Lesson 1: The Confident Professional Series
Designed for Kuba - Financial Controller
You've just been promoted and are now working with international teams. This lesson gives you the confidence tools you need immediately—expressions that work in any professional meeting when you want to contribute clearly and confidently.
These aren't "beginner" phrases. These are the discourse markers that senior professionals use to manage conversations, add value, and demonstrate expertise.
Today's Mission: By the end of this lesson, you'll use at least 4 of these 6 expressions naturally in discussion.
Learn 6 expressions that give you structure when contributing to meetings
Build on others' ideas, provide perspective, and guide discussions
Understand how these expressions work across different business cultures
Apply these same principles to follow-up emails
You mentioned you're interested in behavioral economics, geopolitics, and finance psychology. Perfect! We'll discuss:
Remember: This is 70% YOU talking, 30% me facilitating. You're not here to be taught—you're here to practice and build confidence.
Click each card to flip and see practice prompts. These are the first three expressions for building on others' ideas and adding your perspective.
Use when: You want to add to someone's point (not disagree)
"Just to build on what Maria said, I think we should also ."
Your colleague just suggested cutting costs in marketing. You agree, but want to add that R&D costs should also be reviewed. How do you contribute?
Now you try: Think of a recent meeting. How could you have used this expression to add value?
Use when: Offering your expert perspective | Variants: "From a cost perspective..." "Financially speaking..."
"From a financial perspective, this proposal looks ."
Marketing wants to launch an expensive campaign. You need to bring financial reality to the discussion. What do you say?
Now you try: In your role as Financial Controller, when do you most need to use this phrase? Give a real example.
Use when: Politely interrupting or jumping into conversation | Variants: "Can I just add..." "May I interject..."
"Could I add something here? I think ."
Two colleagues are debating a strategy, but they're missing a crucial financial consideration you've identified. How do you enter the conversation?
Discussion: How direct can you be when interrupting in different cultures? (German vs. British vs. Polish business culture)
These three expressions help you provide context, check understanding, and acknowledge others while maintaining your position.
Use when: Providing background or framing information before your point
"Let me put this in context: Last quarter, we , which means ."
Someone is suggesting an investment, but they don't know about the company's current debt situation. You need to provide that context. What do you say?
Now you try: Think about your work with international teams. When do you need to provide context that others might not have? Practice explaining something from your role.
Use when: Checking your understanding | Shows you're listening actively | Variants: "So what you're saying is..." "Let me make sure I've got this..."
"If I'm understanding correctly, you're suggesting that . Is that right?"
A colleague with a strong accent has just explained a complex proposal. You want to make sure you understood before responding. What do you say?
Discuss: Why is checking understanding crucial in international teams? When have you misunderstood something and wished you'd clarified?
Use when: Agreeing while adding your perspective | Diplomatic way to introduce a different angle | Variants: "I take your point, and..." "Valid concern, and we should also..."
"That's a fair point, and I'd also consider ."
Someone suggests focusing all resources on one market. You see their logic, but you also think diversification is important. How do you respond diplomatically?
Discuss: Why is it psychologically important to acknowledge someone's point before adding your own? (Think behavioral economics: reciprocity, ego preservation)
Remember: You don't need to use all 6 in one conversation. Choose 2-3 that feel natural for each situation.
Select 2-3 topics that interest you. We'll discuss these using the expressions you've just learned. These topics connect to your interests: behavioral economics, finance, geopolitics, and professional development.
Why do smart people make irrational financial decisions? Behavioral economics in corporate strategy. (Perfect for using "From a financial perspective...")
Your ExpertiseHow do international events affect corporate finance? Ukraine, China, Middle East—what should CFOs be considering? (Great for "Let me put this in context...")
Current EventsYou're highly competent, but confidence in English is different. Why? What's the psychology behind this? How do we bridge that gap?
Personal RelevancePolish vs. German vs. British vs. American business culture. How direct is too direct? When is silence golden? What are the unwritten rules?
Cross-CulturalWill AI replace financial analysts? What tasks will survive automation? How should financial professionals prepare? (Use "That's a fair point, and I'd also consider...")
Future of WorkEveryone wants to spend money; finance has to say no. How do you deliver unwelcome analysis without being seen as obstructionist? The psychology of being the voice of reason.
Your RoleFor each topic you selected, we'll explore:
Your goal: Use at least 4 of the 6 expressions naturally during our discussion. Don't force them—let them emerge when they fit.
Choose one scenario below and speak for 3-5 minutes using as many of today's expressions as naturally fit. This simulates a real meeting contribution where you need to speak with clarity and confidence.
Why timed? In real meetings, you often need to make your point efficiently. This builds that skill.
Context: You're in a meeting with department heads. Marketing wants 30% more budget. Sales wants to hire 5 new people. R&D needs new equipment. You have to present the financial reality and guide the discussion.
Your task: Present your perspective, respond to pushback, and guide toward a solution.
Context: Your company is considering expanding into Eastern Europe. The CEO is optimistic. You need to present the financial risks related to current geopolitical tensions.
Your task: Provide context, acknowledge their enthusiasm, but present your analysis of the risks.
Context: Someone proposes investing heavily in AI tools for the finance department. It's expensive. You see both opportunities and concerns.
Your task: Present a balanced view, build on others' points, and guide toward a decision framework.
If you need help during the challenge:
Remember: This is practice, not performance. The goal is to build confidence, not perfection.
You mentioned wanting to improve your writing, especially emails. Good news: The same principles from speaking apply to writing. These expressions translate directly to professional emails.
Today's focus: Writing clear, confident follow-up emails after meetings.
Subject: Meeting
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the meeting today. I think we discussed some good things. We should probably look at the budget again. Maybe we can talk more next week.
Best,
Kuba
Problems: Vague, no action items, no structure, doesn't capture your expertise
Subject: Action Items: Q4 Budget Planning Meeting - [Date]
Hi team,
Just to build on what we discussed this morning, I wanted to summarize the key decisions and next steps regarding Q4 budget allocation.
From a financial perspective, we need to prioritize the following:
Let me put this in context: These decisions align with our cash flow projections and maintain our 15% operating margin target.
Action Items:
If I'm understanding correctly, we'll reconvene on November 30th to finalize Q1 planning. Please confirm if this timeline works for everyone.
Best regards,
Kuba
Why this works: Clear structure, uses the expressions naturally, specific action items, demonstrates expertise
Scenario: You just had a meeting about potential investment in AI automation tools for the finance department. The discussion was positive but unfocused. Write a follow-up email that:
Take 10 minutes to draft this email. We'll review it together.
Subject: [Clear, specific subject line]
Opening: Reference the meeting/discussion
"Just to build on what we discussed..." / "Following our meeting today..."
Context: Provide your perspective
"From a financial perspective..." / "Let me put this in context..."
Details: Bullet points or numbered list
(Keep it scannable—people skim emails)
Action Items: Who does what by when
(Specific, assignable, time-bound)
Closing: Confirm understanding or next steps
"If I'm understanding correctly..." / "Please confirm if..."
Pro tip: This structure works for 90% of professional emails.
You've just completed your first lesson in The Confident Professional series. You now have 6 powerful expressions you can use immediately in your international meetings.
"Just to build on what [name] said..."
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"From a financial perspective..."
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"Could I add something here?"
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"Let me put this in context..."
1 ☐ - 2 ☐ - 3 ☐ - 4 ☐ - 5 ☐
"If I'm understanding correctly..."
1 ☐ - 2 ☐ - 3 ☐ - 4 ☐ - 5 ☐
"That's a fair point, and I'd also consider..."
1 ☐ - 2 ☐ - 3 ☐ - 4 ☐ - 5 ☐
Date:
Expressions Used Naturally:
Areas of Strength:
Areas for Practice:
Engagement & Discussion Quality:
☐ Reluctant to speak | ☐ Participates when prompted | ☐ Actively participates | ☐ Enthusiastically leads
Fluency During Timed Activity:
☐ Struggled | ☐ Good with pauses | ☐ Spoke continuously | ☐ Very fluent
Overall Assessment:
This Week's Challenges:
Remember: The goal isn't perfection—it's progress. Each time you use these expressions, you're building confidence.
Speaking About Numbers & Financial Trends
Next lesson, we'll focus on the specific language of presenting financial data, trends, and analysis with precision. You'll learn how to:
Discussion topics will include: Behavioral finance, economic indicators that matter, and presenting risk in uncertain times.
Remember: You'll see these expressions again in Lesson 2 (spaced repetition), so don't worry if some don't feel automatic yet.