Mute Yourself, Not Your Manners: 5 Smart Phrases for Virtual Meetings

Whether you’re Zooming, Teaming, or Skyping — these 5 professional phrases help you sound clear, polite, and fluent in any virtual meeting.

Speak Fluent Zoom! | flolinga

🌐 Speak Fluent Zoom!

Virtual meetings require a slightly different communication style. You can't rely on body language or side chats, so clear and polite English becomes even more important. Here are 5 phrases that help you manage your message and show professionalism — even with a patchy Wi-Fi signal.

🗣️ 5 Useful Virtual Meeting Phrases

1. "Can everyone hear me okay?"
Use at the beginning to check audio connection.
✅ Why it matters: A polite and professional way to check sound without sounding insecure or awkward.
2. "You're on mute." / "I think you're muted."
Use to help a colleague who's talking but can't be heard.
✅ Why it matters: This is a lifesaver in online meetings and helps the group move forward quickly.
3. "Let's circle back to that later."
Use to politely postpone a topic and stay on schedule.
✅ Why it matters: It's respectful, time-aware, and keeps the meeting on track.
4. "Just to clarify…"
Use before repeating or rephrasing something for clarity.
✅ Why it matters: This phrase shows active listening and avoids misunderstandings.
5. "Could you repeat that? I think your connection cut out."
Use when audio issues happen and you miss something important.
✅ Why it matters: It's polite, clear, and shows you're engaged despite tech problems.

🧪 Mini Quiz: Can You Zoom Like a Pro?

1. What's a polite way to ask someone to repeat something?

Say it again!

Could you repeat that?

Huh?

2. Which phrase helps keep the meeting focused?

3. Fill in the blank: "You're on ______."

4. What's one phrase you could use if your connection cuts out?

5. What should you ask at the beginning of a meeting to check your audio?

6. Which phrase would you use to make sure you understand correctly?

Just to clarify...

I know everything already.

Let's move on quickly.

💬 Class Discussion Questions

Have you ever had an awkward moment in a virtual meeting? What happened?
Which of these phrases would you find most useful in your job or studies?
In your language, do people speak more directly or more politely in online meetings?
Practice role play: One student has audio issues, the other responds using 2 of the phrases above.