Table the Conversation: Navigating Office Jargon

Entering the job market can feel daunting and arcane, but understanding the language of the office doesn’t have to be difficult. One of the most common phrases used in a corporate setting is “table the conversation,” and this requires a bit of unpacking to help new employees and job seekers understand the underlying meaning.

Ultimately, “table the conversation” means to take a discussion or a decision off the table for the time being. This does not mean the topic is not important, but rather that further output needs to be explored, additional opinions weighed, or further research conducted before continuing the dialogue. It can also indicate that more time is needed for people to absorb the material before decisions are made. In any case, this phrase is a polite and professional way of putting things on pause without completely shutting down the conversation.

An example would be if a team is discussing a particular marketing campaign and the manager notices that team members have not had enough time to consider all the information presented. The manager can then “table the conversation,” setting a deadline in the future by which team members must come to an agreement on the campaign’s structure. This then gives time for everyone to read up on the relevant material and come back with additional opinions.

In summary, “table the conversation” is an important phrase to understand when entering the job market, as it is a polite and professional way of asking for more time to discuss a particular issue while still demonstrating respect for the conversation. Being able to correctly interpret and comprehend the nuances of office jargon can set you on a sure footing to making the most of your various job opportunities.