Here are some expressions commonly used in discussing meetings matters.
against - in opposition to, contrary to agenda - a list of matters to be taken up (as at a meeting) amendment - a statement that is added to or revises or improves a proposal or document announcement - a public statement about something that is happening or going to happen annual general meeting or AGM - a meeting of public company, society, etc. held once a year when financial and other reports are presented, and official elections are held, etc. AOB or Any Other Business - used at the end of the list of subjects to be discussed at a meeting or conference apologies - item on agenda announcing people who are absent; apologies for absence approval - acceptance as satisfactory, a message expressing a favourable opinion be in charge of a meeting - to conduct a meeting, chair a meeting board meeting - a meeting for administrative purposes boardroom - a room where a committee meets (such as the board of directors of a company) brief - give essential information, to give instructions or preparatory information call a meeting - to summon a meeting chairman - the officer who presides at the meetings of an organization clarify - make clear and (more) comprehensible comment on - explain or interpret something contribution - any one of a number of individual efforts in a common endeavour controversial - something that is disputable or questionable greet - express greetings upon meeting someone implement - bring to a successful issue in favour of - not against item on the agenda - agenda item majority - more than half of the votes meeting - a formally arranged gathering minutes - a written account of what transpired at a meeting postpone - hold back to a later time, put off preliminary meeting - a discussion that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows procedure - a particular course of action intended to achieve a result proxy - a person authorized to act for another proxy vote - a vote cast by one person for or in place of another raise a question - express or ask a question recommendation - something that is expressed as advisable reject - refuse to accept, turn down, decline show of hands - an informal vote made by participants holding up one hand each to indicate a choice suggestion - a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection sum up - summarise take minutes - keep a written account of what transpired at the meeting unanimous - in complete agreement vote - express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution voting right - the right to vote; especially the right of a common shareholder to vote in person or by proxy on the affairs of a company
Now we put new vocabulary into context, so you can see how you might use these terms yourself. The expressions are in boldface in the text.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 6-8, 2007 in Boston. The AGM is your opportunity to learn about achievements during the past year, meet the Board and our CEO. If you are in charge of a meeting, plan the meeting itself and how you will run it. Thank you for your contribution to our good work. Election was carried out by a show of hands. You must specify a reason for requiring a proxy vote. If a member of the public wishes to raise a question at the general council meeting, it must be in writing and delivered to the Chief Executive Officer prior to 3.30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Danny shareholders voted today in favour of the joint venture. Every meeting needs someone to take minutes. The only item under any other business was the retirement of Dr Jeremy Ward. The following statement should help clarify the issue.
