Meeting Runs Over Time
Listen to the following audio
Answer the following questions
What caused the meeting to last longer than planned?
What does the expression “stay on the same page” mean in this story?
How did the manager help the team refocus the discussion?
What solution did the manager offer for handling smaller issues?
What goal did the team agree on by the end of the meeting?
Read the transcript if needed
“This afternoon, our weekly team meeting was scheduled for one hour, but discussions dragged on much longer. We were supposed to review the budget, but new questions kept coming up. The manager reminded everyone that if we wanted to stay on the same page, we needed to keep our comments short and focused. She promised to follow up with individuals about smaller issues after the meeting instead of keeping everyone waiting. In the end, we agreed to stay organized so future meetings would finish on time.”
How would you use the following expressions?
Idiom: On the same page – we use this idiom when people share the same understanding or agreement about something.
Examples to use:
“Let’s make sure we’re on the same page before we start.”
“The manager explained the plan so everyone was on the same page.”
“We weren’t on the same page about the time, so we missed the bus.”
Phrasal Verb: Follow up – we use this phrasal verb when continuing action after something has been discussed.
Examples to use:
“I always follow up with clients after meetings.”
“She followed up with an email yesterday.”
“He is following up on the project now.”
“They will follow up with you next week.”
