Read the text about virtual meetings and complete the activities.

If you work from home or are part of an international team where people are based in different places around the globe you probably often take part in online meetings. On the flip side, if you are new to this world, first you will have to get your head around it. But don’t worry! It only takes to learn how to use video conferencing software so hang in there!

Such meetings are becoming more and more popular due to their numerous advantages. For example, you can work in the comfort of your own home or wherever you are so it’s really convenient, flexible and cost-effective. Your physical presence at the office isn’t necessary.

However, there are some drawbacks too. Imagine that you have a home office and your kids are around. They may often distract your train of thought and when you lose your focus it’s difficult to get back on track.

You might also experience technical problems with an internet connection, camera and speakers or have general trouble joining a video conferencing smoothly. For instance, if a connection cuts out during a virtual meeting, you may miss an important part of it. When a person on the other side is freezing, it’s extremely annoying too because the picture becomes completely still. Another problem is a lag – when someone’s mouth is moving but their voice is behind it. Having a conversation with such delays can be a real pain in the neck. Ah, and don’t forget to wear a headset otherwise there might be an echo!

Over to you:

1. Try to work out the meaning of the expressions in bold based using the context around them. If necessary, use a dictionary and other resources. 

2. Highlight vocabulary and expressions which you find useful for virtual meetings.

3. Complete the matching activity below to make sure that you have determined the meaning of the new language correctly.

4. What do you think about leading/participating in online meetings? What are the pros and cons?

5. Speak with your partner/coach about a virtual meeting that you have recently attended using the key expressions and vocabulary from the text. Alternatively, write a short description of such meeting.

Match the phrases to their meanings:

1.  base in
2.  on the flip side
3.  get your head around (something)
4.  hang in there
5.  in the comfort of your own home
6.  train of thought
7.  get back on track
8.  cut out
9.  freeze
10.  pain in the neck

1.  to stop moving
2.  to disconnect
3.  at home
4.  to continue as planned, usually after a distraction
5.  on the other hand
6.  someone or something that is very annoying
7.  to operate or function from a particular place
8.  to understand something that is challenging or confusing
9.  uninterrupted progression of thinking
10.  to be patient; not to give up

Joanna Borzym | July 19, 2020