Modern Work
5 Phrases for Remote Meetings
Remote meetings come with unique challenges—audio delays, multitasking temptations, and the lack of physical presence cues. Effective virtual communication requires intentionality and clarity that goes beyond in-person meetings. These five phrases help you navigate common remote meeting situations professionally: managing technical issues, maintaining engagement, ensuring everyone is heard, and creating smooth, productive virtual conversations despite the distance and technology barriers.
Target Vocabulary & Phrases
1
"Sorry, I'm having audio issues. Can you hear me now?"
Technical difficulties are inevitable in remote work. This phrase addresses the issue directly without over-apologizing or making the situation awkward. It's polite, to-the-point, and helps resolve the problem quickly so the meeting can continue.
Example: When your microphone cuts out mid-sentence: "Sorry, I'm having audio issues. Can you hear me now? Let me try switching to my headphones."
2
"Can everyone see the screen I'm sharing?"
Screen sharing issues are common but often go unnoticed until someone speaks up. Proactively confirming everyone can see your presentation prevents wasted time and shows professionalism by ensuring all participants can follow along effectively.
Example: After starting screen share: "Can everyone see the screen I'm sharing? Let me know if you need me to make it larger or if anything looks off."
3
"Let's go around and hear from everyone."
Remote meetings make it easier for quiet participants to fade into the background. This phrase creates inclusive structure and ensures all voices are heard, combating the tendency for a few people to dominate virtual discussions.
Example: During a brainstorming session: "Let's go around and hear from everyone—starting with Maria, then Alex, then Chen. What are your initial thoughts on this approach?"
4
"I'm going to put myself on mute while you present."
This communicates professional courtesy and awareness of audio etiquette. It prevents background noise disruptions and shows respect for the speaker while setting a good example for meeting hygiene in remote settings.
Example: Before a colleague's presentation: "I'm going to put myself on mute while you present to avoid any background noise. Excited to hear your findings!"
5
"Before we wrap up, does anyone have questions or final thoughts?"
Closing phrases are critical in remote meetings where people might hesitate to interrupt. This explicitly creates space for participation before ending the call, ensuring important concerns aren't left unaddressed due to virtual communication hesitancy.
Example: Near the end of the meeting: "Before we wrap up, does anyone have questions or final thoughts? This is a good time to raise anything we might have missed."
Test Your Knowledge
Choose the most appropriate phrase for each remote meeting situation:
1. Your microphone isn't working properly during a call. What should you say?
2. You just started sharing your screen for a presentation. What should you check?
3. Several people haven't spoken in your remote meeting. How do you engage them?
4. A colleague is about to present and you want to avoid background noise. What do you say?
5. You're ending a remote meeting and want to ensure everyone had a chance to contribute. What do you say?