Unit V: English for Workplace
Online Meetings
Language and skills lesson for English III (Unit V: English for Workplace). Work through the lesson, then practise with the quiz.
The Lesson
Online meetings have their own unique set of rules and language. Mastering them is essential for modern workplace success.
Common Terms & Expressions:
- 'Can everyone see my screen?' - Used when you start sharing your screen.
- 'You're on mute.' or 'I think you're muted.' - A polite way to tell someone they are speaking but their microphone is off.
- 'There's a bit of a lag.' - Used to describe a delay in the video or audio feed.
- 'I'll share the link in the chat.' - A common way to distribute resources during the meeting.
- 'Let's take this offline.' - A phrase used to suggest discussing a tangent or a very specific topic outside of the main meeting to save time for the group.
Etiquette for Online Meetings:
- Test Your Tech: Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection before the meeting starts.
- Mute by Default: Keep your microphone muted unless you are speaking. This eliminates background noise.
- Choose a Professional Background: Be mindful of what's behind you. Use a virtual background or sit in front of a neutral, tidy space.
- Look at the Camera: When you speak, try to look at your webcam, not at your own image on the screen. This creates the effect of eye contact.
- Use the 'Raise Hand' Feature: In larger meetings, use the 'raise hand' feature to signal that you'd like to speak, rather than interrupting.
Key Terms
- Lag
- A period of delay between one event and another.
- Connotation: In online meetings, this refers to a delay in audio or video transmission.
- Tangent
- A completely different line of thought or action.
- Connotation: A topic that is off-topic from the main discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quiz
Quiz: Check Your Understanding
Question 1 of 5
What is the best practice for your microphone in an online meeting?