Chairing meetings

*For questions (without mark), choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D) to complete each sentence. For questions A−E, complete the sentences by changing the word in capitals to a suitable form to fill the gap.* Example: We need to encourage collaboration rather than cut-throat *competition* . COMPETE

?

I was impressed by the efforts they made to make sure the whole programme ran ___. A smoothly B softly C evenly D flatly

A

I would offer to help you, but I'm afraid I'm rather ___ up at the moment. A tied B strapped C fixed D chained

A

If we finish all these reports, we might be able to ___ off early. A knock B tap C hit D rap

A

Please make sure everyone in the meeting has a fair ___. A say B word C tell D speak

A

He left the ___ race of business and industry to do voluntary work in Africa. A horse B rat C dog D mouse

B

In a ___ , this has to be the worst case of false accounting I've ever seen. A eggshell B nutshell C seashell D bombshell

B

In the end, the success of the business all ___ down to supply and demand. A reduces B boils C cooks D evaporates

B

___ to our conversation yesterday, I am forwarding the information you require. A Regarding B Further C Reference D Added

B

Clear graphs and visuals on the slides will help you get your point ___. A through B away C across D around

C

I'll just summarise our current position, so that everyone has a clear ___ of the situation. A oversight B insight C overview D preview

C

I'm afraid you can't ___ in and interrupt the meeting now. A cadge B trudge C barge D dodge

C

Please could we keep to the issue in hand and not ___ off the point? A stroll B turn C wander D hike

C

We always aim to follow best practice and do things by the ___. A paper B letter C book D series

C

You don't really need to understand all the ___ of the various investment portfolios. A ups and downs B tos and fros C ins and outs D offs and ons

C

Can we just modify the old company brochure or do we have to start again from ___? A scrape B grate C graze D scratch

D

This latest proposal will create more ___ tape, which will harm the growth of small businesses. A blue B black C white D red

D

*B* As chief executive, you have to be _______ for all your decisions. ACCOUNT

accountable

*D* How exactly the redundancy programme should work is a _______ issue. CONTEND

contentious

*C* Stephen is a very dedicated member of staff and his contribution to the project was absolutely _______. VALUE

invaluable

*E* The chair needs to control the meeting and make sure that no one dominates the _______. PROCEED

proceedings

*A* Thank you for coming and for all your ideas. I think this has been a highly _______ meeting. PRODUCE

productive