🎧 Welcome back!
Welcome to another episode of the FluentMinds Podcast — your go-to resource for real-world English that works. In Episode 2A, we’re diving into one of the most requested topics: how to speak naturally and confidently in professional work meetings.
For many English learners, knowing what to say isn’t the biggest problem — it’s knowing how to say it like a native speaker. In this episode, our host Alex works with Sam, an advanced English learner, to break down four powerful and professional phrases used every day in the workplace.
👉 Click here to download the VOCABULARY CHEAT SHEET PDF
👉 Click here to download the FULL SCRIPT PDF
🧭 What This Episode Covers:
- How to confidently open meetings with natural phrasing
- Polite ways to delay topics when you’re missing key information
- How to gracefully shift a conversation without sounding abrupt
- Useful leadership expressions for taking initiative in group discussions
🧠 Why This Episode Matters
Professional English isn’t just about grammar — it’s about tone, confidence, and rhythm. Whether you’re joining Zoom calls, leading team briefings, or contributing to planning meetings, the way you speak shapes how people see you.
This episode helps learners:
- Replace stiff textbook phrases with real native expressions
- Practice pronunciation in a guided, supportive format
- Understand how to blend words and reduce sounds naturally
🗣️ Featured Vocabulary
Here are the 4 main expressions taught and practiced in Episode 2A:
- “Let’s align on today’s priorities”
A confident, professional way to start the meeting and establish focus. - “We’re still waiting on a few pieces before we move forward”
Perfect for explaining that a decision or action is delayed — without sounding unprepared. - “Let’s park that and circle back later”
This one is very commonly used to pause or defer a topic. It’s polite and strategic. - “I’ll take the lead on that”
A bold but natural way to take ownership in a team setting.
💬 A Real Learning Conversation
This isn’t just a list of phrases — it’s a real conversation. Alex helps Sam practice the phrases in context, corrects him gently, and explains how to sound more fluent.
Here’s a sample moment from the episode:
Alex: “Let’s align on today’s priorities.”
Sam: “Let’s… align on… today’s priorities?”
Alex: “Good. Now say it a bit smoother. We usually link ‘Let’s align’ — don’t pause in the middle.”
Sam: “Let’s align on today’s priorities.”
Alex: “There we go. That sounds like someone leading the meeting.”
This approach lets you hear, feel, and repeat the rhythm of professional English.
📥 Download the Free PDF Worksheet
To help you practice even more, we’ve created a free downloadable worksheet.
It includes:
- 🧠 A Vocabulary Cheat Sheet with definitions and examples
- 🎙️ A script excerpt from the episode
- ✍️ 3 exercises to help you internalize and apply the phrases
👉 Click here to download the VOCABULARY CHEAT SHEET PDF
👉 Click here to download the FULL SCRIPT PDF
🔊 Listen to the Full Episode
You can listen to FluentMinds Podcast Episode 2A on:
Remember to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!
🚨 Coming Up Next: Episode 2B
In the next episode, we’ll work on disagreeing politely in meetings — a huge challenge for many learners.
We’ll practice phrases like:
- “I see your point, but…”
- “Can I offer another perspective?”
- “I’d like to push back on that slightly.”
So don’t miss it — and bring your best voice!
🧑🏫 Want More Personalized Help?
If you’re ready to build your fluency with a real teacher and a small group of learners, check out our Beginner English Course. We focus on:
- Speaking confidently at work
- Natural pronunciation and rhythm
- Vocabulary that fits your goals
💡 Fluent English isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.
See you in Episode 2B!
FluentMinds Podcast – Episode 2A: Full Script
FluentMinds Podcast – Episode 2A: Work Meeting Vocabulary
Alex: Welcome back to the FluentMinds Podcast. This is Episode 2A. Today, we’re jumping into how
to speak naturally and confidently during English work meetings – especially when you’re leading,
transitioning between topics, or trying to sound polished and professional.
Sam: Yes, please! I always feel awkward starting a meeting. I either sound too stiff or too casual.
Alex: Totally normal. Let’s imagine you’re running the start of a team check-in. What would you
usually say?
Sam: Hmm… maybe something like, “Let’s start the meeting”?
Alex: Not wrong – but let’s upgrade it. Try saying: “Let’s align on today’s priorities.”
Sam: Let’s… align on… today’s priorities?
Alex: That’s it. Now say it again, a little smoother. Feel how we link “Let’s align” as one thought –
don’t pause between them.
Sam: Let’s align on today’s priorities.
Alex: Nice. That sounds like someone who knows what they’re doing. Formal but not robotic – and
very common in meetings.
Sam: Okay. That already feels more natural. What if I want to say something isn’t ready yet?
Alex: Good. Try this: “We’re still waiting on a few pieces before we move forward.”
Sam: We’re still… waiting on… a few pieces… before we move forward?
Alex: Yep. But now listen – the tone should rise a little at the beginning, then flatten out. Try saying it
all in one breath.
Sam: We’re still waiting on a few pieces before we move forward.
Alex: Perfect. And if you’re speaking to a client, soften it more: “At this point, we’re still waiting on a
few key elements.”
Sam: Okay, that’s good. And if I want to skip a topic?
Alex: Try: “Let’s park that and circle back later.”
Sam: Let’s… park that? That’s real?
Alex: Yes – it just means, “Let’s pause this and maybe talk about it later.” Try the full phrase.
Sam: Let’s park that and circle back later.
Alex: Great. Try it again without the pause.
Sam: Let’s park that and circle back later.
Alex: Nailed it. That’s exactly what you’d hear in a Monday morning meeting.
Sam: And if I want to take ownership of something?
Alex: Try: “I’ll take the lead on that.”
Sam: I’ll… take the lead on that.
Alex: Confident. Short, strong, and shows initiative. Say it again with a firmer tone.
Sam: I’ll take the lead on that.
Alex: Perfect. That’s leadership without sounding bossy.
Sam: This is actually really helpful. I hear phrases like this in meetings but I never use them – I just
freeze.
Alex: That’s why we’re doing this. Let’s recap together:
Alex: Let’s align on today’s priorities.
Sam: Let’s align on today’s priorities.
Alex: We’re still waiting on a few pieces before we move forward.
Sam: We’re still waiting on a few pieces before we move forward.
Alex: Let’s park that and circle back later.
Sam: Let’s park that and circle back later.
Alex: I’ll take the lead on that.
Sam: I’ll take the lead on that.
Alex: Awesome job. In Episode 2B, we’ll tackle polite disagreement in meetings – without sounding
rude or robotic.
Sam: Oof, yes. I want that one.
Alex: See you then – and remember, speak it until it sounds like you.
FluentMinds Podcast – Episode 2A: Work Meeting Vocabulary
Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
– Let’s align on today’s priorities: Start the meeting by agreeing on goals.
– We’re still waiting on a few pieces before we move forward: Delay action until missing parts are
available.
– Let’s park that and circle back later: Postpone discussion and return to it later.
– I’ll take the lead on that: Volunteer to be responsible for something.
Podcast Script Excerpt
Alex: Welcome to the FluentMinds Podcast, Episode 2A. Today, we’re jumping into how to speak
naturally and confidently during English work meetings.
Sam: I always feel awkward starting a meeting. I either sound too stiff or too casual.
Alex: Totally normal. Let’s practice some phrases you can use to sound fluent and professional…
Exercise: Fill in the blank
Complete the sentences using one of the phrases from the vocabulary list.
1. ______ and circle back later.
2. I’ll ______ on that.
3. Let’s ______ on today’s priorities.
Exercise: Rewrite for fluency
Rewrite the following sentences using a more natural business phrase.
1. I will start the meeting.
2. That topic can wait.
3. We are not ready yet.
Exercise: Match the meaning
Match the phrase with its correct meaning.
A. Let’s align on today’s priorities
B. We’re still waiting on a few pieces
C. Let’s park that
D. I’ll take the lead on that
