Following and joining meetings in Spanish

Terms used

• Tú — Tú is the informal way of saying "you", used with most colleagues.
• Usted — Usted is the formal way of saying "you", used with older clients, in conservative sectors or to show respect.
• EOI — The EOI are Spain's official language schools, which offer affordable Spanish courses.
• DELE — The DELE is an official certificate of Spanish level.
• SIELE — The SIELE is an online-tested certificate of Spanish level.

Key rules

• Overlapping talk: Interruptions are usually a sign of engagement, so you are expected to jump in with short comments.
• Asking again: Asking someone to repeat or slow down is normal and won't count against you.
• Confirm in writing: Ask for decisions to be confirmed by email or message afterwards, since they are often settled outside the meeting.
• Formality: Use tú by default and switch to usted with older clients or in conservative sectors.

What to expect

Spanish meetings are lively and less strictly structured than in northern Europe. People talk over each other. This usually shows engagement, not rudeness, so don't take it personally.

Other things you may see:

• Meetings can start a few minutes late and run over. Agendas are used loosely.
• Senior people often lead and decide, though discussion is open.
• Side conversations happen.
• Decisions are often confirmed afterwards, by email or in a personal conversation.
• Newcomers are expected to speak up. Short interventions are fine.

These are tendencies. Sector, company size and international teams all change them.

Tú or usted

In most offices people use tú. In conservative sectors, or with older clients, use usted or titles. If you are unsure, copy what your colleagues do. The formal versions of the phrases below are given where they differ.

Ask for clarification

Don't nod along. Asking is normal. Use one of these:

• "¿Podrías repetir, por favor?"
• "Perdona, no te he entendido."
• "¿Puedes hablar un poco más despacio?"
• "¿Qué quieres decir con...?"
• "¿Cómo se dice...?"

Formally, swap to usted: "¿Podría repetirlo, por favor?"

Step into the conversation

Waiting for a pause may mean you never get one. Jump in with something short:

• "Perdona que te interrumpa..."
• "Una cosa, por favor..."
• "Quería añadir algo."
• "Una pregunta rápida."

Among peers, "Oye, un momento" works. In formal settings, use the usted forms, or a plain "Una pregunta, por favor."

Summarise and confirm

Since decisions can stay vague in the room, close the loop yourself:

• "A ver si lo he entendido bien:..."
• "Entonces, ¿quedamos en que...?"
• "En resumen..." or "Para recapitular..."
• "Lo dejamos así, ¿no?"

Repeating a point back in your own words is the fastest way to catch a misunderstanding.

Before and after the meeting

• Tell colleagues early what your Spanish level is and ask them to speak slowly.
• Read documents in advance, using a translation tool if needed.
• Keep a personal glossary of job terms and prepare short scripts for recurring situations.
• Afterwards, ask for the key points to be confirmed in writing, by email or WhatsApp. This helps most when speed or accents are a problem.
• Ask for a buddy or mentor who can explain what you missed.

Keep improving

A Spanish course helps. Options include official language schools (EOI), Instituto Cervantes, university centres or company-funded classes. You can aim for a DELE or SIELE certificate. Chatting at coffee breaks is good practice too. Expect mistakes. Colleagues generally value the effort.