Online meetings in English go smoothly when you have ready phrases for the moments that always happen: greeting people, checking audio, giving updates, asking questions, handling bad connections, disagreeing politely and closing with clear next steps. Prepare a short update before every call, keep your sentences simple, speak a little slower than usual, and confirm decisions in writing afterwards. Below are the phrases to use at each stage of a video call.
- Most video call language is predictable. Learn the phrases once, use them forever.
- Prepare a three-line update before each meeting.
- Technical problems are normal. Have phrases ready.
- Summarise actions at the end and confirm them in writing.
- Rehearse real meetings in the free online English practice rooms.
The meeting that froze
Imagine a developer in Dhaka on his first call with a client in London. His camera freezes for a few seconds. He panics and says nothing. The client asks a question, which he only half hears, so he answers something different. Afterwards, nobody is sure what was agreed.
None of it was really about English level. He simply didn’t have the small phrases that handle these moments: “Sorry, you froze for a second, could you repeat the question?” and “Just to confirm, we agreed that…” With those ready, the same meeting would have been easy.
Phrases for every stage of a video call
| Stage | Useful phrases |
|---|---|
| Joining | “Hi everyone, can you hear me okay?” / “Good morning from Dhaka!” |
| Small talk | “How’s your week going?” / “Is it still cold there?” |
| Starting | “Shall we get started?” / “Today I’d like to cover three things.” |
| Giving an update | “Quick update from my side: we’ve finished…, we’re working on…, and next we’ll…” |
| Asking a question | “Can I ask a quick question about…?” / “Could you clarify what you mean by…?” |
| Agreeing | “That makes sense.” / “Sounds good to me.” |
| Disagreeing politely | “I see your point, but I’m a bit concerned about…” / “Could we look at another option?” |
| Buying time | “Let me check that and get back to you today.” |
| Closing | “Just to recap, I’ll…, and you’ll… by Friday.” / “Thanks everyone, talk soon.” |
Handling technical problems
Prepare before every call
- Read the agendaKnow what will be discussed.
- Write a three-line updateDone, doing, next. Say it out loud once.
- Note your questionsTwo or three questions you want answered.
- Check your setupHeadphones, light on your face, quiet room, camera at eye level.
- Join two minutes earlyTest audio and settle your nerves.
- Follow up in writingSend a short summary of decisions and next steps.
A follow-up message template
Hi Sarah, thanks for the call today. Quick summary: 1) We’ll send the updated design by Thursday. 2) You’ll share the product photos by Wednesday. 3) Next call: Monday at 3 pm UK time. Let me know if I missed anything. Best, Arif
Tips for speaking clearly online
- Speak a little slower than in person. Audio compression makes fast speech harder to follow.
- Use short sentences and pause between ideas.
- Look at the camera when making an important point.
- Say people’s names when you pass them a question.
- Avoid long silences. Say “Let me think for a second” instead.
Practise before the real thing
Use the free online English practice rooms to rehearse a meeting with a partner on video. Read our professional email guide for your follow-ups, and if you work with foreign clients, see English for freelancers on client calls.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What do I say at the start of a video call in English?
Greet everyone and check audio: “Hi everyone, can you hear me okay?” Then a little small talk before starting: “How’s your week going?”
How do I say someone's audio is bad politely?
Say “Sorry, you’re breaking up a little. Could you repeat that?” It is polite and very common.
How do I give an update in an online meeting?
Use a simple structure: what you finished, what you are working on and what comes next, in two or three short sentences.
How should I end an online meeting?
Recap the actions and deadlines, thank everyone, and send a short written summary afterwards.
Start a private video room in one click and invite friends to practise English together.
Guides for this tool
Guide · 3 min readHow to Start a Free Online English Speaking Club (Step by Step)
Guide · 3 min read40 English Conversation Topics for Speaking Practice (With Questions)
Guide · 4 min readEnglish for Freelancers: How to Talk to Clients on Calls
Guide · 4 min readHow to Give a Presentation in English: Structure, Phrases and PracticeWant a tool, website or app like this for your business?
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