Follow-up Meeting - Direct Apology
You are about to have a more substantial follow-up meeting with someone you've only met once before. You realize you still can't recall their name, and you need to apologize directly and get their name right before the main discussion begins.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
slipped my mind
This idiom means you completely forgot something, often used when apologizing for forgetting a name or detail in a polite way.
remind
To remind someone means to help them remember something they forgot, like asking 'Could you remind me of your name?' in a meeting.
apologies
A formal way to say 'I'm sorry,' often used in professional situations like 'My apologies again' to show respect after forgetting something.
delve into
This phrase means to go deeply into a topic or discussion, useful in business meetings like 'before we delve into today's discussion' to transition politely.
not to worry
A reassuring phrase meaning 'don't worry about it,' commonly used to accept an apology lightly and make the other person feel better.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm really sorry, it's completely slipped my mind, could you please remind me of your name once more?
This sentence is a polite direct apology for forgetting a name. It uses 'slipped my mind' idiom for natural forgetfulness and a polite request with 'could you please' to ask for a reminder. Use it in professional settings before starting a discussion to show respect.
No problem at all, John! It happens to the best of us.
This is a friendly response to an apology, meaning it's okay and common. 'It happens to the best of us' is an idiom showing everyone forgets sometimes. Use it to reassure someone and keep the conversation positive.
My apologies again. It was a brief first meeting, and I wanted to make sure I got it right before we delve into today's discussion.
This sentence repeats the apology and explains the reason politely. 'Make sure I got it right' uses simple past tense for intention, and 'delve into' transitions to the main topic. Useful for follow-up meetings to clarify before proceeding.
Not to worry. It's good to put a name to the face, or rather, re-put a name to the face for you!
This humorous response accepts the apology and plays on the idiom 'put a name to a face' (remembering who someone is). 'Or rather' corrects or adds humor lightly. Use it in casual professional talks to ease tension after forgetting a name.