Missed a meeting recently?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Need someone to catch you up on what you missed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today you’ll learn the vocabulary you need to share the reason you didn\u2019t turn up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When missing scheduled meetings and appointments in the workplace, you need to be prepared to share your reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Missing a meeting?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michelle asks Lindsay if she has ever missed a meeting or been late for an appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsay shares that this is inevitable for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Business is fast-paced and unforeseen circumstances are always coming up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are things that are out of one’s control, and life is unpredictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In today\u2019s episode, Lindsay and Michelle share an important skill you need in the business world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing meetings can happen to anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to have the vocabulary to share what went wrong or to ask a colleague to catch you up on what you missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can check out episode BE 265: Late on a Deadline? How to Ask for an Extension in English<\/a><\/strong> which shares what you can say when you miss a deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What can you say to a co-worker when you miss a scheduled appointment or discussion?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some terms and phrases to use if you\u2019ve been late or missed a meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We use this phrase with the verbs ‘get’ and ‘bring’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a great phrase when you\u2019ve arrived midway through a meeting, and you want to know what you missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You have to be strategic when you ask this since you don\u2019t want to disrupt the flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can ask during the break or even after the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you bring me up to speed? I missed the first ten minutes of the meeting. I\u2019m a little lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may sound grammatically incorrect, but this is a common saying that means you want to know what you missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It means you want a quick briefing of what they\u2019ve been talking about so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, so I couldn\u2019t make the conference call because I was meeting with our donors. Can you catch me up on what I missed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a straightforward way to say you just want to know what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsay:<\/strong> I took notes for you. Lindsay and Michelle share that this may not have a translation in other languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cliff’s Notes are summaries of English literature<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This expression means you just want the highlights of the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You are asking for only what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Michelle:<\/strong> I can meet with you for twenty minutes to go over what you missed. Michelle asks Lindsay what is her favorite from all the phrases and expressions mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsay responds that she likes the phrase \u2018give me the Cliff’s Notes version.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michelle agrees and mentions that the first two examples, \u2018catch me up\u2019 and \u2018bring me up to speed\u2019 are more of a request for details you’ve missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, \u2018give me a summary\u2019 and \u2018give me the Cliff’s Notes version\u2019, we are sharing that we only need the important parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsay and Michelle share that these phrases also help at school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you miss a class, use these to get help from someone who takes good notes in class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a roleplay from Lindsay and Michelle using the examples shared in today\u2019s episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can help you use the terms and expressions in an actual English conversation<\/a> in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this scenario, Michelle and Lindsay are coworkers and Lindsay missed a meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lindsay:<\/strong> Hey Michelle. These are really useful tips so that you can catch up on something you missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With these phrases, you have options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This way you can communicate how much information you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may only need an overview of what updates are relevant and important to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a good opportunity to build rapport with a team member<\/a> that has your back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a good professional relationship is key in having a harmonious work environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nVocabulary to use<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#1: Up to speed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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#2: Catch me up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3: Give me the summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Michelle: <\/strong>Okay, give me the summary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n#4: Give me the Cliff’s notes version<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lindsay:<\/strong> It\u2019s okay. Just give me the Cliff’s Notes version.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to cover what you missed in the meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Roleplay<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Michelle:<\/strong> Hey! We missed you at the meeting.
Lindsay:<\/strong> I know I can\u2019t believe my train didn\u2019t arrive in time.
Michelle:<\/strong> Too bad.
Lindsay:<\/strong> Well, can you bring me up to speed?
Michelle:<\/strong> Yes. There was so much covered.
Lindsay:<\/strong> Okay, how about give me the summary?
Michelle:<\/strong> Yeah! I can catch you up.
Lindsay:<\/strong> Yeah, just give me the Cliff’s Notes version.
Michelle:<\/strong> Haha okay!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nTakeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n