Static (non-movement) Description

Sales stood at $1,400,000 in 1998.

Profits were $27,000 in 1999.

There was a loss of $21,000 in 2001.

***

Let's start with...

Let's start by...

The first item on the agenda is...

We need to discuss...

Let's look at item number one.

Let's move on to number two.

The next item on the agenda is...

What's next on the agenda?

Does anyone have any comments?

Any comments?

Are there any comments on that?

What do you think?

Good idea.

Good point.

Does everyone agree on that?

For Business Letters

1. Receiver (Who are you writing this to?)

Someone you know (friend, colleague, business partner, group, company)

Some one you don't know (To whom it may concern, Dear Sir/Madam)

How do you expect the receiver to respond?

2. Sender (Who are you?)

What is your relationship to the reader/receiver(s)?

What role are you assuming in the letter?

(friend, colleague, etc.)

3. Context (What background information does the reader need?)

Bring the reader up to date first.

Establish a connection

As requested...

It was nice meeting you in Toronto last week...

I read your article in Vague Magazine..

Supporting details

Time frame (sequence of events)

4. Message (What do you want the reader to know or do?)

What do you hope to accomplish with the letter (inform, persuade, initiate action)

I am writing to inquire about...

Could you please send me...

Polite requests

Please...

Would you mind...

Could you please...

Would you be so kind as to...

5. Medium (What is the appropriate format?)

Fax, e-mail, formal business letter, memo, informal note

6. Tone (What tone do you wish to convey?)

informative

polite

business-like

friendly

humble

assertive

urgent

irate

7. Other recipients (Are there others who need to be informed of this communication?)

cc: courtesy copy

***

Pre-closing

It's been nice talking to you.

It's been great talking with you.

I really enjoyed meeting you.

It was nice meeting you, Mr. Brown.

I'm sorry, but I have to go now.

I'm afraid I have to leave now.

Thanks for the information/ the tour/ your time.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

Follow up

I'll give you a call.

I'll send you an e-mail.

I'll put a packet in the mail for you.

We'll send out that information right away.

I'll have my secretary schedule an appointment.

Could you send me a brochure/some more information?

Could I contact you by e-mail/at your office?

How do I get in touch with you?

How can I reach/contact you?

Closing

I look forward to seeing you again.

We'll see you on Friday.

See you next week.

Let me give you my business card.

Here's my e-mail/office number.

Let's keep in touch by e-mail.

We'll be in touch.

Call me if you have any questions.

E-mail me.

Beginning a presentation

It is common to greet the audience and introduce yourself when giving presentations:

Good morning,/afternoon/evening

I'm _________, the new Finance Manager.

My name is ________ and I represent _______

Let me take a minute to introduce myself.

Let me start by telling you a little about our company.

I've already met some of you, but for those I haven't, I'm ______