I had an idea. Then the meeting started.

Open any phrase in “Language to borrow” to see its Portuguese meaning and when to use it.

I had the idea on the bus. It was a short video series: bright colours, quick questions, real people explaining the English phrases they actually use at work. I wrote the idea in my phone, added three music options, and arrived at the office feeling ready.

Then the meeting started. Erika was talking about the campaign schedule. Pablo wanted to know how we would measure whether it worked. Dylan asked what we wanted people to do after watching.

I had an answer. I also had the familiar feeling that everyone else had already found their place in the conversation.

“You had something to say,” Erika said. “I did. I just couldn’t find a way in without interrupting.” “Then let’s practise finding the way in.”

Find a polite opening

You don’t have to wait for a perfect silence. A short phrase can show that you want to contribute while respecting the person who is speaking.

Connect your idea to theirs

An idea often lands better when you show how it relates to what someone has already said. Building on Pablo’s point about measuring the campaign, I suggested asking viewers to try a phrase and tell us where they used it.

Agree—and add something useful

Agreement doesn’t have to end the conversation. You can recognise someone’s point and then move it forward. “I agree that we need a clear result. We could also make the videos easy to share.” Erika nodded. “Exactly. You’ve agreed and added something.”

Disagree without making it personal

Polite disagreement focuses on the idea, the evidence or the next step—not on whether someone is right or wrong. When I worried our schedule was too ambitious, Erika told me to explain the concern and offer a way forward.

“I see the value in posting every day. I’m not sure we can keep that quality up, though. Could we start with two strong videos a week and review the results?”

The next meeting

At our next marketing meeting, I opened my notes before we began. I still felt nervous when the conversation moved quickly, but I had a few ways to join it.

“Could I come in on that point?” I said. “Building on what Erika said, we could test the video idea with two posts first.”

Pablo asked how we would measure it. I explained the plan. Dylan asked what we wanted viewers to do next. I suggested a simple prompt.

The idea wasn’t perfect. It didn’t need to be. It was in the room now—and the team could make it better together.

One small challenge: In your next meeting, choose one phrase and use it once. You don’t need to say it perfectly. You just need to join in.