keywords that are used in business

Learn about the keywords that are used in business. The word is followed by the meaning then an example.

• absent adj. - not present
• Example: The manager is absent due to being away on other business.
• accomplish verb - succeed in reaching a required stage
• Example: We have a lot to accomplish this week to meet the targets.
• address verb - deal with a problem or a task
• Example: We better not have to address this problem again this is you last chance.
• adjourn verb - bring a close to a meeting
• Example: If there are no further things on the agenda, we will adjourn the meeting for this month.
• agenda noun - list of objectives to be covered at the meeting
• Example: Pass a copy of the agenda to anyone who is attending meeting in advance please.
• AGM noun (abbr.) - Annual (once a year) General Meeting
• Example: At the next AGM we will need to vote for a new chairperson.
• allocate verb - assign roles/tasks to certain people
• Example: The new manger will allocate someone to order the new company cars.
• AOB noun (abbr.) - Any Other Business (unspecified item on agenda)Example: The last item on the agenda as anyone got AOB (Any Other Business).
• apologies noun - telling who is absent and have left there apologies for their absence
• Example: Only one person is absent and they send their apologies.
• ballot noun - a way of voting, usually in writing and should be secret
• Example: Please put your ballot slip in the box.
• board of directors noun - group of elected members of an organization/company who meet to make decisions
• Example: The board of directors met last night to discuss the latest budget.
• boardroom noun - a large meeting room, with one long table and chairs
• Example: The boardroom is busy tomorrow, but Friday will be fine to have a meeting then.
• brainstorm verb - thinking to gather ideas
• Example: Let's get together and have a brainstorming session on ways that to increase profit.
• casting vote noun - deciding vote normally made by the chairman when the votes have ended equal
• Example: The ruling on overtime pay was decided on the chairman's casting vote.
• chairperson and chair noun - a person who leads the meeting
• Example: As chair/chairperson, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, our new sales manager Mr Bean
• clarification and verification noun - explanation or proof that something is true and understood
• Example: We will need some clarification as to what's involved with the planning permission for the new offices.
• closing remarks noun - last spoken words in a meeting examples reminders, thank you ext
• Example: In is closing remarks he thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
• collaborate verb - work together as a pair/group
• Example: The workers had difficulty collaborating with the managers as a result the deadline was not met.
• commence verb - begin, start the meeting
• Example: We will commence the meeting as soon as the everyone as arrived and signed the register.
• comment verb or noun - express one's opinions or thoughts
• Example: If you have a comment, please raise your hand rather than speak out.
• conference noun - formal meeting for discussion, esp. a regular one held by an organisation 
• Example: Before the conference there will be a private meeting for board members only.
• conference call noun - telephone/video conference (Skype) meeting between three or more people in different locations
• Example: Today the chairman from all the overseas branches had a conference meeting using video call.
• confidential adjective - private; must not be shared only with those with permission.
• Example: The company stated that all financial information must be confidential.
• consensus noun - general agreement
• Example: We must reach a consensus by the end of the meeting which will then be put to vote to decided.
• deadline noun - the date when something is due for completion
• Example: The deadline for the order is June 10th.
• designate verb - assign to someone or a team
• Example: If no one volunteers to work at weekend I will designate someone.
• formality noun - a procedure (often unnecessary) that has to be followed due to a rule
• Example: Everyone knows who is going to be the next vice president, so this vote is really just a formality.
• grievance noun - complaint made by a worker or customer
• Example: A grievance has been reported by one of the managers about one of is staff.
• guest speaker noun - person who joins the group in order to share information or deliver a speech
• Example: today am delighted to introduce our guest speaker Mr Bean who is giving us some tips on social networking
• implement verb - it must happen and be followed through
• Example: We must implement the new guide lines set out by the board of directors.
• mandatory adjective - required
• Example: It is mandatory that all workers start at 8am and finish at 5pm.
• minutes noun - a written record of everything said at a meeting
• Example: Let's review the minutes from last month and see what as been resolved since then.
• motion noun - a suggestion put to a vote
• Example: The motion to extend weekend hours for the staff has been passed.
• objectives noun - goals that need to be accomplish
• Example: I'm pleased that we were able to cover all of the objectives today within the designated time.
• opening remarks noun - chairperson or leader's first words at a meeting (i.e. welcome, introductions)
• Example: As Mentioned in my opening remarks, we I thank you all for attending.
• overhead projector noun - machine with a special light that projects a document onto a screen or wall so that all can see
• Example: Using the overhead projector I was able to show the sales team what targets we need to achieve.
• participant noun - person who attends and joins in at an event
• Example: Thank you to all the participants in the firms charity event
• proxy vote noun - a vote cast by one person for or in place of another
• Example: There must have been one proxy vote I have counted twelve ballots but there are only eleven attendees present.
• punctual adjective - on time and must not be late
• Example: Anyone that is not punctual will be asked to explain to the manager why they are not on time.
• recommend verb - suggest
• Example: I recommend that you lower the price of the old stock.
• show of hands noun - raised hands to show an opinion in a vote
• Example: From the show of hands it appears that everyone is in favour of taking a short break.
• strategy noun - plan to make something work
• Example: We need to come up with a strategy that will allow us to increase work output.
• unanimous adj. - everyone is in complete agreement or united in opinion
• Example: The vote was unanimous to cut working hours from 46 to 39 hours.
• vote verb or noun - to express an opinion by group or voice down by a show of hands or by ballot box.
• Example: We need to vote for all those in favour of the new changes.
• wrap up verb - finish
• Example: Let's wrap up it up so that we can start on the next project.

Try making some sentences of your own using the examples!!

Happy learning!