How to Say “Start Meeting” in Different Situations

Starting a meeting requires effective communication to gather everyone’s attention and get things rolling. Whether you are in a formal or informal setting, using the right phrase to indicate that the meeting is about to begin sets the tone for productive collaboration. In this guide, we’ll discuss various ways to say “start meeting” in both formal and informal contexts, providing tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “Start Meeting”

In formal settings like boardrooms, conferences, or professional meetings, it’s important to establish a sense of structure and professionalism from the outset. Here are some phrases you can use to signal the start of a meeting while maintaining a formal tone:

1. “Let’s commence the meeting.”
   Example: “Good morning, everyone. Let’s commence the meeting by reviewing the agenda.”
2. “The meeting will now begin.”
   Example: “May I have your attention, please? The meeting will now begin. Thank you.”
3. “We’ll now get the meeting underway.”
   Example: “Welcome, everyone. We’ll now get the meeting underway with a brief overview of the project.”
4. “Shall we start the meeting?”
   Example: “Thank you for joining us. Shall we start the meeting by addressing any outstanding issues?”
5. “Without further ado, let’s kick off the meeting.”
   Example: “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Without further ado, let’s kick off the meeting with an update on our sales figures.”

Informal Ways to Say “Start Meeting”

Informal settings such as team meetings, casual gatherings, or brainstorming sessions may call for a more relaxed and inclusive approach to kickstart the proceedings. Here are some phrases that strike a more informal tone while indicating the start of a meeting:

1. “Let’s dive right in!”
   Example: “Hey, everyone! Glad you could make it. Let’s dive right in and discuss the new project ideas.”
2. “Okay, folks, let’s get this show on the road.”
   Example: “Hey, team! It’s time to start generating some creative solutions. Okay, folks, let’s get this show on the road.”
3. “Alright, let’s begin our meeting.”
   Example: “Good morning, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. Alright, let’s begin our meeting with a round of introductions.”
4. “Everyone ready? Let’s kick things off!”
   Example: “Good afternoon, teammates! Is everyone ready? Great! Let’s kick things off by discussing our marketing strategy.”
5. “We’re all set, so let’s start the meeting.”
   Example: “Hello, everyone! I see we’re all here. Without further delay, we’re all set, so let’s start the meeting with a review of our project timeline.”

Tips and Considerations

Regardless of whether you’re in a formal or informal setting, there are a few general tips to keep in mind when starting a meeting:

• Be clear and concise: Use phrases that clearly convey that the meeting is about to begin, ensuring everyone understands and focuses their attention.
• Set a positive tone: Use welcoming and inclusive language to make attendees feel comfortable and engaged right from the start.
• Provide context if necessary: Depending on the meeting’s purpose or if there are specific instructions, provide a brief overview or reminder to set the stage for discussion.
• Gauge the atmosphere: Adapt your choice of phrase based on the overall mood and atmosphere of the meeting.
• Encourage participation: Consider incorporating phrases that encourage attendees to contribute their ideas or ask questions, fostering a collaborative environment.

Conclusion

Starting a meeting confidently and effectively is crucial for every successful gathering, be it formal or informal. By using appropriate phrases to signify the beginning of a meeting, you set the tone for fruitful discussions and engaged participants. Remember, whether you prefer a formal approach with phrases like “Let’s commence the meeting” or a more casual tone with phrases like “Let’s dive right in,” the key is to ensure everyone is ready and focused. So next time you’re in charge of initiating a meeting, choose the phrase that best suits the occasion and get the conversation flowing!