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Meetings · part 1 — starting the meeting

Open a meeting warmly and get it going.

会議をなごやかに始めて、進行に移れるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

Let me break the ice.
Shall we get started?
Thanks for coming.
Let's begin.

Example conversation

AGood morning, everyone. Thanks for coming.
BMorning! Shall we get started?
AIn a moment. Let me break the ice first — how was everyone's weekend?
BRelaxing, thanks! Ready to begin.
AGreat energy. Let's begin, then.
BSounds good. What's first on the agenda?

In context

Listen to a meeting opener. 'Good morning, everyone, and thanks for coming. Before we dive into the agenda, let me break the ice — congratulations on a great month! Now, shall we get started? We have three things to cover, so let's begin.'

When to use it · practice

You're hosting a meeting and people just arrived. Welcome them and break the ice.
会議の主催者で、参加者が来たところです。歓迎して、場を和ませましょう。
Everyone's ready to work. Move from small talk into the meeting.
全員が始める準備ができています。雑談から本題に移りましょう。
It's a quiet, tense room. Warm it up before starting.
静かで緊張した部屋です。始める前になごませましょう。

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