Many Japanese business people worry about how to speak in English at international business meetings. You want to speak politely, but also want to appear confident. You want to express your opinion without interrupting the other person. Striking this balance is where your business English skills really shine.
I often hear people say, “I can understand everything that’s being said in meetings, but I don’t know when to speak or how to say it.”
This is not at all uncommon. In Japanese culture, “waiting your turn” and “avoiding conflict” are considered virtues.
However, in the international business world, expressing your opinions politely and proactively is a sign of “leadership” and “trust.”
The good news is, you don’t have to force yourself to be assertive.
At Eigo Edge, we’ve crafted a set of powerful, ready-to-use business phrases—free to explore, download, and even print out to keep on your desk for quick reference and easy memorization. Click here to see more, but in the meanwhile, here are a few high-impact expressions you can start using in your next meeting.
The key is to learn English phrases that allow you to be polite but still stand out
. Here are five such “polite yet memorable” English expressions.
💬 1. “If I may add something here…”
“May I add a bit more?”
Have you ever wanted to share your opinion in a meeting but couldn’t find the right moment to jump in? You’re not alone — many Japanese professionals feel nervous about interrupting in English meetings.
The phrase “If I may add something here…” is your perfect solution. It’s polite, confident, and smooth , helping you join the discussion naturally without sounding pushy.
👉 Example:
“If I may add something here, I think we should also consider the customer’s feedback.”
This phrase signals respect while showing initiative — a strong combination in global business English.
It’s especially useful in meetings where senior colleagues or clients are speaking. You’re not interrupting; you’re adding value .
💡 Tip: Raising your hand or leaning forward slightly before speaking will naturally communicate your desire to speak.
Combine this with other English phrases to make yourself more visible in meetings.
💬 2. “I see your point, but…”
“I understand what you’re saying, but…”
One of the hardest parts of business English for Japanese professionals is disagreeing politely .
In Japanese culture, avoiding direct disagreement is often seen as a sign of respect — but in global business, expressing a different opinion can actually show critical thinking and leadership .
That’s where this magical phrase comes in:
👉 “I see your point, but…”
It’s soft, respectful, and professional — the perfect way to disagree without sounding negative .
You start by acknowledging the other person’s idea (“I see your point”), and then smoothly introduce your own perspective (“but…”).
👉 Example:
“I see your point, but maybe we can try a simpler solution first.”
This sounds balanced — not confrontational, just thoughtful. It’s a great way to contribute ideas in international meetings , especially when you want to offer an alternative.
💡 Tip: When using “but,” be sure to maintain a gentle tone and a slight smile
. In business English, tone of voice creates a sense of trust. A gentle way of expressing yourself can completely change how your opinion is conveyed.
💬 3. “From my perspective…”
“From my perspective.”
In global business meetings, confidence isn’t about speaking the loudest — it’s about showing that you bring a valuable point of view.
The phrase “From my perspective…” helps you do exactly that. It’s professional, thoughtful, and perfect for expressing your opinion without sounding pushy .
This phrase works beautifully in both formal and casual meetings.
It sounds more polished than “I think” or “In my opinion.”
Using “From my perspective” shows that your comment comes from experience or insight — not just a random thought.
👉 Example:
“From my perspective, this change will improve communication between departments.”
See how natural that sounds? It’s confident but polite — the kind of English that global leaders use every day.
💡 Tip: This phrase is also effective when combined with other expressions.
“From my perspective, I see a few key challenges we should address .”
By adding a few simple expressions, your English will become natural and acceptable for global business .💬 “May I clarify our next steps?”
(Can you confirm the next step?)
Sometimes in business meetings — especially international ones — it’s easy for everyone to leave the room thinking slightly different things .
That’s where this phrase becomes your secret weapon.
By saying, “May I clarify our next steps?” , you gently but clearly make sure everyone agrees on what happens next.It’s polite, proactive, and powerfully professional — all at once.
Instead of sounding pushy, you sound organized and responsible.Eigo Edge’s key points
In a group meeting, you can expand on this a bit:
“May I
clarify our next steps and responsibilities?”This simple statement demonstrates that you ‘re not just listening, but actively keeping everyone on the same page— a key leadership skill
in international business .
💬 “Let’s make sure we’re aligned on this.”
“Let’s be on the same page about this.”
Sometimes, even after a long discussion, people leave meetings with slightly different understandings.
This phrase — “Let’s make sure we’re aligned on this” — is perfect for confirming everyone is on the same page.
It’s polite, professional, and shows that you’re a team player who values clarity and collaboration.
👉 Example:
“Let’s make sure we’re aligned on this before we send the proposal.”
It signals that you care about precision and mutual understanding , not just completing tasks.
In global meetings, this is a subtle way to show leadership without dominating the conversation.
💡 Tip: This phrase is even more effective when paired with a summary of key points:
“Let’s make sure we’re aligned on this. So, John will handle the client update, and I’ll prepare the
report.”
This will make your statement not just polite, but actionable .
Speaking up in English meetings doesn’t mean being loud or aggressive.
It’s about clarity, respect, and confidence .
By using the five phrases we covered —
If I may add something here…
I see your point, but…
From my perspective…
May I clarify our next steps?
Let’s make sure we’re aligned on this
—you can contribute meaningfully, politely, and professionally in any business meeting.
Want to take your business English skills to the next level?
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