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Japanese for Business Success: Communicate with Confidence in Meetings and Presentations visualisation

Japanese for Business Success: Communicate with Confidence in Meetings and Presentations

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Here are some essential Japanese phrases and cultural tips for meetings and presentations:

Useful Japanese Phrases for Meetings

  • 会議を始めましょうか。(Kaigi o hajimemashō ka.) — “Shall we start the meeting?”
  • 今日の議題は___です。(Kyō no gidai wa ___ desu.) — “Today’s agenda is ___ .”
  • さん、プレゼンをお願いします。(*-san, purezen o onegai shimasu.*) — “Mr./Ms. ___, please start the presentation.”
  • この事案について、何か意見はありますか。(Kono jian ni tsuite, nani ka iken wa arimasu ka.) — “Do you have any opinions/questions on this matter?”
    More politely: 何かご質問/ご意見はございますか。(Nani ka go-iken / go-shitsumon wa gozaimasu ka.)

Presentation Phrases

  • こんにちは、皆さん (Kon’nichiwa, minasan) — “Hello, everyone.”
  • 私は[Your Name]と申します (Watashi wa [Your Name] tomōshimasu) — “I am [Your Name].”
  • このプレゼンテーションでは… (Kono purezenteeshon de wa…) — “In this presentation…”
  • 最初に (Saisho ni) — “First of all.”
  • まず、[Topic]について話しします (Mazu, [Topic] ni tsuite hanashishimasu) — “First, I will talk about [Topic].”
  • 次にご説明するのは… (Tsugi ni go setsumei suru no wa…) — “Next, I will explain…”
  • 以上が本日のポイントになります。(Ijō ga honjitsu no pointo ni narimasu.) — “That concludes today’s main points.”

Cultural Tips for Meetings and Presentations

  • Use respectful honorific language (keigo), adjusting formality based on the audience.
  • Meetings in Japan tend to be more about consensus-building than decision-making.
  • The presentation style is often inductive, with the most important points coming at the end.
  • It’s important to allow time for internal coordination (nemawashi) before meetings.
  • When speaking Japanese during meetings that include non-Japanese participants, ask permission and keep it brief.
  • Polite nodding in Japanese meetings signals listening, not always agreement.
  • Consider preparing handouts in both English and Japanese.
  • Avoid interrupting speakers even if the presentation feels slow or indirect.
  • Respect hierarchical seating and introductions.

These phrases and tips will help communicate effectively and respectfully in Japanese business meetings and presentations.

References

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