Starting a Meeting in Spanish: Phrases to Set the Tone

When starting a meeting in Spanish it is essential to set the right tone and create a positive and productive environment. One way to achieve this is by using appropriate phrases to welcome participants and initiate the meeting smoothly.

In this blog post, we will explore six phrases in Spanish that you can use to kick-start a meeting confidently and professionally.

1. Buenos días / Buenas tardes a todos.
   Translation: Good morning / Good afternoon, everyone.

This is a classic and universally used phrase to greet participants and set a friendly atmosphere at the beginning of a meeting. It signals that you acknowledge everyone’s presence and are ready to commence the discussion.

2. Primero de todo, me gustaría daros la bienvenida.
   Translation: Firstly, I’d like to welcome you all.

Expressing your warm welcome at the beginning of a meeting creates a positive tone and makes attendees feel valued. It shows that you appreciate their presence and sets a friendly and inclusive environment.

3. Si ya estamos todos, vamos a empezar.
   Translation: If we are all here, let’s get started.

This phrase is handy when you want to check if all the expected participants are present before starting the meeting. It is an efficient way to ensure that everyone is ready and to proceed with the agenda promptly.

4. Antes de empezar, me gustaría hacer una breve introducción del tema.
   Translation: Before we begin, I’d like to provide a brief introduction to the topic.

If the meeting involves discussing a specific subject or initiative, providing a brief overview can help set the context and ensure everyone is on the same page. This ensures better comprehension and engagement from the participants right from the start.

5. Para comenzar, repasemos los puntos principales de la agenda.
   Translation: To start, let’s review the key points on the agenda.

Reviewing the agenda is essential at the beginning of a meeting to remind participants of the topics to be discussed and the objectives to be achieved. It brings focus and allows attendees to mentally prepare for the agenda items.

6. A continuación, podemos dar la palabra a cada uno de los participantes.
   Translation: Next, we can give the floor to each participant.

If the meeting involves multiple participants contributing to the discussion, this phrase indicates that everyone will have the opportunity to express their thoughts. It encourages active participation and ensures that each attendee feels their input is valued.

Starting a meeting on the right note is crucial for creating a productive and engaging environment. By using phrases like greeting everyone, welcoming participants, checking attendance, providing introductions, reviewing the agenda, and encouraging participation, you can effectively kick-start a meeting and set the tone for a successful discussion. Remember, these phrases should be adapted to suit the specific needs and culture of your organization or team.