: Asking for Clarification

What to you mean by . . . .

I don't quite follow you.

I didn't get what you meant by . . .

Could you clarify that?

Could you elaborate on that?

Meetings and Discussions: Making a Suggestion/Proposal

I think we should . . .

Maybe we should . . .

I suggest . . .

Why don't we . . .

How about . . .

We could . . .

Meetings and Discussions: Giving Feedback

(I think) that's a good idea.

You have a good point.

Good idea/point.

I agree.

I disagree. I think . . .

Sorry. I don't agree with you.

You have a good point, but . . .

That's not such a good idea.

I don't think that's a good idea.

Meetings and Discussions: Asking for Opinions

What do you think, George?

What's your opinion on that, Martha?

Any thoughts on that?

Any ideas?

Meetings and Discussions: Checking for Consensus

Do we all agree (on that)?

Does everyone agree?

Meetings and Discussions: Summarizing

In summary,

The conclusion is . . .

So, we've decided to . . .

We're going to . . . (then)

Meetings and Discussions: Closing the meeting

That's all for today.

That's it then.

(informal)

The meeting is adjourned.

(very formal)