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On this page you will find some language for presentations, also known as 'signpost' phrases. Many of these are similar to (or the same as) the lecture cues a lecturer uses. They are another example of the formulaic language used in academic contexts. You do not need to learn all of these phrases. Your basic aim is to be able to use at least one phrase for each function (e.g. expressing purpose and showing the structure in the introduction , using transitions between sections, referring to visual aids , concluding ).
How many more you learn after this is up to you. Presentations usually have many visual aids and transitions, so it would be useful to learn two or three different phrases for these functions. On the other hand, you will only state the purpose once in a presentation, so one phrase is enough for life!
The introduction is a crucial part of any presentation. There are many functions which you need to achieve:
Phrases for all of these are given in the box to the right.
Greeting the audience
Expressing the purpose
Giving the structure
Giving the timing
Handling questions
It is important to be able to refer to your visual aids appropriately. Some useful phrases for visuals are shown to the right.
Visual aids
A vital part of any presentation is 'transitioning' (moving on) to a new section. Why is this so crucial? Mainly because of the difference between listening and reading. When you are reading, you can easily see where one section (or paragraph) ends, and another begins. This is not true when you are listening. To help with this, good academic speakers, whether in presentations or lectures , give cues to signal the end of a section. This helps the listener understand the structure and follow the main points.
Some useful transition phrases are shown to the right.
Transitions
There are some other phrases which are useful in a presentation. These include giving examples, summarising a point or section, and making a digression.
Giving examples
Summarising
Digressing
The conclusion, like the introduction, has several functions which you need to achieve:
Summing up
Concluding
Like the website? Try the book. Enter your email to receive a free sample from EAP Foundation: Academic Presentations .
Below is a checklist for presentation language. Use it to help you prepare. You can download a copy of the checklist from the speaking resources page .
(I can/the speaker does) | ||
of the presentation | ||
inform the audience about and | ||
using appropriate language | ||
give between sections | ||
and | ||
and |
Read more about body language in the next section.
Read the previous article about presentation structure .
Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 10 January 2022.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
The language for presentations involves common 'signpost phrases' which help understand the structure.
The structure of a presentation is straightforward, with introduction, main body, conclusion, and Q&A.
Taking part in academic discussions increases your understanding and challenges your ideas, and may form part of your assessment.
Agreeing and disagreeing in academic discussions is always done politely, often using certain common phrases.
Asking for and giving opinions is important if you want to express your ideas and have a voice in discussions.
Visual aids such as PowerPoint and handouts, help your audience to follow your spoken presentation.
You might have a great idea or exciting results to share, but if you don’t deliver your message with confidence, it will fall flat. To look confident when you’re speaking to an audience, pace your talking speed. Speak a little slower than you think you need to. Pay particular attention to speed if your presentation […]
You might have a great idea or exciting results to share, but if you don’t deliver your message with confidence, it will fall flat. To look confident when you’re speaking to an audience, pace your talking speed. Speak a little slower than you think you need to. Pay particular attention to speed if your presentation isn’t live (maybe you’re talking on the phone or in a webinar), since the audience can’t watch your mouth and facial expressions. And no matter the format, use simple words. Long, convoluted sentences and jargon don’t make you sound smart. You gain credibility and respect by articulating complex ideas in simple language. To remember to go slow and speak plainly, make yourself rehearse under stress. Practicing the presentation in front of people, even if it’s in your office or your living room, will keep you from cracking under pressure when delivering the real deal.
Source: Adapted from “5 Ways to Project Confidence in Front of an Audience,” by Carmine Gallo
by Olivia Mitchell | 16 comments
Making a presentation simple requires hard thinking . You might be concerned that in your quest to make your presentation simple, you’ll dumb it down. In this post I want to show you the difference between dumbing down and true simplicity – and how you can achieve true simplicity in your presentation.
Here’s my favorite quote on simplicity:
“I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity , but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity .” Oliver Wendell Holmes
“Simplicity does not precede complexity, but follows it.”
To differentiate between the two types of simplicity, I’ll call the “easy” simplicity – dumbing it down.
Here’s an example of the difference between the two from my passion: horse-riding. As a child I had riding lessons. One of the hallmarks of a good rider is that their heels are down. So my teacher would shout at me “heels down, heels down!” I would do my best to jam my heels down and end up with a stiff, tense body that did nothing for my horse-riding.
But the low heels of the good rider are a product of the way they sit on the horse, not a product of jamming their heels down. My teacher was dumbing it down so much, she lost the essence.
Imagine if she had used a metaphor to help me grasp how I should ride:
Imagine you’re like a tree with your roots sinking down into the ground and your branches reaching up into the sky.
That would be simplicity on the other side of complexity. That simplicity is elegant.
Simplicity is a complex undertaking. You cannot reach simplicity without understanding the complexity and subtleties of your topic. Your job is to make the complex easily graspable to your audience by arriving at that simplicity.
Here are three tips to help you arrive at simplicity:
The Heath brothers in their seminal book “Made to Stick” defined simple in this way:
“What we mean by ‘simple’ is finding the core of the idea. ‘Finding the core’ means stripping an idea down to its most critical essence.”
The core of your idea is the core of your presentation. Express that core in one simple and specific sentence – I call this the key message of your presentation. To find out how to develop and craft this sentence, head on over to this post How to craft a memorable Key Message in 10 minutes .
Now let’s look at dumbed down, complex and simple expressions of an idea:
Dumbed down: “People are our greatest asset.”
Complex: “Human resource assets are being deployed in the operational environments under maximum pressure in order to impact our customer service benchmarks.”
Simple: “We’re moving staff to the busiest call centres to make ordering easier for our customers.”
Notice that the last example is both simple and specific .
However, don’t get hung up on ensuring that every nuance and subtlety are expressed in the key message (lawyers and scientists – I’m talking to you ). You cannot include every legal caveat or scientific qualification in your key message – or even in your spoken presentation. Put these into a handout. In some topic areas, there’s a choice between being 100.00% accurate or being understood.
BTW, if you think that talking in complex language makes you look clever – check out this post 8 Studies demonstrating the Power of Simplicity .
One way to make sense of complexity is to find the patterns and make a model. Models are incredibly sticky – because they help people understand the world. For example – there are many models relating to human personality styles. These models help us make sense of the huge variation in personalities and help us get along with people who are different from us.
Can you create a model to help make sense of your material? Here are some possibilities:
Check out this demonstration of making the complex simple De-cluttering spaghetti charts from Jan Schultink’s blog.
“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Hans Hofmann
What tips do you have for arriving at simplicity?
Use a proven formula that will have you look confident and credible.
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Lots of this makes sense to me. My own way at arriving at simplicity is to ask myself “What do I want my audience to feel?” This has to be the core of any presentation for me. When they feel something, they might well be moved to take an action. And always, keep it simple and understandable.
Hi Dilly That’s a very useful question to ask when you’re preparing your presentation. It helps you focus on what’s important. Olivia
»Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.« Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Very important and relevant post. Thank you.
There is language that is easy to understand and yet rich and colorful enough to carry meaning and emotions across, between kindergarden speak and convoluted, pompous, scientific jargon.
Logical connectors and stepping stones also help an audience to get it: »because, that is why, as a result of this… «
I love the Saint-Exupery quote. Thank you for adding that. And I like your point that the language exists.
I really like the Holmes quote and how you brought it to life through your visual. Thank you.
Someone who really understands a complicated idea can explain it simply. Someone who doesn’t, will tend to make it even more complicated.
Hi Dov Thanks for stopping by and for your appreciative comment. And it’s an excellent point you’ve made.
Great post, Olivia! I’m always coaching presenters to err on the side of simplicity, and ideally, of simple elegance. It’s so much harder to confidently ‘wear’ a simple, little black dress of a presentation than one with lots of metaphorical bows and feathers stuck on it. Hmm…I wonder what sort of presentations Audrey Hepburn made?
Cheers, Ken De Loreto
Hi Ken Glad you enjoyed the post. Love your dress metaphor – although I did get a bit stuck imagining you in a little black dress! Olivia
HA, Olivia! Sorry for that visual…although, imagine the confidence it would take for me to pull that off. I’d consider it a presentation challenge.
Cheers, Ken
Good points here!
I like your verbiage, “Strip away the unnecessary.”
Just like powerpoint slides, your words should be clean and simple.
Buzz words, jargon and long endless explanations don’t impress your audience. These words lose them!
Thank you Fred.
Excellent explanation. I said something similar more briefly in this post about Why Less is More – or even less: http://joyfulpublicspeaking.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-less-is-more-or-even-less.html Kiwi Red also used to fly Skyhawks.
I enjoyed your post on “Less is more”.
If you’re not Richard – go and check out the clever visual he’s created demonstrating “Less is more”. http://joyfulpublicspeaking.blogspot.com/2010/03/why-less-is-more-or-even-less.html
Hi, Olivia —
Great post. We work with a lot of authors who have to condense their often complex books into simpler speeches. I begin by explaining to them that books and speeches are two different genres. Speaking is not a great genre for detail (specificity, yes, but not oodles of detail); it is a great genre for persuasion. So we ask, what is it that you want your audience to do differently as a result of the speech? Put that in one sentence, and you know what you’re talking about.
Thanks for your appreciation of the post. I totally agree with you that it’s useful to have a clear understanding about what a presentation is good for, and what it isn’t. I also explored this point in my post about information overload .
Great article, Olivia! Presenters are continually being counseled by me to err on the side of simplicity, and in an ideal world, the side of simple elegance.
Got an important presentation coming up and: You have so much content that you can't figure out what to leave out? Don't know where to begin your design process? Worried that your material won't be of value? Feeling overwhelmed and can't get started? Can't figure out your theme? Concerned you won't be engaging? Time is running out?
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When giving a presentation, it's easy to get caught up in all the jargon that's out there. You want to impress people with your knowledge, right? There's nothing wrong with this, but you don't want to go overboard.
The best leaders are able to communicate in simple language. They can get their point across without rambling or relying on technical terms that their audience might not understand.
This doesn't mean they're dumbing down the information. It simply means they know so much about a specific topic that they know how to speak like an average person and make things understandable for everyone around them!
This is something we can all strive for as leaders of our own teams or organizations: using simple language when communicating with others will help us reach out better than if we had used more complex terminology.
Thought leaders including Simon Sinek and Sheryl Sandberg have been pushing for simpler communication for years.
There is a growing body of research that demonstrates the benefits of concise, straightforward communication. In 2013, Simon Sinek's bestselling book Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action became a popular guidebook for entrepreneurs, executives and thought leaders alike — all advocating for simplicity as a key to success in business. Sheryl Sandberg has also pushed for this principle in her own work, Lean In.
The ability to use plain language is a sign that leaders are being inclusive and putting the needs of the people they serve first. When leaders use plain language, it shows that they understand what others need to know and how to communicate it clearly. By giving careful consideration to word choice, leaders can avoid making themselves seem more important than they are, or making those they lead feel inferior.
Leaders who communicate using plain language have a significant advantage over those who speak in lofty terms. The ability to use simple words effectively has a direct impact on whether or not people trust you as their leader, because your words create a connection between you and your audience. Those who listen to you will understand what you are communicating without feeling intimidated or lost in jargon, so they will be more likely to feel confident and trust you as their leader.
Plain language doesn't mean dumbing things down. It means speaking clearly, avoiding jargon, and being mindful of the audience.
Keep in mind that plain language does not mean dumbing things down. Plain language also does not mean avoiding complex language (unless your audience has indicated they do not understand it). Plain language is not being overly formal, nor is it being overly informal: it's finding a happy medium between the two.
The best leaders know their audience, and they speak to that audience appropriately. This means they avoid jargon and technical terminology unless they are speaking to an audience with whom such language will be understood easily.
While the best leaders use plain language when communicating with others, they take care to distinguish between the different audiences to which they are speaking. They know how each one will want to be spoken to -- and they speak accordingly.
The research is clear: simplicity is the key to effective communication. Plain language—clear, straightforward language that is easy to understand—means a better experience for your customers and makes it more likely that they'll buy from you. It also helps you avoid legal problems and saves you time, money, and energy.
If you have a complex product or service, use plain language to explain it clearly so people can make informed decisions before they buy. When your audience knows what they're getting into, they're less likely to complain or ask for refunds because of unrealistic expectations or misunderstandings.
Companies in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK have already adopted plain-language guidelines for their internal and external communications. They have done so because it works. These companies are able to communicate faster and more effectively than their competitors.
Employees who ask better questions get better answers from co-workers. Companies that craft content clearly find it easier to build trust with customers.
Take a moment to think about your business and the kinds of people who make it successful. You probably have a diverse group of employees, customers and stakeholders with different backgrounds, levels of formal education and communication styles.
You might not know what language they speak at home or how many languages they are fluent in. What you do know is that everyone understands simple language more easily than complex language. That’s why it’s important for leaders to use plain language no matter who their audience is. It will ensure more people can access your message, understand it, and be able to act on it.
In general, the best leaders utilize plain language. They don't try to sound smart or impressive, they just make sure their message gets across. Using simple language shows intelligence and a commitment to communication, as well as a willingness to keep your audience engaged at all times. If a leader can say what is needed in simple language with only the barest of information being conveyed, he or she is doing something right.
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Discover the wonders of Botswana with this fantastic Introductory PDF Presentation, a 14-slide digital resource designed to enhance your Geography and Social Studies classes . This versatile teaching tool is ideal for students ranging from 7th to 12th grade , providing an engaging and educational experience without requiring extensive preparation.
This Botswana Presentation includes key topics to help students gain an overall understanding of this fascinating country in Africa. Through this resource, learners will explore essential facts, languages, history, environment, economy, and even pick up some basic Tswana vocabulary. Here's what you'll find in this Country Study presentation:
Welcome Slide : Start your lesson with a warm greeting in Tswana and English Language ("Hello" + "Dumela"). This slide includes QR codes and a YouTube link to help students learn the correct pronunciation, adding an interactive element to your teaching.
Geographical Overview : Two detailed slides introduce Botswana’s geography, complete with a Google Maps link to visualize its location. Students will gain a clear understanding of Botswana's place in the World and Africa
Quick Data : A concise slide presenting key information about Botswana, including its currency, population, and type of government, providing a snapshot of the country.
Language Introduction : Two slides dedicated to the languages spoken in Botswana (English adn Tswana), featuring basic vocabulary and common phrases to give students a taste of the local lingo.
Historical Timeline : Journey through Botswana’s rich history with a timeline slide that covers significant events
Geographical Facts : One slide offers insights into Botswana’s physical characteristics, including its size, terrain, and climate.
Economic Overview : Learn about Botswana’s economy and its key sectors through a dedicated slide.
City Highlights : Discover Gaborone, the capital city, and other notable cities, with a helpful map to visualize their locations.
Cultural Insights : A slide focusing on the culture of Botswana, highlighting unique traditions and customs.
Farewell Slide : Conclude your lesson with a goodbye in English and Tswana Language ("Goodbye" and "Tsamaya Sentle"), leaving students with a memorable linguistic takeaway.
This Social Studies + Geography Country Study on Botswana PDF Digital Teaching Resource (14 slides) can be great for learners from 7th grade to 12th grade to introduce Botswana and its Culture.
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IMAGES
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Here are some phrases which you can use to structure the introduction in this way: Introduce. 1. Good morning/afternoon (everyone) (ladies and gentlemen). 2. It's a pleasure to welcome (the President) here. 3. I'm … (the Director of …) Introduce the presentation topic.
Maybe you haven't got a lot of experience presenting - or you would simply like to refresh your already existing knowledge - we're here to teach you the basics about presenting and provide you with a free list of useful phrases and the basic structure you can in your presentation! 1. Structure. The general structure of a presentation is the ...
For those who don't know me, my name is [name], and for those who know me, hello again. If you're presenting to people you've never met: Hello everyone, it's nice to meet you all. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title]. Hello. Welcome to [event]. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title]. I'm glad you're all here.
If you want your audience to understand your message, your language must be simple and clear. Use short words and short sentences. Do not use jargon, unless you are certain that your audience understands it. In general, talk about concrete facts rather than abstract ideas. Use active verbs instead of passive verbs.
7 Strategies to Prepare a Presentation in English. Strategy 1: Plan, Plan, Plan. I know this sounds simple but this is maybe the most important step! That's why I said it three times. Before you do or write anything, spend some time thinking about what you want to say for this opportunity to present.
A presentation is a formal talk to one or more people that "presents" ideas or information in a clear, structured way. People are sometimes afraid of speaking in public, but if you follow a few simple rules, giving a presentation is actually very easy. This tutorial guides you through each stage of giving a presentation in English, from the ...
1 Practice your pronunciation and timing. Let's be honest—presentations can be a bit scary. But if you practice in front of the mirror or with a mock audience, you'll end up feeling way more prepared. Presenting to your friends and family can be a great way to make sure that your voice is clear and loud enough—this is also a good tool ...
Useful phrases in English: "I'd like to give you a brief outline of my presentation…". "Here is the agenda for the meeting…". "My presentation consists of the following parts…". "The presentation is divided into four main sections…". 5. Explain When the Listeners Can Ask Questions.
understand the speaker more easily. get an idea of the length and content of the presentation. We've divided the phrases and sentences into sections which follow the logical progression of a well-balanced presentation. 1. Welcoming. Good morning and welcome to [name of company, name of conference hall, hotel, etc.].
Phrases for introducing visuals. It's important to introduce your visual to the audience. You can use the following phrases: "This graph shows you…". "Take a look at this…". "If you look at this, you will see…". "I'd like you to look at this…". "This chart illustrates the figures…". "This graph gives you a ...
Here are some example ideas and phrases you can use in your own oral presentation introductions: Start with a story or personal anecdote, so the audience will be able to relate to your presentation. "When I was a child…". Mention a startling fact or statistic. "Did you know the U.S. is the only country that…".
Overcome your nerves. Establish audience rapport. Be aware of your body language. Understand cultural differences. Maintain interest by varying the speed, volume and pitch of your voice. Deal with listeners' questions politely. Respond to your audience positively. These tips are condensed from Presentations in English.
To do this, we use a simple but effective technique called signposting. This just means signalling the structure of the presentation to the audience. For a longer presentation, people like to have a preview of what's to come. Note the language in bold, which you can use in your own presentations: First, I'll be discussing cryptocurrency basics.
Here are some simple PowerPoint presentation examples that require minimal slides and design elements: Introduction - 3-5 slides with your name, topic overview, agenda. Use simple slide layouts, and large titles. Informational - 5-10 slides conveying facts through bullet points, images.
Highlighting information during your talk. When you are giving a presentation in English, you might want to highlight a particular piece of information or something that's important. You can use phrases such as 'Let's focus on …', 'I want to highlight …', 'Pay attention to …', 'Let's look at …', 'I want to ...
10 mins read. Here you will learn at least 37 useful phrases for presentations in English. Improve your business English skills and feel confident when making presentations in English. Presentation phrases for setting the scene, recapping, ending a presentation in English and more. Listen to the podcast Speak Better English with Harry or watch ...
Apply the 10-20-30 rule. Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it! 9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule. Simplicity is key.
Even if you are using simple language and keeping your presentation "story" simple, ensure that you aren't rushing over your words. Practice will help you to speak more slowly and clearly, and to employ pauses to allow the audience to absorb what you have said. This is especially vital if you are speaking to non-native English users, who ...
greet the audience. express your purpose. give the structure. give the timing. handle questions. Phrases for all of these are given in the box to the right. Greeting the audience. Good morning/afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Good morning/afternoon, everyone.
Speak a little slower than you think you need to. Pay particular attention to speed if your presentation isn't live (maybe you're talking on the phone or in a webinar), since the audience can ...
Here are three tips to help you arrive at simplicity: 1. Find the core of the idea. The Heath brothers in their seminal book "Made to Stick" defined simple in this way: "What we mean by 'simple' is finding the core of the idea. 'Finding the core' means stripping an idea down to its most critical essence.". The core of your idea ...
It will ensure more people can access your message, understand it, and be able to act on it. In general, the best leaders utilize plain language. They don't try to sound smart or impressive, they just make sure their message gets across. Using simple language shows intelligence and a commitment to communication, as well as a willingness to keep ...
Country Study Presentation on Botswana - Africa. Discover the wonders of Botswana with this fantastic Introductory PDF Presentation, a 14-slide digital resource designed to enhance your Geography and Social Studies classes.This versatile teaching tool is ideal for students ranging from 7th to 12th grade, providing an engaging and educational experience without requiring extensive preparation.