WorkAdvanced
A business dinner in English (advanced)
Advanced English for a business dinner. Key line: “Mind if we start with the big picture and save the details for later?”
Full script
Lin
Mind if we start with the big picture and save the details for later?
Them
Works for me—I left my spreadsheet brain at the hotel anyway.
Lin
Perfect. I mostly want to hear how your team sees the timeline.
Them
Honestly, we're flexible, as long as nobody says 'quick win' before appetizers.
Lin
Deal. Then I'll avoid buzzwords if you don't make me pitch between bites.
Them
Fair enough. So, what would make this partnership feel like a real fit?
Lin
A clear owner on each side, and fewer surprises than the dessert tray.
Them
Then we're aligned—though if the dessert tray's dramatic, I may still need that spreadsheet.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Overview
✓ the big pictureThe overall situation
Start broad, then details
Sounds good
✓ Works for me.You're fine with that
More natural than OK
Jargon
✓ buzzwordsTrendy or empty terms
Often mildly negative
A good match
✓ feel like a real fitFeels like a very good match
Common in partnership talks
Quick answers
Overview: what to say in English
Say “the big picture” — the overall situation. Start broad, then details.
Sounds good: what to say in English
Say “Works for me.” — you're fine with that. More natural than OK.
Jargon: what to say in English
Say “buzzwords” — trendy or empty terms. Often mildly negative.
A good match: what to say in English
Say “feel like a real fit” — feels like a very good match. Common in partnership talks.