How to introduce agenda and topics in Chinese meetings
Chinese for Business: Essential Language Skills for Meetings and Presentations: How to introduce agenda and topics in Chinese meetings
In Chinese meetings, introducing the agenda and topics involves a balance of politeness, clarity, and respect for cultural nuances. Typically, meetings begin with small talk to create a comfortable atmosphere, followed by a respectful introduction of the meeting’s purpose. The agenda is usually shared in advance to allow participants to prepare, and topics may not be addressed in strict sequence, with flexibility to move back and forth while maintaining harmony.
How to Introduce the Agenda
- It’s common to say something like:
“今天会议的议程包括…” (Jīntiān huìyì de yìchéng bāokuò…) meaning “Today’s meeting agenda includes…” - Another polite way to introduce is:
“为了更好地讨论，我们计划今天会议的几个议题…” (Wèile gèng hǎo de tǎolùn, wǒmen jìhuà jīntiān huìyì de jǐ gè yìtí…) meaning “To discuss better, we plan to cover several topics in today’s meeting…” - Typically, the agenda is sent before the meeting:
“我已将会议议程发送给大家，请提前查收。” (Wǒ yǐ jiāng huìyì yìchéng fāsòng gěi dàjiā, qǐng tíqián cháshōu.) — “I have sent the agenda to everyone, please check it in advance.”
Common Phrases for Meeting Topics
- “我们将讨论以下几个议题：” (Wǒmen jiāng tǎolùn yǐxià jǐ gè yìtí:) — “We will discuss the following topics:”
- “第一个议题是…” (Dì yī gè yìtí shì…) — “The first topic is…”
- “接下来我们讨论…” (Jiē xiàlái wǒmen tǎolùn…) — “Next, we will discuss…”
Cultural Notes
- Chinese meetings often do not follow a strict agenda order; topics may be addressed in a flexible sequence to maintain harmony and avoid confrontation.
- It is polite to use formal address such as 您 (nín) for “you” to show respect, especially with senior colleagues.
- Avoid introducing completely new topics spontaneously in the meeting; the agenda is ideally confirmed beforehand.
- Small talk and a welcoming speech typically precede the agenda introduction to build rapport.
These practices help structure and introduce meeting agendas clearly while respecting Chinese cultural communication styles, which emphasize harmony, indirectness, and preparation.