French phrase
Avant de commencer, ~.
Meaning
Before we begin, ___.
When to use it
A polite preface before moving to the main topic. Often used in meetings to introduce the agenda.
Example dialogue
Avant de commencer, je voudrais présenter l'ordre du jour.
Before we begin, I'd like to present the agenda.
D'accord, allez-y.
All right, go ahead.