Weekly Project Progress Meeting
Key stakeholders, including project managers, engineers, and contractors, meet to review current project status, upcoming milestones, budget tracking, resource allocation, and address any potential delays or challenges.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
kick off
To start something, like a meeting or event. It's a common phrasal verb used in business to begin discussions informally.
foundation
The base or bottom part of a building that supports the structure. In construction, it refers to the groundwork before building walls.
ahead of schedule
Finishing a task earlier than planned. This phrase is useful in project management to show positive progress.
delay
A situation where something takes longer than expected. In engineering, it's often used for late deliveries or work slowdowns.
prioritize
To decide which tasks are most important and do them first. Helpful in meetings to manage time and resources effectively.
critical path
The sequence of tasks that determines the project's total duration. In project management, it's key to avoiding overall delays.
budget
The total amount of money planned for a project. Tracking it ensures spending stays within limits.
on target
Meeting the expected goals or plans exactly. Used in updates to confirm everything is going as planned.
proactive
Taking action in advance to prevent problems. In meetings, it praises someone for good planning and initiative.
safety audit
An official check to ensure work sites meet safety rules. Common in construction to prevent accidents.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Alright everyone, let's kick off this week's progress meeting.
This is a casual way to start a meeting. 'Kick off' means to begin, and 'alright everyone' gets attention. Use it to open group discussions professionally yet informally.
The foundation pouring is 90% complete, a day ahead of schedule.
Reports progress with percentages and comparisons to plans. 'Ahead of schedule' shows it's early. Useful for giving status updates in project meetings; note the simple present tense for facts.
We anticipate full completion by end of day tomorrow, weather permitting.
Predicts future completion with a condition. 'Anticipate' means expect, and 'weather permitting' adds 'if weather allows.' Great for tentative plans; uses future tense with clauses.
There's a 2-day delay on a specific batch of beams.
Describes a problem briefly. 'There's a delay' is a common structure for issues. Use in reports to inform without alarming; simple present for current situations.
I've already adjusted the site schedule to prioritize other components for installation.
Explains actions taken to fix issues. Present perfect 'I've adjusted' shows recent change, and infinitive 'to prioritize' gives purpose. Practical for showing problem-solving in meetings.
It shouldn't impact our overall critical path.
Reassures no major effect. 'Shouldn't' expresses low probability of negative outcome. Useful in updates to calm concerns; modal verb for predictions.
We're currently at 45% of the overall budget, which is right on target for this stage.
Gives financial update with relative clause 'which is...' for explanation. 'On target' means meeting goals. Ideal for budget reviews; uses present continuous for current status.
It sounds like we're in good shape across the board.
Summarizes positive overall status. 'In good shape' means doing well, and 'across the board' means in all areas. Use to end meetings positively; informal idiom for general approval.