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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Summarize meeting discussions clearly and share key points with your colleagues.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
After the project update, Alex notices some team members missed key points. He creates a short summary with decisions, next steps, and responsibilities, using phrases like “Here’s a quick summary” and “The key takeaway is….” This keeps the team aligned without repeating the full meeting.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Recap
noun
/ˈriːkæp/
Meaning:
A brief summary of events or information.
- Alex sent a recap email after the meeting for everyone to review.
Bottom line
idiom
/ˈbɑːtəm laɪn/
Meaning:
The most important point or final outcome.
- The bottom line is that the project deadline remains the same.
Wrap up
phrasal verb
/ræp ʌp/
Meaning:
To finish a meeting or discussion.
- Let’s wrap up with the main action items.
Key takeaway
phrase
/kiː ˈteɪkəˌweɪ/
Meaning:
The most important point to remember.
- The key takeaway from the meeting is to focus on client feedback first.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.
That was a lot to cover!
Sarah
Here’s a quick recap for anyone who missed parts.
Alex
Thanks, Alex! That will help me catch up.
Omar
The key takeaway is we need to finalize the report by Friday.
Alex
Can you keep it brief?
Mr. Miller
Sure, the bottom line is: finalize report, review feedback, and submit.
Alex
Great, that’s clear.
Sarah
I’ll wrap up the summary email and share it with everyone.
Alex
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. What phrase does Alex use to start his summary?
2. Who benefits from the recap the most?
3. What does 'key takeaway' refer to in this context?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
Summarizing meetings is essential for keeping teams aligned and ensuring everyone understands what was discussed. Start by listening actively and noting key points, decisions, and assigned tasks. Use clear and simple language in your summary. Begin with phrases like “Here’s a quick recap” or “The key takeaway is…” to highlight important points.
Focus on outcomes, responsibilities, and deadlines rather than every detail. For busy managers, include the bottom line first, then supporting details. Use action verbs to clarify next steps, such as “submit,” “review,” or “follow up.” Share your summary promptly, either in an email or a shared document, so team members who missed the meeting can catch up quickly.
Wrapping up discussions this way helps prevent misunderstandings, increases productivity, and demonstrates professionalism. Keeping summaries concise, structured, and actionable ensures effective team communication.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
1. Alex sent a summary ___ the team after the meeting.
A. to
B. on
C. in
2. Use ___ when introducing something specific in your recap.
A. a
B. the
C. an
3. The key takeaway ___ the main task to finish.
A. is
B. are
C. am
4. Yesterday, Alex ___ the meeting recap before lunch.
A. sent
B. sends
C. sending
5. Sarah thanked Alex for helping ___ catch up.
A. her
B. she
C. him
6. Alex shared the summary ___ quickly.
A. clearly
B. clear
C. clearing
7. He highlighted ___ main points in the email.
A. the
B. a
C. an
8. A bottom line refers to ___ point in a discussion.
A. the most important
B. the least important
C. an optional
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you usually share meeting highlights with your team?
2. When is it useful to write a meeting recap?
3. What should be included in a good meeting summary?
4. How do you decide what is the bottom line?
5. Where do you share your summaries at work?
6. How do you make your recap easy to read?
7. What phrases help introduce key points in summaries?
8. How does summarizing meetings improve teamwork?
