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Online Presentations Useful Phrases - Talaera Business English Blog

101 Must-Know Transition Phrases for Engaging Presentations Online

By Paola Pascual on Jan 17, 2024 1:43:00 PM

Giving presentations is often feared by many professionals, but if the presentation is online and you're not a native speaker, things get even trickier. One tip to make things easier? Learn useful phrases to help you navigate your presentation. In this article, you will find lots of helpful resources to give remarkable presentations . Listen to the episode above, download the checklist below, and learn some of the phrases we present. If we missed any, tell us in the comments below.

General vocabulary for presentations

Sometimes, the smallest changes in your presentations can make the biggest differences. One of them is to learn a few phrases that give you confidence during your speech. Here are some important verbs to get you started:

To highlight
To emphasize
To walk you through (*very common in business presentations!)
To send around
To carry on (similar to continue)
To get carried away
To sum up (similar to summarize )
To focus on

Vocabulary to start your presentation

Learn how to powerfully start your presentation with these 4 simple steps. Here's some vocabulary you can use:

Welcome your audience

Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. Thank you for joining us today, and welcome to today's webinar.
Hello everyone, I’m very happy to be speaking with you today.

Introduce yourself

My name is Susan, and I’m part of the design team here at Globex Corporation.
First of all, a little bit about my background - I am the Team Lead at [Company], and I've been in charge of [your main responsibility] for [X] years.
I'd like to tell you a bit about myself - my name is Eve I'm the Operations Manager here at [Company].

Introduce the topic and goal of the presentation

Today, I'd like to talk about…
This presentation will take about [X] minutes, and we will discuss...
We've allocated [X] minutes to this presentation. and I'll talk about...
I'd like to give you a brief breakdown of...
I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about...
The main goal of this presentation is…
The purpose of this presentation is...
My objective today is...

Read these 5 tricks the best public speakers use to captivate their audience .

Addressing questions from the audience

If you have any questions about anything, feel free to interrupt.
If anything isn't clear, please click on the 'raise hand' button and I'll do my best to answer your question.
I'd be happy to answer your questions at the end of the presentation.
If you have any questions, please kindly wait until the end to ask them. We will have [X] minutes for a Q&A session at the end.
Since today's audience is considerably large, we will not have time for questions, but please email me at [email protected]

Learning new English words is not easy, but you can achieve effective communication through practice and repetition. If you are a Talaera student, visit the Library to practice your vocabulary for presentations. If are not part of the Talaera community yet, learn how we can help you here .

Clear out technical issues

Can everyone hear me well? Let me know if you encounter any technical difficulties throughout the presentation.
If you are not speaking, please put yourselves on mute.
If you feel that the sound quality is poor throughout the presentation, please let me know.

Transition to the main topic of the presentation

Hi everyone, I think we might still be missing a few people but I’m going to kick things off now so we have time to get through everything.
All right, let’s dive right in!
All right, let’s jump right in!
Let’s get started.
Let’s kick things off.
I’m going to talk about
The purpose/subject of this presentation is
I’ve divided the presentation into 3 parts: In the first part, ... / Then in the second part, ... / Finally, I’ll go on to talk about...
Let me begin by looking at...
Let me start with some general information on...

Vocabulary for the main body of your presentation

Introduce a topic or section.

Now let’s move to the first part of the presentation,
We can see 4 advantages and two disadvantages. First,
On the one hand… On the other hand…
There are two steps involved. The first step is… The second step is…
There are four stages to the project.

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Transition to a new section

All right, let’s turn to...
Now we come to the next point, which is
Okay so that’s [topic 1], but what about [topic 2]?
There’s a lot more to talk about, but since we’re pushed for time , let’s move on to [topic 2].
This leads me to my next point, which is...

Give examples and details

For example...
A good example of this is...
To illustrate this point...
This reminds me of...
To give you an example...
Let me elaborate further on...

Describe visual aids

As you can see [from this infographic]
This chart shows
If you look at this graph, you will see
From this chart, we can understand how
Let me show you this [image, graph, diagram]
On the right/left
In the middle of
At the top/bottom of the picture

Emphasize an idea

This is important because
I’d like to emphasize that
We have to remember that

Repeat the same message with different words

In other words
To put it more simply
So, what I’m saying is that
Let me say that again.

It's easy to get stuck in the middle of a presentation, especially if English is not your mother tongue. Here are +20 Top Tips You Need To Know if you're learning business English .

Finish your presentation and summarize

The end of a presentation, together with the opening, is one of the most important parts of your speech. Read these 5 effective strategies to close your presentation and use the vocabulary below.

That’s all I want to say for now about [topic].
To sum up, ...
This sums up [topic].
So in a nutshell, ...
So to recap, ...
In brief, ...
To conclude, ...
I’d like to conclude by emphasizing the main points...
That's it on [topic] for today. In short, we've covered...
So, now I’d be very interested to hear your comments.
And this brings us to the end of this presentation. I hope [topic] is a little clear after today.
So to draw all that together, ...

Start and navigate the Q&A session

Thank you for your attention. I hope you found this presentation useful, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Thank you for listening. We now have [X] minutes left. Do you have any questions?
Thank you for your question, [Name].
I'm glad you asked.
That's an interesting question.
That's a great question, I must say. I'm not 100% sure, but off the top of my head, I can tell you that...
Are you asking about [topic 1] or [topic 2]?
Can you please clarify what exactly you mean by [question]? I'm not sure I fully understand.
I'm afraid I don't have the exact figures at hand, but if you give me your email address at the end, I can follow up with you later.
Does that answer your question?
I hope that makes sense. Is that the kind of answer you were looking for?

Take your presentation skills to the next level.

Keep reading about presentation skills:

21 Helpful Tips For Remarkable and Outstanding Presentation Skills
How To Start a Presentation: Follow These 4 Easy Steps
How To Bring Across Your Main Idea In A Presentation Effectively
5 Effective Strategies To End A Presentation
6 Public Speaking Tricks To Captivate Your Audience
How To Do Effective Business Storytelling According To Former Prosecutor
8 Little Changes That'll Make A Big Difference With Your Presentations
3 Quick Public Speaking Tips For Your Next Presentation
Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are [TED Talk Lesson]

Talaera Talks - Transcript Episode 5

Topic : Deliver impactful presentations
Listen : Spotify , Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts
Duration : 22 min.

Intro Welcome to Talaera Talks , the business English communication podcast for non-native professionals. My name is Paola and I am co-hosting this show with Simon. In this podcast, we're going to be covering communication advice and tips to help express yourself with confidence in English in professional settings. So we hope you enjoy the show!

Okay, welcome back for our third episode of Talaera Talks. This is Simon, and I'm joined with Paola. Paola, how are you doing? 0:37 Hi, Simon. I'm great. Happy to do another episode. 0:41 Yeah, absolutely. And Happy Friday. 0:44 Happy Friday! 0:49 So today, our topic: Presenting in English. I'd like to start this episode with a quote I found on Harvard Business Review that I thought was really interesting. It says, "Even native English speakers often anticipate disaster when making presentations. By but for non-native speakers, the anticipatory and situational anxiety associated with their unique challenges (these challenges - being understandable, choosing the right words, speaking spontaneously), can be overwhelming. Moreover, if these concerns interfere with your willingness or ability to make business presentations, the impact can be career-limiting." So yeah, that's a pretty kind of heavy quote to start. But it is something that we see from a lot of our clients, right? 1:52 Yeah, it's super interesting. It was super interesting to read. It's something we know, but it's important to remind it that it is presentations, the topic we have today is something that is not pleasurable for anyone, not for non-native speakers, but also for native speakers. So that's something to point out. And today, we talked about that... We said that we wanted to start with those challenges or fears that we see from our clients, our learners. 2:25 Yeah, and it's usually around the same things, you know, we, at least for me, I come into contact with so many of these, so many of our students who are so competent in their, in their daily lives, what they're doing in their professional lives. And they come to me with these with these fears, like this just general lack of confidence, or imposter syndrome, right? This I don't know if I really deserve to be speaking and, you know, kind of explaining this concept to all these people. 3:05 Mm-hmm. Yes. And also the fear of not being understood, well, they know what I'm saying, well, they understand my accent. There's a lot of worries and concern around accent and our pronunciation expert, Lisa hosted a webinar, actually last week, where she explained that accent matters. But as long as people understand you, it's fine. You don't need to be perfect. Everyone has an accent. So that's also totally fine. 3:37 And this being Yeah, this being one of I think, at least for me, in my experience, one of the most frequently asked for aspects from students. So you know, and just to like, again, just say that this is a challenge for everyone, not just, you know, non-native English speakers. You know, I think all of us have a tough experience or somebody that we think of when we think about public speaking, it's, it's like this, yeah, really anxiety-riddled thing. I mean, I don't have any, you know, funny personal stories, but uh, do you, Paola? 4:20 You want me to tell my embarrassing story, don't you? 4:22 Please, you must. 4:25 So I used to teach at a university in Vietnam when I lived there, and the classes where it rains, you know, from perhaps 50 students to up to what 300 there's was a class with, you know, 2-300 students and there was a little stage it wasn't too high, but there was a little stage and I fell off. 4:46 You fell off the stage. This was during or after the presentation, or...? 4:56 It was around the beginning of the presentation. So... 5:01 During! Oh, I thought it was it was like after like you were walking off? 5:06 No, I move a lot. I use my body language quite a lot. And that was one of the moments where I overdid it, probably, and fell off. 5:17 Wow. Well, I'm glad that you're still here with us. 5:21 Yeah, you know, but that's the story that I sometimes not always tell it. But I sometimes tell it when my students say, Oh, I'm nervous, and I assume that it can happen, you know, I thought it was going to be a disaster. And then I actually ended up making friends with the students that turned out okay. 5:39 Right. Well, yeah, I mean, today, we're not necessarily going to go into the physical dimensions of how to avoid falling off the stage. But we do have some, some good tips, right? 5:54 Yes. And to provide some advice on how to deliver presentations, and lose that fear, we've divided it into three main blocks. And those are what to do before the presentation, tips for during the presentation. And then even after there's things you can do to, to get better. 6:18 Right, let's start with the first, right, what can we do before the presentation in terms of getting ready, preparing? 6:30 So preparing, it's a very general term, but one of the tips that we like to give is, think of the WHAT, WHY and NEXT. So WHAT is your presentation about? WHY should they listen to you and not look it up online (or listen to a podcast, like ours)? And in what NEXT means - what is supposed to happen next? Do they need to do anything, go on a website, send you feedback? Are you going to send them the materials? So what why our next is so straightforward and simple. But when I asked this question to our clients that are so thrown off, and they don't know what to answer sometimes, 7:10 Yeah, I think that's one of those things. And I struggle with this all the time is, when I get an idea or something like that. It's so easy to just jump over those most basic things of, you know, what, why and index, those are so, so basic, but it's such it's, they're so foundational, right? And in terms of creating something that people will understand and be able to, to really attach to. 7:41 Yep. And do you have any tips around how much you should learn? Should you write the whole thing? Or should you memorize? 7:52 Yeah, that, you know, this is a good question as well, that a lot of our learners ask in terms of, yeah, you know, I'm just going to go and write it all out. And then I'll have an idea. And I'll feel better because I can write it and change it so that it sounds more professional. It sounds like I know what I'm talking about. And I always tell people, please don't try to prepare a presentation where you're reading a script, it is just the most unnatural thing ever. And, and it, you won't end up sounding more professional, if anything, your audience is going to detach, because they're going to sense that something's not really right here, it doesn't seem genuine, right doesn't seem real, it just seems like this person is doing what he's doing, which is reading off of a script. And even still a lot of times with a lot of our learners where they know that, okay, I know this material. But I'm going to put all of my effort into making this perfect slide this perfect presentation. So I would say, focus on actually knowing the material itself really well. More than focusing on how the presentation looks, you know, these kinds of things. Because once you're in that situation where you're on the stage, and people are looking at you, at least you'll be able to Windows like kind of red Sirens of you know, panic and anxiety show up. You'll have learned the material itself so well that you can roll with that. 9:29 Yes. And you also have room for improvisation because your brain is so used to the content and you know, so well what you want to say that that's when your brain starts to come up with anecdotes and that's the fun thing that gets you hooked. And that's the main Why should people listen to you instead of reading an article online? 9:49 Exactly. Because for most of our students, you know what you're talking about. That's why you're up there. That's why you have the opportunities to speak there is because someone thinks you're qualified enough to speak to all these people. So trust in that and go with that. So yeah, so we have right not, not over learning. Don't script it right? What else can we do? 10:14 Practice, practice, practice, practice, practice in your mind, but more importantly verbalize it, say it out loud. And recording yourself is uncomfortable for everyone. But it works. I have never tried it. I always told my students should record yourself, you should record yourself and they were like, Huh. And just a few of them did it. And when we started with the webinars, I haven't done something like it before. And I said, Okay, I'll use my own tip. And it was one I'm comfortable. And two, super helpful. So if you get to go over the sound of your own voice, I would say do it. 10:54 Yeah. You know, this is one thing that I have to be totally honest here. Doing these podcasts is the first time I've actually recorded myself for a long time. And I've learned a lot about, you know, not saying the word Absolutely. 500 times, yeah, within the span of 20 minutes. So those are good learning lessons. Definitely. Okay, and then so we have that. And then the last little tip is, I would say get an English mindset before 30 minutes to an hour before the presentation. And that could be listening to a podcast, you know, like Talaera Talks, or, you know, watching a show on Netflix that's, that's in English, whatever you can do to get your kind of English mind, you know, in the zone before you go up and actually speak English. So So those are all of our kind of pre presentation tips, what you can do before, so what about during, 11:58 so for during, there's a lot of things that you can you can do to improve your presentations. But the first tip is to learn how to start to have a mind map of what am I going to do at the beginning. So you start confident already. So welcome, everyone, introduce the people introduce the topic and go to the main point, those four parts will help you have a nice start. Welcome, everyone. For example. Hi, everyone. Welcome to today's presentation. Today, we'll be talking about business events, introduce the people, you can introduce yourself , like, Hi, my name is Paula and I'm a business English instructor at Telstra, and perhaps even the audience. Today we have with us students from all different nationalities and levels, or, you know, whatever the audiences, that's also helpful for everyone to understand, introduce the topic, or give you some best practices for business emails , and a few templates, and then go to the main point. So a simple sentence like Alright, let's get down to business. So having those welcome introducing people introducing the topic and going to the main point will help you have a nice start. 13:16 Yeah, and I like that concept of that the mind map is so good. Because it's it's not the scripting, like we were talking about before, it's having a kind of a little mental checklist. So that when those first few minutes, were you're up there on the on stage, and you're like, oh god, oh, god, here we go. Here we go. You have that little checklist that I created. Okay, so I welcomed introduced the people the topic, and now to the main point, and that can get you in the zone and going I really liked that. Yeah, so so having that, that starting template. And then another thing would be, I would say slowing down, slowing it down. And this is really I think it touches on a lot of aspects. The first would be just the general anxiety, we tend to speak a lot faster when we're really anxious, you know, but by slowing down, it really helps with non native English speakers because it helps with the accent. And it helps with giving you some time to really think through your next thoughts. Now, I'm not saying that you should, while you're speaking, try to think steps three, four or five ahead of you. But giving yourself a little bit of time to Okay, I'm going through this pattern now. Now I can go to the next one, right. And doing that, you know, another with the slowing down a tip if you're really nervous to go in is prefacing your speech. So before you really get into everything, maybe after the welcome part is just to say, Hey, you know, I'm going to try to speak as clearly as possible, as English as myself. first language and really smile and maybe make a little joke about that. And I think that's a good way to open it out for the audience to show some vulnerability and and help. I mean, what do you think about that? 15:13 Yeah, I mean, we see that with, sometimes with celebrities, when they're not native speakers, and they admitted, and they, they kind of put yourself put themselves, as you said, in that vulnerable position, and that makes them even cuter. 15:28 Mm hmm. 15:29 So it's making yourself human, I think it's always a good tip. And you were saying that slowing down helps with your accent and also for yourself to gain time to really know what you're going to say. But also for the for the audience. We don't mind people making some little pulses, so that they also have time to collect their thoughts. 15:50 Right, right. Yeah. Yeah, definitely. Those are, those are two really good aspects, starting, you know, the template and then slowing down, right. Yeah, kind of diffusing the anxiety by saying, Hey, you know, this isn't my first language. And that really gets the audience on your side, right. And then another would be not reading off of your slides. I mean, this is kind of the basic, you know, what you learn in school, but it's also something that a lot of people get, yeah, get, get hooked on, just because it's like a safety net. And I would say that's where the overlearning the material that we talked about beforehand comes into play. Anything else in this? 16:42 Oh, recap for sure. After every section, do a little recap, and at the end to recap where you summarize the main points of the whole presentation? 16:54 Yeah, yeah. Good. Good. So So summarize. Yeah, yeah. And that's a that's a good, you know, I would say three aspects, four aspects that during the presentation, if you keep these in, in your mind, it's, it's, I would say, it's going to help a lot. And so now we're going to move to what can we do after the presentation? We've done it, we've walked off the stage. Whoo, I'm so glad that's over. Now, is all of our work done? No. 17:27 No, not really. That's now it's your chance to actually learn from, from everything you did. So one of the tips we suggest is try to ask for feedback. But that's not so easy, right, Simon? 17:42 Yeah, it's, I think, a big question. And that is, who do you get the feedback from? Right?

17:50 So we, we would always suggest to try and find someone you can trust someone who is honest, and who can give you objective feedback. So in some cases, that can be your manager, but sometimes it's a colleague that understands the topic, and can really provide some feedback on how you did. 18:13 Yeah. And that's, I think, in terms of learning, this is one of the most crucial thing is reflecting back on what you did, and seeing what worked, what didn't work, and how can I take that and move forward? Because especially with presenting, it's a skill, and it takes practice, practice, practice. And, and I think, for a lot of people, you should jump at the chance to do this. So that you can continue to learn and continue to grow. But be sure to reflect by Yeah, by asking for feedback and seeing what worked, 18:47 for sure. And ideally, that would be someone, perhaps from work that can see how you did and like the actual show, if not Talaera teachers also do that. So you can present your own presentation, pretending it's the actual one. And that's how we can provide feedback on the structure, the vocabulary, the language in general. 19:08 Yeah, absolutely. I do that. Oh, there you go. Absolutely. Definitely. See, I'm reflecting back and learning as we go. I'm working. I'm learning that. Yeah. But I've done that recently with a couple of students where we've gone through their deck and looked at what are their plans in terms of presenting and we've kind of gone through in detail that together. So So yeah, so that was kind of I would say the biggest thing in terms of afterward. 19:40 So we have the pre-presentation, just as a quick recap for the pre-presentation and before your presentation, always remember the what why next, what is your presentation about? Why should people listen to you and what should happen next overnight Learn the content. be super confident about what you want to talk about. But don't script it. Don't write everything down. Otherwise, it would sound like you're just reading. 20:11 Write and practice through verbalization. record yourself, even though it may be awkward, but it's a great learning technique. And then get in that English mindset beforehand by Yeah, listening to a podcast or what have you. And then during the presentation, right, starting with the template, Paolo was discussing the welcome introducing the people the topic, and then going to the main point, 20:37 slowing down a little bit. It's not necessary to go super fast. It's not only not necessary, but people will understand you better if you take your time and make some pauses. Of course, don't read off their slides. Tell them the story. 20:54 Right, right. And remember 20:56 to recap, just like we're doing now. Send them or tell them a quick summary and the main points, 21:03 right, and don't fall off the stage as well. That's ideally we forgot. Ideally, it's final for then, as the final point, right, asking for feedback, finding that person that can get you that feedback that's so important to you. Finding what worked and moving forward. 21:21 That's right. All right. Do we have it for today? 21:25 I think that is it for today. Yeah. I had a lot of Thanks. Yeah, I had a blast. And thanks for meeting up. And we have a lot of good stuff coming up with Talaera. Right. 21:38 We have webinars, our blog is busier than ever. So go on the http://blog.talaera.com/ , check out the resources. And what else? 21:51 Find us on LinkedIn. And yeah, please ask any questions, we'd be glad to get back to you. So that is it for today. And thank you to all of our listeners. So far, we're excited to keep growing this. And as always, keep learning! 22:11 And that's all we have for you today. We hope you enjoyed it, and remember to subscribe to Talaera Talks . We'll be back soon with more! And visit our website at https://talaera.com for more valuable content on business English. You can also request a free consultation on the best ways for you and your team to improve your communication skills. So have a great day and keep learning!

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52 Phrases for Better Flowing English Presentations

/ Steven Hobson / Business English , English Presentations , Vocabulary

English Presentations - Impactful English

Do you give English presentations at work, but feel that you could communicate your message in a more objective, fluid way?

Maybe you have an English presentation coming up and want to make sure that your speech is clear and structured so that your audience doesn’t lose concentration and stays with you all the way to the end.

A technique that can help you achieve objective, clear, and structured English presentations, is to use linking phrases that join the separate parts of your presentation together.

English presentations normally consist of an introduction, the main body, individual parts of the main body, and the ending or conclusion.

To help maintain your audience’s attention, you need to signal when you are going from one part to another.

In this article, I teach you 52 phrases that do exactly this – linking the different parts together, and therefore, making your presentation flow better. You’ll find that these phrases will act as ‘signposts’ for the audience when you finish one part and start another.

52 Phrases to Improve the Flow of Your English Presentations

The introduction.

All good presentations start with a strong introduction.

There are a number of different ways you can begin your English presentation. Here’s a simple, but effective introduction structure which works for most types of business presentations:

Introduce – Introduce yourself and greet your audience. Introduce the presentation topic – Explain the reasons for listening. Outline – Describe the main parts of the presentation. Question policy – Make it clear to your audience when they can ask questions: during or at the end?

Here are some phrases which you can use to structure the introduction in this way:

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

4. By the end of the talk/presentation/session, you’ll know how to… / …you will have learned about… / 5. I plan to say a few words about… 6. I’m going to talk about… 7. The subject of my talk is…

8. My talk will be in (three parts). 9. In the first part… 10. Then in the second part… 11. Finally, I’ll go on to talk about…

Question Policy

12. Please interrupt if you have any questions. 13. After my talk, there will be time for a discussion and any questions.

Main Body

Now that you have finished the introduction, we now need to transition to the main body, and its individual parts in a smooth way.

There are three parts of the main body of a presentation where linking phrases can be used:

Beginning the Main Body Ending Parts within the Main Body Beginning a New Part

Here are some phrases which you can use for these parts:

Beginning the Main Body

14. Now let’s move to / turn to the first part of my talk which is about… 15. So, first… 16. To begin with…

Ending Parts within the Main Body

17. That completes/concludes… 18. That’s all (I want to say for now) on… 19. Ok, I’ve explained how…

Beginning a New Part

20. Let’s move to (the next part which is)… 21. So now we come to the next point, which is… 22. Now I want to describe… 23. Let’s turn to the next issue… 24. I’d now like to change direction and talk about…

Listing and Sequencing

If you need to talk about goals, challenges, and strategies in your English presentation, listing phrases can help link these together and improve the flow of your speech. If you have to explain processes, sequencing phrases are helpful:

25. There are three things to consider. First… Second… Third… 26. There are two kinds of… The first is… The second is… 27. We can see four advantages and two disadvantages. First, advantages… 28. One is… Another is… A third advantage is… Finally…

29. There are (four) different stages to the process. 30. First / then / next / after that / then (x) / after x there’s y. 31. There are two steps involved. The first step is… The second step is… 32. There are four stages to the project. 33. At the beginning, later, then, finally… 34. I’ll describe the development of the idea. First the background, then the present situation, and then the prospect for the future.

After you have presented the main body of your English presentation, you will want to end it smoothly.

Here are typical sections transitioning from the main body to the ending of the presentation, and then inviting the audience to ask questions:

Ending the Main Body Beginning the Summary and/or Conclusion Concluding An Ending Phrase Inviting Questions and/or Introducing Discussion Thanking the Audience

Ending the Main Body

35. Okay, that ends (the third part of) my talk. 36. That’s all I want to say for now on (the 2017 results).

Beginning the Summary and/or Conclusion

37. To sum up… 38. Ok, in brief, there are several advantages and disadvantages. 39. To conclude… 40. I’d like to end by emphasizing the main points. 41. I’d like to end with a summary of the main points.

42. I think we have seen that we should… 43. In my opinion, we should… 44. I recommend/suggest that we… 45. There are three reasons why I recommend this. First, … / Second, … / Finally,…

An Ending Phrase

46. Well, I’ve covered the points that I needed to present today. 47. That sums up (my description of the new model). 48. That concludes my talk for today.

Inviting Questions and/or Introducing Discussion

49. Now we have (half an hour) for questions and discussion. 50. So, now I’d be very interested to hear your comments.

Thanking the Audience

51. I’d like to thank you for listening to my presentation. 52. Thank you for listening / your attention. / Many thanks for coming.

Linking phrases are like the skeleton which holds your presentation together.

Not only do they improve the flow and help guide the audience, but by memorizing them they can also help you remember the general structure of your presentation, giving you increased confidence.

To help you memorize, I recommend saying the linking phrases on their own from the beginning to the end of your presentation while you practice.

I also suggest memorizing the introduction word for word. By doing this, you will get off to a great start, which will settle your nerves and transmit a positive first impression.

Author: Steven Hobson

Steven is a business English coach, a certified life coach, writer, and entrepreneur. He helps international professionals build confidence and improve fluency speaking English in a business environment.

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Speech Transitions: Words And Phrases to Connect Your Ideas

Speech transitions are important as they connect ideas and maintain a smooth flow. These transitions help guide the audience through the speech effectively.

Effective communication is crucial in delivering a compelling speech. To engage and captivate an audience, it is essential to connect ideas seamlessly. Speech transitions serve as connectors between different thoughts and ensure a logical progression of ideas. By employing suitable words and phrases, a speaker can enhance the flow of their speech and maintain the audience’s attention.

We will explore various words and phrases that can be used to connect ideas in a speech. These transitions play a vital role in conveying the message effectively and leaving a lasting impact on the listeners.

Credit: www.spanish.academy

Table of Contents

Why Are Speech Transitions Important In Public Speaking?

Speech transitions play a crucial role in public speaking by connecting ideas seamlessly. These words and phrases help maintain the flow of the speech and captivate the audience, ensuring a clear and coherent delivery.

Speech transitions play a significant role in public speaking. They serve as vital connectors that link together various ideas and concepts in a seamless manner. By using appropriate words and phrases to transition between different points, speakers can maintain the flow and coherence of their speech.

Here’s why speech transitions are important:

Benefits Of Using Speech Transitions:

Enhance clarity: Transitions help speakers to clearly communicate their ideas and thoughts to the audience. By using transition words and phrases, they can guide the listeners through the different sections of their speech, making it easier to follow.
Improve understanding: Effective transitions ensure that the audience can easily grasp the connections between ideas and concepts. This helps to prevent any confusion or misinterpretation of the speaker’s message.
Increase engagement: Speech transitions prevent a monotonous or disjointed delivery, making the speech more engaging for the audience. By smoothly moving from one idea to another, the speaker captures the listeners’ attention and keeps them actively involved throughout the presentation.
Highlight key points: Transitions can be used strategically to emphasize important information or key points. By signaling the significance of certain ideas, speakers can ensure that these points are understood and remembered by the audience.

Impact On Audience Engagement:

Retention of information: With the help of effective speech transitions, speakers can enhance the audience’s ability to retain and recall the information presented. Logical connections created through transitions make it easier for listeners to process and remember the content.
Focused attention: Well-placed transitions help to maintain the audience’s focus and prevent their minds from wandering. By smoothly transitioning between ideas, speakers keep the listeners engaged and attentive.
Active participation: Speech transitions encourage the audience to actively participate in the speech. Clear connections between ideas enable listeners to anticipate the direction of the speech, allowing them to make connections and draw conclusions alongside the speaker.
Emotionally connect: Transitions can also have an emotional impact on the audience. By using appropriate words and phrases, speakers can evoke specific feelings, making the speech more memorable and impactful.

Creating a smooth and coherent flow:

Logical progression: Transitions facilitate a logical progression of ideas, enabling the speaker to present their thoughts in a structured manner. This ensures that the audience can easily follow the speaker’s intended flow of information.
Seamless connection: Speech transitions act as bridges between different ideas or sections, creating a seamless connection between them. This helps to establish a sense of continuity in the speech, preventing any abrupt shifts in topic or subject matter.
Professional delivery: The use of speech transitions demonstrates a speaker’s professionalism and command over their subject. It showcases their ability to present complex ideas in a clear and organized manner.

By recognizing the importance of speech transitions and incorporating them into public speaking, speakers can enhance the effectiveness of their presentations, captivate their audience, and ensure that their message is delivered with impact.

Types Of Speech Transitions

Discover various types of speech transitions that effectively connect ideas and thoughts in your speech. These words and phrases seamlessly guide the flow of your presentation, keeping your audience engaged and interested. Improve your public speaking skills with these powerful speech transition techniques.

Transition words and phrases play a crucial role in connecting your ideas and making your speech or presentation flow smoothly. By using these linguistic tools, you can create a cohesive and engaging narrative that keeps your listeners hooked. In this section, we will explore the different types of speech transitions, including transition words and phrases, verbal transitions, and nonverbal transitions.

Transition Words And Phrases:

First and foremost, transition words and phrases serve as the glue that holds your speech together. They facilitate the logical progression of your ideas and help your audience follow along effortlessly.
Additionally, transition words and phrases add clarity and coherence to your speech, ensuring that your message is easily understood.
Moreover, they signal shifts in topic, introduce examples, emphasize crucial points, and establish cause-and-effect relationships.
Furthermore, transition words and phrases enable you to create smooth transitions between different sections of your speech, which is essential for maintaining audience engagement.

Verbal Transitions:

Verbal transitions involve the use of spoken words or phrases to guide your audience from one idea to another seamlessly.
For instance, you can use phrases like “now, let’s move on to…”, “in relation to…”, or “on the other hand…” to smoothly transition between topics.
Likewise, starting a sentence with phrases such as “in the same vein…”, “to illustrate my point…”, or “another key aspect is…” can effectively connect your ideas and make your speech more coherent.
Furthermore, verbally signaling your intention to transition, using phrases like “now, let’s shift gears and discuss…”, “next up, we’ll explore…”, or “in light of this information…” can help your audience anticipate and comprehend your transitions better.

Nonverbal Transitions:

Nonverbal transitions involve actions, gestures, or visuals that complement your verbal transitions, reinforcing the connections between your ideas.
Use physical cues, such as changing your stance, moving to a different part of the stage, or making eye contact with a specific audience member, to signify a transition.
Similarly, employing visual aids like slides, charts, or props can also assist in smoothly guiding your audience from one idea to the next.
Additionally, adjusting your tone of voice, pausing strategically, or utilizing facial expressions can effectively emphasize the shift in ideas and engage your listeners.

Incorporating a variety of transition words and phrases, implementing verbal transitions, and utilizing nonverbal cues can greatly enhance the flow and impact of your speech. Integrating these techniques will help you maintain your audience’s attention and ensure that your ideas are communicated effectively.

So, let’s dive in and explore the world of speech transitions further!

Using Transition Words And Phrases

Discover the power of using speech transitions to seamlessly connect your ideas. By employing a variety of transition words and phrases, you can create a cohesive flow in your speech while keeping your audience engaged and interested. Swap repetitive terms for different expressions to ensure your content remains fresh and captivating.

Importance Of Strategic Placement:

Transition words and phrases are essential in speech writing as they help to connect and smoothly organize ideas and thoughts.
Strategic placement of transition words and phrases allows for a coherent flow of information, making it easier for the audience to follow the speaker’s train of thought.
Proper use of transition words and phrases can enhance the overall impact of a speech by creating a logical progression of ideas and reinforcing key points.
By strategically incorporating transition words and phrases, speakers can maintain the audience’s attention and prevent confusion or disengagement.

Commonly Used Transition Words:

“furthermore”: Used to add another supporting point or to provide additional information.
Example: Furthermore, research has shown that regular exercise improves overall mental health.
“however”: Introduces a contrasting idea or viewpoint.
Example: The study found that the new drug is effective; however, more research is needed to determine long-term effects.
“meanwhile”: Shows a simultaneous action or event occurring.
Example: The company was experiencing financial difficulties; meanwhile, their competitors were thriving.
“moreover”: Indicates the addition of more information or evidence.
Example: The data collected from the survey revealed alarming statistics; moreover, it highlighted the need for immediate action.

Connecting Ideas Within A Sentence:

“similarly”: Demonstrates a likeness or similarity between two ideas.
Example: The baby elephant walked with a wobble, similarly to a toddler taking their first steps.
“in addition”: Introduces an additional piece of information or evidence.
Example: The market research indicated a growing demand for organic products; in addition, consumer preferences were shifting towards sustainable packaging.
“likewise”: Expresses similarity or agreement with a previous statement.
Example: The new policy aims to increase employee satisfaction; likewise, it strives to improve overall productivity.
“on the other hand”: Indicates a contrasting viewpoint or perspective.
Example: The group was divided on the issue; on the other hand, some argued for immediate action while others preferred a more cautious approach.

Transition Phrases For Introducing New Points:

“first and foremost”: Emphasizes the primary or most important point to be made.
Example: First and foremost, it is crucial for individuals to prioritize their mental health.
“another key point”: Introduces an additional significant idea or argument.
Example: Another key point to consider is the impact of social media on mental well-being.
“lastly”: Signals the final point or argument in a series or sequence.
Example: Lastly, it is essential to provide accessible and affordable mental health services for all individuals.

Transition Words For Emphasizing Or Contrasting Ideas:

“indeed”: Emphasizes and reinforces a previous point or statement.
Example: The results of the study indeed highlight the need for further investigation.
“contrarily”: Shows a contrasting or opposite perspective.
Example: While some argue for stricter regulations, contrarily, others believe in the importance of personal freedoms.
“in summary”: Provides a concise overview or recap of the main points discussed.
Example: The research demonstrates the significant impact of early childhood education on future academic success.

Remember, incorporating these transition words and phrases into your speech can greatly enhance its overall effectiveness, making it more engaging and easy to follow. Use them strategically to guide your listeners through your ideas and ensure they stay connected and engaged with your message.

Incorporating Verbal Transitions

Discover the power of incorporating verbal transitions in your speech to effortlessly connect your ideas. Enhance your communication skills with carefully chosen phrases and words that keep your audience engaged and interested. Unlock the potential of seamless transitions for impactful speeches.

Establishing A Connection Between Ideas

Incorporating verbal transitions is essential in speech delivery as it helps maintain a smooth flow of ideas. These transitions act as bridges between different thoughts, guiding the audience through your speech. By using the right words and phrases, you can establish clear connections between ideas, leaving a lasting impact on your listeners. Let’s explore some effective techniques for incorporating verbal transitions.

Using Clear Language And Cues

Clear language and cues allow your audience to follow along effortlessly, ensuring that your ideas are effectively communicated. Consider the following strategies to enhance clarity in your speech:
Signposting: The use of signposting phrases, such as “firstly,” “next,” or “” helps guide your audience through the structure of your speech, making it easier for them to follow your thought process.
Repetition: Repeating key phrases or concepts throughout your speech can reinforce your ideas, making them more memorable for your audience.
Pronouns: Utilize pronouns like “they,” “we,” or “you” to create a sense of inclusivity and engagement. This fosters a connection between you and your audience, encouraging active participation.

Examples Of Verbal Transition Techniques

Here are some effective examples of verbal transition techniques to incorporate in your speech:
Cause and effect: Use phrases like “as a result,” “consequently,” or “therefore” to highlight the cause and effect relationship between different ideas.
Comparison and contrast: Employ phrases such as “similarly,” “on the other hand,” or “in contrast” to draw comparisons or highlight differences between ideas, helping your audience understand distinct concepts better.
Time sequence: Signal the passage of time or progression of ideas with phrases like “before,” “afterward,” or “meanwhile.” This helps your audience follow the chronological order of events or thoughts.

Practice And Delivery Tips

To improve your use of verbal transitions, consider these practice and delivery tips:
Rehearse your speech: Practice delivering your speech multiple times, focusing on incorporating verbal transitions smoothly. This will help you become more comfortable and confident in your delivery.
Record and review: Record yourself delivering the speech and take note of areas where verbal transitions can be improved. Analyzing your performance will enable you to refine your delivery and strengthen your speech.
Seek feedback: Request constructive feedback or have a trusted person observe your speech. They can provide valuable insights on how to enhance your verbal transitions and overall impact.

Remember, incorporating verbal transitions in your speech not only enhances its coherence but also ensures that your ideas are effectively communicated and understood by your audience. By practicing and mastering these techniques, you’ll become a more engaging and persuasive speaker.

Keep honing your skills, and watch your speech captivate and inspire your listeners.

Leveraging Nonverbal Transitions

Discover the power of nonverbal transitions in connecting your ideas during speeches. Utilize effective words and phrases that enhance the flow of your presentation and engage your audience. Say goodbye to common speech transition pitfalls and captivate your listeners with seamless transitions.

In the realm of public speaking, effective speech transitions are crucial for connecting ideas and maintaining the attention of your audience. While verbal transitions are commonly employed, nonverbal cues can be just as powerful in conveying a seamless flow of thoughts.

This section will explore the various ways to leverage nonverbal transitions, including visual cues, body language, gestures and facial expressions, the importance of eye contact, and how to convey confidence and professionalism.

Visual Cues And Body Language:

Visual cues play a vital role in indicating transitions and maintaining engagement during a speech.
Use confident and purposeful body language to signify a change in topic or shift in ideas.
Positioning yourself differently on stage or adjusting your stance can visually communicate a transition to your audience.
Maintain an open and relaxed posture, which indicates a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Gestures And Facial Expressions:

Utilize gestures and facial expressions to enhance the impact of your nonverbal transitions.
Gesture with your hands to emphasize key points or signal a transition to a new idea.
Employ facial expressions to convey enthusiasm, surprise, or seriousness, making your transitions more engaging and memorable.

Importance Of Eye Contact:

Eye contact is a powerful nonverbal tool that establishes a connection with your audience and aids in smooth transitions.
Engage with individuals in different parts of the room, ensuring that your eye contact is inclusive and not only focused on a single person or section.
During transitions, maintain eye contact to signal that you are moving on to a new topic or idea.
The use of eye contact can also help you gauge the audience’s reaction and adjust your delivery accordingly.

Conveying Confidence And Professionalism:

Nonverbal transitions are instrumental in conveying confidence and professionalism throughout your speech.
Maintain a calm and composed demeanor, which instills confidence in your audience.
Avoid fidgeting or excessive movements that may distract from your message.
By utilizing nonverbal cues effectively, you can create a sense of professionalism and competence, enhancing your overall speaker presence.

Incorporating nonverbal transitions into your speech can significantly improve its flow, captivate your audience, and reinforce your message. Visual cues, body language, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, and conveying confidence and professionalism are all essential elements in creating a seamless and engaging speaking experience.

Practice and master these nonverbal techniques to elevate your speech to new heights.

Transitioning Between Different Sections Of A Speech

Transitioning between different sections of a speech is crucial for maintaining a coherent flow and engaging the audience. By utilizing effective speech transitions, you can seamlessly connect your ideas, avoiding clichés and repetitive terms, to ensure a captivating and impactful delivery.

Transitioning between different sections of a speech is crucial to maintain the flow and coherence of your ideas. To ensure a smooth transition, consider using the following techniques:

Introducing A New Topic Or Main Idea

Pose a question: Start a new section by asking a thought-provoking question that introduces your audience to the upcoming topic. For example, “have you ever wondered how technology has revolutionized the way we communicate?”
Provide a brief anecdote or story: Capture your audience’s attention by sharing a relevant story or anecdote that sets the stage for the new topic. This personal touch will engage your listeners from the start.
Use a powerful quote: Begin your section with an impactful quote that relates to the subject matter. This will immediately draw your audience’s attention and create curiosity about the upcoming discussion.

Summarizing Key Points

Highlight the main ideas: Summarize the key points you have discussed so far in a concise and clear manner. This allows your audience to understand the progress of your speech and reinforces the central ideas you want them to remember.
Use transition words: Employ transition words and phrases such as “” “to summarize,” or “in conclusion” to signal that you are summarizing the main points. This helps the audience mentally prepare for the upcoming summary.

Shifting Focus Or Transitioning To A Conclusion

Preview the provide a glimpse of what your conclusion will entail without delving into the details. This primes your audience for the upcoming ending, creating anticipation and signaling the shift in focus.
Ask for the audience’s attention: Use phrases like “now, let’s turn to the final part of our discussion” to redirect the attention back to the conclusion. This helps maintain engagement and refocuses the audience’s thoughts on the closing remarks.
Reinforce the central theme: Remind your listeners of the central theme or main message of your speech. This will ensure that the concluding remarks connect back to the core ideas you have been discussing.

Remember, effective transitions are like signposts that guide your audience through your speech. By utilizing these techniques, you can navigate between different sections smoothly and keep your audience fully engaged.

Tips For Effective Transitioning

Discover practical tips for effective transitioning in your speech through the use of appropriate words and phrases. Enhance the flow of your ideas by avoiding overused terms and incorporating a variety of expressions at the beginning of paragraphs. Keep your sentences concise and engaging to maintain the reader’s interest.

Preparing And Rehearsing Transitions:

Craft a list of transitional words and phrases: To ensure smooth and seamless transitions between your ideas, compile a list of words and phrases that can serve as connectors. Examples include “however,” “in addition,” and “on the other hand.”
Identify logical connections: Assess the flow of your speech and identify the logical connections between each point. This will help you determine the appropriate transitional words or phrases to use.
Practice aloud: Once you have selected your transition words and phrases, practice incorporating them into your speech. Rehearse it several times to ensure that the transitions feel natural and help maintain the overall coherence of your ideas.

Using A Variety Of Transition Methods:

Implement signposts: Signposts are words or phrases that indicate where you are in your speech and where you are going next. Examples include “firstly,” “next,” and “finally.” By using these signposts, you guide your audience through your speech, making it easier for them to follow along.
Utilize parallel structure: Parallel structure involves using the same grammatical structure for each point in your speech. This creates a rhythm and consistency that facilitates smooth transitions. For example, instead of saying “i like hiking and to swim,” you would say “i like hiking and swimming.”
Incorporate rhetorical questions: Asking a rhetorical question can help transition from one idea to the next seamlessly. It engages your audience and prompts them to reflect on the previous point before moving on to the next one.
Use visual aids: Visual aids such as slides or props can serve as effective transition tools. By visually emphasizing the connection between ideas, you can make the transition more apparent to your audience.
Provide summaries: Summarizing the main points of each section can be a powerful transition technique. It allows you to recap what has been discussed and prepare your audience for the upcoming topic.

Maintaining A Natural And Conversational Tone:

Avoid using jargon: To keep your speech accessible and engaging, avoid using technical jargon or overly complicated language. Opt for words and phrases that your audience can easily understand.
Vary sentence lengths: Using a mix of short and long sentences adds rhythm and variety to your speech. This prevents monotony and keeps your audience engaged.
Practice active voice: Choosing active voice sentences instead of passive voice helps maintain a conversational tone. Active voice is more direct and engaging, making it easier for your audience to follow along.
Engage with the audience: Encourage audience participation throughout your speech by asking for their thoughts or experiences related to your topic. This creates a more conversational and interactive atmosphere.
Adjust your pace: Pay attention to your speaking pace and adjust it accordingly. Speaking too fast can make it difficult for your audience to process the information, while speaking too slowly can lead to disengagement. Aim for a rhythmic and natural pace.

Remember, effective transitioning is crucial for the cohesiveness and clarity of your speech. By preparing and rehearsing your transitions, utilizing a variety of transition methods, and maintaining a natural and conversational tone, you can ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are speech transitions.

Speech transitions are words and phrases used to connect ideas and help the audience follow your presentation more smoothly. They create a logical flow and make it easier for listeners to understand and remember your key points.

Why Are Speech Transitions Important?

Speech transitions are important because they enhance the coherence and clarity of your speech. They help your audience navigate through your ideas and maintain their attention. Transitions also make your speech more engaging and polished, leaving a lasting impact on your listeners.

What Are Some Common Speech Transition Words And Phrases?

There are various speech transition words and phrases you can use, such as “in addition,” “however,” “on the other hand,” “moreover,” “as a result,” “to summarize,” and “finally. ” These transition words and phrases can help you transition between different ideas, compare and contrast points, and summarize information.

How Can Speech Transitions Improve My Public Speaking Skills?

Using speech transitions in your presentations enhances your public speaking skills by making your speech more organized, coherent, and impactful. With effective transitions, you can smoothly guide your audience through your ideas, keeping them engaged and helping them understand and remember your message.

To sum up, utilizing effective speech transitions is essential for seamless and coherent delivery. By incorporating appropriate words and phrases, you can effectively connect your ideas and guide your audience through your speech. Whether you are emphasizing a point, introducing a new topic, or providing examples, utilizing transitional words and phrases enhances the overall flow of your speech.

Moreover, these transitions help to maintain your audience’s engagement and comprehension. From using simple transitional words like “firstly” and “next,” to employing complex connectors such as “in contrast” and “similarly,” the right speech transitions can transform your speaking style. By following these guidelines and practicing your delivery, you can become a confident and compelling speaker.

Remember, speech transitions are powerful tools that can transform your speech from disjointed to cohesive, ensuring that your ideas are conveyed clearly and effectively. So, the next time you give a speech, make sure to incorporate these essential speech transitions and watch your message resonate with your audience.

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13 Transitions: Bridging Ideas for a Seamless Presentation

Good transitions can make a speech more important to the audience because they feel they are being taken to a positive conclusion without having to travel a bumpy road. – Joe Griffith

Transitions

The difference between a novice speaker and an advanced speaker is in how they bridge the gap between ideas. Learning to use transitions effectively will help take your speaking to the advanced level. Transitions can be one word, a phrase, or a full sentence.

The audience is dying to know the relationship between ideas. Their brains are hard-wired for that. It’s more important when you are speaking than when you are writing because the listeners can’t go back – they have to get it when it happens. If the brain is bored, or gets tired because it’s overwhelmed, or gets confused – it can’t stay in that place, so it daydreams, creating its own interest. Speech Coach Max Dixon, Westside Toastmasters.

So, let’s get started. I have included various transition types for you to consider. These do little good if you read them and do not use them. This list works best if you read it now and then revisit it every time you write a speech.

Let’s begin with…
First, I’d like to share with you…
Now that you’re aware of the overview, let’s begin with…
Our first stop is…
I will first cover…
My first point covers…
To get started, let’s look at…

The Order of Things

After that…
Next…
Second thing…
Our next stop is…
Let me tell you about your next step.

Steve Jobs Commencement to Stanford University

Steve Jobs clearly previews his main points, “Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That’s it. No big deal. Just three stories.” He flows smoothly between points with clear transitions.

“The first story is about connecting the dots.”
“My second story is about love and loss.”
“My third story is about death.”

Watch Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Address

Between Similar Points

In the same way…
In addition…
Likewise…
Similarly…

Between Disagreeing Points

Conversely…
Despite this…
The flip side of the issue…
However…
On the contrary…
On the other hand…
On the other side …
Yet, we cannot ignore …
The opposing argument …
If we examine the opposite side, we see …

Introduce an example

This is best illustrated by an example…
For instance…
Take the case of…
For example…
To understand this…
Let me illustrate this by…

Introduce Research

To make the point…
As illustrated by…
Case in point…
To solidify this point…
As researched by…

Cause and effect

Therefore…
Thus…
Consequently…
As a result…
This is significant because…
Hence…
Resulting in…
For that reason …
The effect is…

Elaboration

Also…
Besides…
What’s more…
In addition/additionally…
Moreover…
Furthermore…

Transition to a Demonstration

Let me show you how this works…
Let me demonstrate this…
Now that we’ve covered the theory, let’s see it in action …
Next, I’d like to let you see this for yourselves…

Introducing Your Visual

As you can see from this chart…
I’d like you to notice that…
The table indicates…

Questions as Transitions

Now that you know the problem, what do you think will solve it?
What do you think will solve this crisis?

Connective: A word or phrase that connects the ideas of a speech and indicates the relationship between them.

Transitions: A word or phrase that indicates when a speaker had finished one thought and it moving on to another.

Internal preview: A statement in the body of the speech that tells the audience what the speaker is going to discuss next.

Internal summary: A statement in the body of the speech that summarizes the speaker’s preceding point or points.

Signpost: A very brief statement that indicates where a speaker is in the speech or that focuses attention on key ideas.

From the Art of Public Speaking by Stephen Lucas

THOUGHTS FROM A FORMER STUDENT

One thing I learned in class that made me a better speechwriter was to pay attention to the transitions. In our outlines, there was space for our main points, but also our transitions between them. At the beginning of the semester, I thought this was a waste of time planning out my transition for a speech and that I would just wing it the day of, but I soon realized how important they were. Transitions are like the finishing touches that make everything fall together in a speech.

You may have some interesting points or facts to give to your audience, but without transitions, you have nothing to connect your points and create a narrative. An audience is much more interested in a talk if there is a continuing idea or theme, and transitions help create this. I found this out by watching the other students in my class as they learned to use transitions as well. I loved the speeches that were clearly organized and had a common idea with transitions.

Zoe Lawless, Honors Public Speaking, University of Arkansas

Movement as Transition

Many people don’t think about movement as a type of transition, but it can be a very powerful way to help your audience transition between ideas.

Setting out a visual or putting it away signals a change in ideas.
Some speakers will imagine a baseball diamond laid out on the floor and move to each base throughout the speech. Their opening comment is at home plate. Point one is delivered on first, point two on second, and point three on third. They stand back on their home plate to deliver the final closing statements.
One speaker that I met said he always has a special place that is his big idea place. He may move around during his speech but when he wants the audience to know it is an important point, he stands in the big idea place.

Silence as a Transition

John Chappelear, speech consultant, suggests that the use of silence can be powerful. It is powerful, but it is not easy. Being able to stand silently in front of a large audience for 15-45 seconds requires practice. Sometimes you can use silence as a way to let the audience catch up and think deeply about what you just said.

Transitioning Between Slides

As the next slide shows…
As you can see…
Next, I will show you…

Transitioning to Visuals

I’d like to direct your attention to…
This diagram compares…
Now, I’d like to illustrate this with…

Signaling the End is Near

In conclusion…
To sum it up…
Lastly…
In a nutshell…
To recap…
I’d like to leave you with…
Finally, I’d like to say…
The takeaway from all of this is…
To summarise…

Moving to the Next Speaker

I told you about the most credible theories about climate change, now John will share with you some examples of what you can do.
I’m going to turn it over to Malachi, who will take you through the next few points.
Next, Angie will come up and talk about…
To help us understand this topic better, we have Beatrice, who will talk us through…
Look to the next speaker and motion towards them as they walk to the podium, Twila will tell you more…

Problems with Transitions

These are some of the most common problems with transitions:

Not planning out transitions and just “winging it.”
Using fancy phrases inconsistent with the rest of the speech.
Saying, “I have five points” and then having only four or miscounting the points.
Overusing the same transitional phrase.
Long pauses before transitions as the speaker tries to figure out what to say next.

Tricks on Smoothly Presenting Transitions

Now you have a list of ideas to use when you write your next speech, let’s talk about how to use transitions effectively. Speakers typically struggle as they end one point and seek to move to the next idea. This usually happens because of poor planning, not enough practice, and poor note management. Let’s talk about these one at a time. First, poor planning happens because a speaker does not put enough time and effort into writing the speech. Second, not enough practice happened because even when a speech is practiced, it is practiced with regards to getting through the main points and not about moving smoothly between points. Finally, poor note management. Let me give you some tricks.

Make your notes large-larger than you think you need.
Give ample space between main ideas so you can look down and see the gap and know another point is coming.
On your notecards, make each main idea a different color.
I usually have a “T” in a circle to remind me that this is a transition statement.
Practice your speech twice by just reading the transition statements and the next sentence.
The night before your speech, visualize how you will manage the transitions.

Key Takeaways

Remember This!

Using transitions will help your speech flow smoothly.
Practice using your transitions.
Plan transitions for impact.

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Allgood, E., & Ebersole, T. (Eds.). (2017). C OMM 2100 public speaking: A workbook for student success . Fountainhead Press.

Beqiri, G. (2018). Speech transitions: Words and phrases to connect your ideas. https://virtualspeech.com/blog/speech-transitions-words-phrases

Dugan, A. (2013, August 26). Speech transitions: Magical words and phrases. http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/speech-transitions/

Effective speech transitions, how to make your speech flow. https://franticallyspeaking.com/effective-speech-transitions-how-to-make-your-speech-flow/

Jobs, S. (2005). Steve Jobs commencement address to Stanford University. [Video]. YouTube. https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/ Standard YouTube License.

Lawless, Z. (2020). Honors Public Speaking, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Used with permission.

Lucas, S.E. (2009). The art of public speaking. McGraw Hill.

Pace, P. (n.d). Bridge the gap–Speech transitions. https://westsidetoastmasters.com/article_reference/bridge_the_gap-speech_transitions.html#:~:text=%22I%20think%20body%20movement%20is,carries%20the%20audience%20with%20him.

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Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

A second round of testing was also carried out.
Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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The Power of Transitions and Closings in Presentations

Suppose you want to make a lasting impression on your audience during a presentation. In that case, mastering transitional phrases and strong conclusions is essential. Not only do they keep your audience engaged, but they also help you get your message across effectively.

In this post, we’ll explore the art of using transitional phrases and strong conclusions to succeed at giving presentations. Whether you’re a seasoned public speaker or just starting out, this post will provide you with tips and tricks to keep your audience’s attention throughout your presentation.

Introduction

Have you ever sat through a presentation that left you feeling bored or disinterested? Or have you ever given a presentation that failed to get your message across effectively? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with public speaking, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it.

One of the most important aspects of a successful presentation is using transitional phrases and strong conclusions. These two elements can make or break your presentation, so it’s crucial to master them.

Explanation of Transitional Phrases

Transitional phrases are words or phrases that connect one idea to the next. They help to create a smooth flow between different parts of your presentation, making it easier for your audience to follow along.

Transitional phrases can be used in many different ways, depending on the type of presentation you’re giving. For example, use them to introduce a new topic, summarize a point you just made, or transition to the next section of your presentation.

Transitional phrases for your presentations

As an experienced presenter, there are a variety of transitional phrases that you can use to keep your audience engaged and focused on your message. Some examples include:

“Moving on to the next point,…”
“Building on that idea,…”
“Perhaps most importantly, let me add this…”
“If there is one thing to learn, remember this…”
“This is why it’s important to…”

These phrases are not only effective in guiding your audience through your presentation but also help to keep your audience focused. Not only that, they help to create a natural flow between ideas.

Ultimately, the best transitional phrases will depend on the specific content and structure of your presentation, but incorporating a variety of these phrases can help to elevate your presentation and make it more memorable for your audience.

More Examples of Transitional Phrases

Here are some examples of transitional phrases you can use in your presentations:

“ Moving on to our next topic…”
“ Now, let’s take a look at …”
“ Next up …”
“ Let’s switch gears and talk about…”
“ In addition to reducing your risk of chronic diseases, a healthy diet can also improve your mood and energy levels.”
“ Moreover , studies have shown that people who eat a balanced diet are more productive and have better cognitive function.”
“ On the other hand , a diet high in processed foods and sugar can increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.”

Remember Why It Is Important

Using transitional phrases is essential because they keep your audience engaged and help them understand the structure of your presentation. Without them, your presentation can feel disjointed and hard to follow.

In addition, using transitional phrases shows you’re well-prepared and confident in your presentation. It helps to establish credibility and can make you appear more professional.

Tips and Tricks

To use transitional phrases effectively, it’s crucial to practice and become comfortable with them. Here are some tips to help you master the art of transitional phrases:

Keep it simple . Use short and clear phrases that are easy to understand.
Practice your transitions . Make sure you know exactly when and how to use your transitional phrases.
Use them consistently . Don’t use transitional phrases in some parts of your presentation and then neglect them in others.
Use them sparingly. Use transitional phrases sparingly, or they can become distracting and take away from your message.
Plan ahead : Before you start your presentation, make sure you have a clear outline of the main points you want to cover. This will help you choose the right transitional phrases to connect your ideas.
Use signposts : Signposts are words or phrases that signal to your audience that you are moving on to a new point. Some examples of signposts include “firstly,” “secondly,” “in summary,” and “finally.”
Vary your phrases : Using the same transitional phrases repeatedly can become monotonous. Try to mix up your phrases to keep your audience engaged.
Practice, practice, practice : The more you practice using transitional phrases, the more natural and effortless they will become.

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35 Powerful Presentation Phrases in English for Engaging Your Audience

Your palms are sweating.

For a moment, your mind goes blank.

All eyes are on you.

That moment right before you start presenting – as you take in your audience – is usually the scariest. The nervousness lessens with practice, but even the most frequent public speakers still get butterflies in their stomach sometimes. Whether you’re facing an entire room of people or looking at everyone through your laptop screen, giving a presentation can still be intimidating – or exciting, once you move beyond the fear.

There’s an extra layer of challenge too if you have to speak in your non-native language. For a more professional-sounding and engaging presentation, we’ve compiled some of the most useful English presentation phrases below.

We’ll also explore what else you can do to make even more of an impact on your audience. With the right intonation, body language, and gestures, you’ll really be able to catch their attention and emphasize your points.

If this sounds interesting to you, you should check out the Creativa business meeting mastery course . There’s an entire video episode about giving a stunning presentation. You’ll learn about how to structure your ideas, deliver a report, and conclude a discussion. It covers not only fluent native phrases but also body language demonstrations that you can apply to your work right away.

On top of this, the course has plenty of other engaging, high-quality video episodes that help you present your best self in English. Curious about it? You can access a free video here .

Delivering a Powerful Presentation

To lay the groundwork for your presentation in English, here’s what you’ll have to do first:

Consider the audience

You’re probably always going to need slides, but every presentation will be different – and the audience that you’ll be presenting to won’t always find the same points interesting. Because of this, you’ll have to tailor your message to them. What style of presentation would be a good fit? For example, some audiences would want to see a lot of number-crunching, while others might be looking for more personal storytelling .

Prepare a structure

Structure is key in presentations. People have short attention spans, and they can be forgetful. At the end of the day, your goal is for them to remember at least the main points in your presentation. What message do you want to convey? Since you might be discussing a lot of information, you can make it more digestible by ensuring that there’s a logical progression and then ending with a summary.

Whatever your topic is, it’ll benefit from having a well-defined structure to guide your audience from start to finish. For a cheat sheet on this, scroll down here to download a free PDF worksheet with exercises about structuring your presentation so you can be clear and convincing. This way, you can have a presentation that’s strong in all sections – beginning, middle, and end.

Key Business Phrases

Once you’ve decided on the style and message of your presentation, you can take it up a notch by including certain English presentation phrases all throughout. Let’s break it down from start to finish:

Introduction

This is when you’ll be warming up your audience before you proceed to your main points.

Greeting the audience

If you’re presenting to people who aren’t too familiar with you, you can quickly introduce yourself and mention your role or company.

Good morning, everyone. I’m glad to be able to present to all of you.
Hello, everyone! It’s nice to see all of you today. I’m [name], the [position] from [company].

Describing your topic

After greeting the audience, you’ll be explaining to them what your presentation is all about. To set their expectations, you might show them an outline of the talk and mention if there’ll be any activities such as breakout discussions.

I’ll be talking about…
I’ll be talking about our financial metrics over the past year.
The topic of this presentation will be…
The topic of this presentation will be major trends in the logistics industry.
I’ll be discussing first the [first topic], next [second topic], and finally [third topic].
I’ll be discussing first the project’s ideation process, next our initial trial, and finally, presenting our results.

Addressing questions and technical concerns

People might be wondering if they can ask questions during your presentation, so you can clarify this at the start. If you’re providing handouts or presenting online, it’s useful to ask people to alert you about any technical concerns.

Please feel free to ask any questions during the talk.
For questions, there will be a Q&A section at the end.
Can all of you see and hear me properly? Please let me know if you have any technical difficulties during the presentation.

The body will make up the bulk of your presentation. Ideally, you would go through each of your points logically while letting your audience know when you’re moving on to the next section.

The longer your presentation, the more important it is to use sequencing phrases. These act as cues that let your audience know where you are in the presentation. You can think of these as similar to detour signals that make the audience much more likely to get your meaning.

First, let’s discuss the…
First, let’s discuss the initial spark for this idea.
Moving into [the next item / point] …
Moving into item 4, we can see that this is a major pain point for our target market.
This leads us to the next…
This leads us to the next section, where we’ll be looking at the facts and figures.

Linking is closely related to sequencing. Similar to writing, you can have a smoother presentation by connecting your ideas rather than suddenly jumping from one point to another. You can also refer back to points that you’ve mentioned before to make your presentation more cohesive.

In connection to what I said earlier…
In connection to what I said earlier about growing our online presence, we can now look into potential social media campaigns.
What this means is…
What this means is that most of our growth is coming from a certain sector. Let’s analyze the data for this in the next section.
This ties in with…
This ties in with our survey findings about user reactions. I’ll go into detail about changes we’ve made to the app as a result.

Giving examples

To fully convey your point, you can bring up specific examples and case studies. These are much more memorable as well as engaging because you can tell these in the form of a story.

For example…
For example, costs were reduced significantly when we switched to the following materials.
To demonstrate this point…
To demonstrate this point, I’ll be showing you a video of a business that used this problem-solving method.
Here’s an example of…
Here’s an example of a seasonal product that our customers loved.

Showing visuals

Visuals naturally attract people’s attention. If you’re using slides for your presentation, take the opportunity to include images, diagrams, infographics, or even charts.

As you can see from this…
As you can see from this photo, we’ve redesigned our office space.
Here’s a diagram / picture / chart that shows…
Here’s a diagram that shows a high percentage of people are comfortable with online shopping.
If you look at this…
If you look at this infographic, you can see that the new color palette comes off as fun and casual.

Citing data

Citing data from research makes your presentation more persuasive. When you’re talking about results that you’ve achieved, try to bring up actual numbers – this can go a long way towards impressing your audience.

According to this study…
According to this study from [journal], 65% of eCommerce companies are looking for more efficient payment methods.
Based on our research…
Based on our research, the most enthusiastic buyers of wellness products in this city are in the 20 to 30 age range.
Looking at the data…
Looking at the data, you’ll notice that there’s been an 18% spike in sales since we migrated our platform.

Restating an idea

Sometimes you’ll want to restate an idea so it’s easier to understand. This also serves to emphasize it. Because of the repetition, people are more likely to remember it compared to if you’d only mentioned it once.

In other words…
In other words, partnering up with this client can make our operations more efficient and seamless.
Another way of saying this is…
Another way of saying this is that there might actually be more demand than supply by next year.
What I mean is…
What I mean is we’re already more than halfway to our business objective.

Handling technical issues

When you’re presenting on video call, all kinds of glitches can happen. Someone might have connection issues, you might have to figure out an app feature you’ve never used before, or background noises might keep interrupting your call. The phrases below can be very handy in these kinds of situations.

If you can’t hear me, can you type in the chat, please?
Could everyone mute their mic? There’s a lot of background noise.
Sorry. The call dropped. I’m back through.

Concluding the Presentation

By this time, the hardest part is already over! Still, you’ll have to wrap up your presentation nicely by going over the key takeaways during the conclusion. Your audience might also have questions that they’ll want you to address.

Summarizing the presentation

Out of everything that you’ve discussed, what would you like people to get out of it? A short summary towards the end serves to highlight your main ideas.

To wrap up…
To wrap up, I’d like to point out three major takeaways.
As a summary…
As a summary of this report update, I would say we have seen a positive uptick in our workflow and productivity.
All in all…
All in all, we believe we’ve seen good results for this stage of our progress.

Thanking the audience

Similar to your greeting at the start, it’s common to address your audience again towards the end by thanking them for their time.

Thank you for listening!
Thank you to everyone for being here.
I’d like to thank you all for coming here.

Addressing questions

If you’re open to questions from your audience, you can have a short question-and-answer session after your presentation.

Do you have any questions or clarifications?
Feel free to ask me about any of the points I made during the presentation.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Practice is Crucial

When you’re all set with the content of your presentation, the next step is to practice your delivery. Regardless of how well you know the topic of your presentation, practicing it at least once will help you be more confident. You’ll discover potential issues that you can fix too before you go live.

Do a run-through

The most basic way to practice is to do a run-through of your entire presentation . Set a timer on your phone, open up your slides, then start talking – all while imagining that you’re already presenting to your audience. Since you’re acting as if it’s in real-time, this means avoiding any pauses where you have to look up information.

A run-through can pinpoint any weaknesses in your presentation, and you’ll notice any parts where you might be uncomfortable talking. You’ll also be able to see how much time you’ve spent so you can pace yourself accordingly.

Record yourself

A more intensive version of the run-through basic would be to record yourself presenting. You can either record your voice or take a full video of yourself. People often notice that they use filler words a lot such as “um” or “uh.” You’ll also be able to check your pronunciation and whether you sound confident and natural all throughout.

Since body language can make or break your delivery, watching a video of yourself presenting is an incredibly effective way to improve your performance. Do your facial expressions match what you’re saying? Are you maintaining good posture throughout and making efforts to connect with the audience?

When you combine a confident, approachable body language with the right business vocabulary, your ideas shine through better than ever. You can get a play-by-play of how exactly to do this with the Creativa business meeting mastery course . It features video sections that are all about making powerful transitions and expressing your points clearly during presentations. You’ll learn about specific native English phrases and gestures so you can move fluidly from one idea to the next.

Together with the other episodes, the course dives deep into how you can be a strong communicator during professional meetings. For a preview, check out this free episode .

Presenting on Video Call

Technical issues happen often enough in face-to-face presentations, but they’re even more frequent during video calls. To avoid any awkward delays when you’re presenting, get comfortable with the platform that you’ll be using.

If it’s a face-to-face presentation, double-check your slides and make sure any images or videos are showing properly. For video calls, try doing a test call on the app or even call up a friend to practice. You can also get familiar with the app’s basic features, such as screen-sharing or inviting people to breakout rooms.

But sometimes, even when you’ve practiced your presentation perfectly on video call, the unexpected can still happen. Scroll down here to download a free worksheet that we made precisely for dealing with technical issues in presentations. You’ll get an extensive list of English phrases to use for all sorts of video call glitches, along with practical tips for handling them in the moment. With enough preparation, you’ll be able to roll with surprises and conquer even video call presentations.

Let’s explore some of the most common glitches (and how you can deal with them gracefully!):

Situation 1: You’re having a hard time hearing other people because of their laggy connection.

For a presentation to work, everyone needs to have a decent internet connection. If someone’s connection drops, they won’t be able to see or hear you properly, and you won’t understand what they’re trying to say, either. In this case, let them know right away that you can’t hear them. You can also ask them to talk to you over chat instead.

Example Phrases:

[Name], you’re cutting in and out. Would you mind reconnecting?
Audio problems – can you type it on chat instead?

Situation 2: You get disconnected from the call.

In the case that it’s your connection that’s faulty, you might have to disconnect then reconnect your call. This can be awkward because it interrupts the flow of your presentation. Alerting your audience using certain English phrases can reassure them while getting you back on track with what you were saying.

Sorry, guys, dropped call. But I’m back.
Connection problems, everyone. Gonna log out and back in.

Situation 3: People are having a hard time figuring out how to turn on their audio or video.

Another reason why you’d want to be really familiar with the video platform is you might have to coach people when they experience glitches. It’s almost expected that a few people might accidentally forget to turn on their mic while speaking. Alternatively, they might have issues with turning on their camera.

I can’t see you, [name]. [Give instructions on how to turn on their video.]
I can’t see you, Fatima. Look for the camera icon and make sure there’s no red line through it.
Typing in chat: “Make sure your mic’s unmuted.” [Clarify how they’ll know if they’re unmuted.]
Typing in chat: “ Make sure your mic’s unmuted. There should be no red lines through it.

The best presentations excel in all three areas: content, structure, and delivery.

Including some of the key English phrases above will upgrade your performance. Aside from setting a professional tone, these English presentation phrases set the pace for your audience so they’re aware of where you are in the discussion. Your message will sound clearer, and your audience will be able to follow your ideas better.

The basic rules for presentations are the same, whether you’re on a video call or stepping in front of a stage. With the tips above, you’re all set to prepare an amazing presentation in English.

Module 4: Organizing and Outlining

Connecting your main points.

“Golden Gate Bridge” by RyanJWilmot. CC-BY-SA .

Since main points are discrete and interconnected ideas, and since every speech contains more than one main point, it is necessary to strategically make connections between one point and another. To link the ideas of your speech, you will need to develop signposts , “words and gestures that allow you to move smoothly from one idea to the next throughout your speech, showing relationships between ideas and emphasizing important points.” [1] There are several ways to incorporate signposts into your speech, and it is important to do so since these small signals keep listeners engaged and informed about where you are in the speech. Transitional statements, internal previews, and summaries are all signposts that can help keep your speech moving along.

If you cry “forward,” you must without fail make plain in what direction to go. – Anton Chekhov

Transitional Statements to Show Similarity and Difference

To Show Similarity Between Points:

“Similarly”
“In the same way”
“In other words”

To Show Difference Between Points:

“Unlike the last point”
“On the other hand”
“Conversely”
“In opposition”
“Another view is that”

One way to connect points is to include transitional statements . Transitional statements are phrases or sentences that lead from one distinct- but-connected idea to another. They are used to alert audiences to the fact that you are getting ready to discuss something else. When moving from one point to another, your transition may just be a word or short phrase. For instance, you might say “next,” “also,” or “moreover.” You can also enumerate your speech points and signal transitions by starting each point with “First,” “Second,” “Third,” et cetera. The textbox above offers a short list of transitional statements that are helpful when you need to show similarity or difference between the points. You might also incorporate non-verbal transitions, such as brief pauses or a movement across the stage. Pausing to look at your audience, stepping out from behind a podium, or even raising or lowering the rate of your voice can signal to audience members that you are transitioning.

Another way to incorporate signposts into your speech is by offering internal previews within your speech. Internal previews, like the name implies, lay out what will occur during your speech. They tell the audience what to expect. Because audience members cannot flip back and forth between pages, internal previews help keep them on track and aware of what to be listening for and what to remember. Internal previews are similar to the preview statements you will learn about in the chapter on introductions and conclusions ( Chapter 9 ), except that they appear within the body of your speech and are more small-scale than the broad preview you should provide at the beginning of your speech. In general, internal previews are longer than transitional statements. If you were giving a problem-solution speech, you might include a variation of this internal preview: “Now that I have described the problems, let’s now discuss some ways that we can solve these issues.” The internal preview offers a natural segue from problems to solutions and makes audience members aware that another point is about to be made.

When speeches are longer than a few minutes and include complex ideas and information, speakers often include summaries within the body of their speech. Summaries provide a recap of what has already been said, making it more likely that audiences will remember the points that they hear again. Additionally, summaries can be combined with internal previews to alert audience members that the next point builds on those that they have already heard.

“Trout” by Jonathunder. CC-BY-SA .

The speaker below has just finished discussing several reasons trout habitats need federal protection, and next he will discuss some ways that audience members can agitate for government action on these issues. His combined internal preview and summary would look something like this:

So, in review, trout habitats need federal protection because they bear a large pollution burden, they mostly exist on private property, and they are indicators of other environmental health issues. Next, I will discuss some ways that you can encourage the federal government to protect these habitats.

In this example, the speaker first reminds audience members of what he has already addressed and then tells them what he will talk about next. By repeating the main points in summary fashion, the speaker gives audience members another opportunity to consider his main ideas.

Good communication does not mean that you have to speak in perfectly formed sentences and paragraphs. It isn’t about slickness. Simple and clear go a long way. – John Kotter

Beebe, S. A. & Beebe, S. J. (2003). The public speaking handbook (5th edition). Boston: Pearson. ↵
Chapter 8 Connecting Your Main Points. Authored by : Joshua Trey Barnett. Provided by : University of Indiana, Bloomington, IN. Located at : http://publicspeakingproject.org/psvirtualtext.html . Project : The Public Speaking Project. License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
Trout. Authored by : Jonathunder. Located at : http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Trout.jpg . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
Golden Gate Bridge 0002. Authored by : RyanJWilmot. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden_Gate_Bridge_0002.jpg . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

Using Transition Phrases to Keep Your Audience Engrossed in Your Presentation

By THE NEWMAN GROUP INC.

Many won’t be able to resist the temptation to take a peek at their smart phones. So how do you keep your audience involved and following the discussion?

Transition Phrases

Savvy speakers use Transition/Linking Phrases as the glue that holds their thoughts together so they can move seamlessly from one point to another.

It’s important to organize your presentation so that everything supports one main idea. Develop two to three key headlines to support that idea and then further elaborate with facts, anecdotes, case studies, visuals and other evidence.

Also including transitions to connect sentences and key messages will help the audience move from idea to idea. Transitions can make or break your presentation. Linking phrases can turn your presentation into a unified whole.

Transitions can also be tricky. You need to use words other than “but,” “however,” and “in addition.” The words you use will serve as punctuation marks and entice the audience to listen to your next points. Keep giving them the road map to follow throughout your presentation.

After you’ve introduced your main theme, consider the following transition phrases to get started:

I’d like to support____from three main aspects…
I’d like to discuss____from these three fundamental points of view…
Let’s cover____with three essential elements in mind…

Getting From Here to There

Launch your first key message with a phrase that says it’s your first point:

First, lets start with…
My first point covers…
I will talk first about…

Stick to that “chunk” of content and don’t jump to your other key messages until you conclude with a phrase like:

Moving on to our next area of interest…
Now, I’d like to discuss…
Our next important element is…

Or, it could just be that it’s getting close to lunch and people are restless. Whatever the reason, you’ve got to regain their attention. So pause, and give them a chance to get back in sync with you.

When finished with presenting your key messages, repeat them, beginning with a phrase such as, “I’ve just covered the three most important points about…”

The Closer

Now the audience is ready for your closing remarks. Please don’t use, “In conclusion…” because that’s the signal you’ve come to the end of your presentation and it’s OK to mentally tune out.

Instead, keep them listening with a more compelling phrase such as:

What I want you to take away from…
The thought I’d like to leave you with…
I strongly recommend that…

Call to Action

Don’t just say, “Thanks for listening” when you’re finished. Preface that with what you want the audience to do after the presentation. Include a call to action:

What I’d like to ask you to do now…
Can I ask for your support in…
My intention today is to convince you to take the next step and…

Transition phrases are the audience’s lifeline to your presentation. Choose them carefully so that your audience knows exactly where you are at any point in time. They will also help to keep you on track, so that you don’t begin wandering off topic and lose your own sense of direction.

Are there transition phrases that you use in your presentations that you find particularly effective? Please leave us a comment. We’d love to know what they are.

Transitive Verbs (englishpost.org)
How to Adapt to Your Audience and Develop and Effective Presentation (ronakb1.wordpress.com)
How to Introduce the Speaker Without it Sounding Like an Obituary (presenting-yourself.com)
Using Jargon and Acronyms Can Leave Your Audience in the Dark (presenting-yourself.com)

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Elevate Your Presentations: Mastering English Presentation Words and Phrases

The art of delivering a compelling presentation lies in the finesse of your language skills. It’s about crafting resonating sentences, choosing captivating words, and initiating a dialogue that piques curiosity. One must know how to maneuver through this landscape, from setting the scene with a powerful introduction to concluding with a thought-provoking statement. That’s where this guide comes in. It will give you key presentation sentences, phrases, and words to help elevate your communication skills.

Presentation Starting Phrases

In the realm of presentations, first impressions matter tremendously. Your opening words set the stage for the rest of your discourse, establishing the tone and drawing in your audience. The right choice of phrases can create a compelling introduction that commands attention and sparks interest. Here, we will explore a selection of presentation-starting words and phrases to help you set a strong foundation:

I’d like to start by…
Today, I’m here to discuss…
Let’s begin with a look at…
Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is…
It’s a pleasure to be here today to talk about…
Let’s dive straight into…
I would like to kick off with…
Firstly, let’s consider…
Have you ever wondered about…
Thank you for joining me as we explore…
Today’s focus will be on…
Let’s set the stage by discussing…
The topic at hand today is…
To start, let’s examine…
I want to begin by highlighting…

Crafting an engaging opening with the presentation starting words, is akin to opening the first page of a riveting novel. These phrases serve as a doorway, inviting your audience into the fascinating narrative you are about to share.

Setting the Scene: Key Presentation Phrases

Now that you have your audience’s attention, the next crucial step is to set the scene. It involves using key phrases to keep your audience engaged, clarify, and effectively communicate your main points. A well-set scene guides the audience through your presentation, helping them understand your narrative and easily follow your arguments. Let’s look at some essential phrases that can help you accomplish it:

Moving on to the next point, we see...
Delving deeper into this topic, we find...
An important aspect to consider is...
It leads us to the question of...
Another critical point to remember is...
To illustrate this point, let me share...
On the other hand, we also have...
Furthermore, it’s critical to note that...
Let’s take a moment to examine...
As an example, let’s look at...
The evidence suggests that...
Contrary to popular belief...
It’s also worth noting that...
Digging into this further, we discover...
Expanding on this idea, we can see...
Turning our attention to...
The data indicate that...
To clarify, let’s consider...
To highlight this, let’s review...
Putting this into perspective, we can infer...

These phrases help establish your narrative, maintain audience interest, and structure your arguments. They serve as signposts, guiding your audience through the presentation and facilitating understanding and engagement.

Transitioning Gracefully: Phrases for Presentation Flow

Transitioning between points or sections in your presentation is like steering a ship through water. Smooth navigation keeps your audience aboard, maintaining their interest and comprehension. Seamless transitions contribute to a coherent and compelling narrative, preventing abrupt jumps or confusing shifts in your discourse. The following phrases are powerful tools that can ensure your transitions are smooth and effective:

Moving forward, let’s consider...
With that said, let’s turn our attention to...
Now that we’ve discussed X, let’s explore Y...
Building upon this idea, we can see that...
Transitioning to our next point, we find...
Shifting gears, let’s examine...
Let’s now pivot to discussing...
Following this line of thought...
Linking back to our earlier point...
Let’s segue into our next topic...
It brings us neatly to our next point...
To bridge this with our next topic...
In the same vein, let’s look at...
Drawing a parallel to our previous point...
Expanding the scope of our discussion, let’s move to...
Having established that, we can now consider...
Correlating this with our next point...
Let’s transition now to a related idea...
With this in mind, let’s proceed to...
Steering our discussion in a new direction, let’s delve into...

These phrases connect threads, linking your ideas and ensuring your presentation flows smoothly. They give your audience cues, signaling that you’re moving from one idea or point to the next, making your discourse easy to follow.

Concluding Your Presentation in English

The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your audience. It’s a chance to wrap up your arguments, restate your main points, and leave your audience with a clear and compelling message to ponder. Here are some phrases that can assist you in crafting a memorable conclusion:

To sum up our discussion today...
In conclusion, we can say that...
Wrapping up, the key takeaways from our talk are...
As we come to an end, let’s revisit the main points...
Bringing our discussion to a close, we find...
In the light of our discussion, we can infer...
To synthesize the main points of our discourse...
To recap the primary themes of our presentation...
As we conclude, let’s reflect on...
Drawing our discussion to a close, the principal conclusions are...
As our dialogue comes to an end, the core insights are...
In wrapping up, it’s essential to remember...
Summarizing our journey today, we can say...
As we bring this presentation to a close, let’s remember...
Coming to an end, our central message is...

These phrases help you consolidate your arguments, summarize your main points, and end on a high note. A well-structured conclusion ensures your audience understands your presentation, its key messages, and its implications.

Polished Presentation Vocabulary

Apart from structured sentences and transitional phrases, the vocabulary you use can add a touch of sophistication. An expanded lexicon enriches your language and enhances your ability to express complex ideas with clarity and precision. Let’s explore a list of presentation words that can add depth and dimension:

Elucidate - make something clear, explain.
Pivotal - of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Insights - an accurate and deep understanding.
Nuanced - characterized by subtle distinctions or variations.
Leverage - use something to maximum advantage.
Perspective - a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something.
Synthesize - combine into a coherent whole.
Salient - most noticeable or important.
Correlation - a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
Framework - a basic structure underlying a system or concept.
Paradigm - a typical example or pattern of something.
Repercussions - an unintended consequence of an event or action.
Contemplate - look thoughtfully for a long time.
Manifestation - an event, action, or object that embodies something.
Escalate - increase rapidly.
Inherent - existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
Validate - check or prove the validity or accuracy of.
Consolidate - make something physically more solid.
Compelling - evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Delineate - describe or portray something precisely.

These words add a layer of sophistication to your presentation, conveying your thoughts and ideas more precisely. They expand your expressive capacity and lend an authoritative and professional tone to your speech. By integrating these words into your presentation, you can deliver your message with clarity and depth, engaging your audience more effectively.

The Corporate Edge: Navigating the Nuances of Business English Presentations

In the corporate world, effective communication is the linchpin of success. It’s an art that lies at the heart of all business interactions, from high-stakes meetings to persuasive pitches. And when it comes to delivering such a presentation, the task becomes even more critical. The business English presentation phrases you use, how you present your points, and the overall language command play a significant role in conveying your message effectively.

Presenting in a business setting often involves explaining complex ideas, discussing financial matters, and persuading potential clients or stakeholders. Here, the language must be precise, the tone - professional, and the content - structured. Unlike informal or academic ones, business presentations carry a certain degree of formality and specific jargon that sets them apart. However, business English idioms and expressions can help soften the formality, adding a touch of personality to your language.

Navigating the labyrinth of business English also involves acknowledging the importance of research and planning. A well-researched presentation reflects your dedication, expertise, and credibility. It shows you respect your audience’s time and are prepared to deliver value. It’s not just about memorizing facts and figures; it’s about understanding your topic thoroughly and answering queries convincingly.

Another characteristic of business presentations lies in their persuasive nature. Often, they are geared toward persuading clients, investors, or team members toward a particular course of action. Consequently, using persuasive techniques such as presenting benefits, sharing testimonials, or demonstrating success stories becomes prevalent. You’re not just providing information; you’re trying to influence decisions and drive action.

An essential but often overlooked aspect of business presentations is the importance of a strong opening and closing. The opening is your chance to grab the audience’s attention and make them invested in your talk, so knowing how to start a business presentation is essential. Conversely, the closing is your final shot at reinforcing your message and making a lasting impression.

Finally, business presentations often involve handling criticism or skepticism, especially when proposing new ideas or challenging existing norms. Here, your ability to accept feedback gracefully, address concerns effectively, and maintain your composure can significantly impact the outcome.

Learn Vocabulary for Presentations with Promova

Looking to expand your vocabulary for presentations and improve your language skills online ? Promova is here to help! Our platform offers various resources and courses to help learners of all levels master new words and expressions quickly, effectively, and confidently.

With personalized lessons from certified tutors , you can get one-on-one instruction that caters to your specific needs and learning style. Additionally, our app allows you to access interactive exercises, quizzes, and vocabulary lists anytime and anywhere for easy practice on the go. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner looking to fine-tune your language skills – we have got you covered.

Don’t let language barriers hold you back any longer – start your learning journey with Promova today and take the first step toward achieving your goals! Try it out now with a free lesson and see how easy and effective our approach is.

As we conclude, it’s clear that effective presentations in English rely on various linguistic elements. A strong beginning, transitions, and a powerful conclusion, all while using precise vocabulary, are critical. The ability to craft compelling sentences and phrases, set the scene effectively, and transition smoothly between ideas are essential for a successful presentation. And the correct vocabulary can add depth and dimension to your discourse while conveying professionalism.

What role does body language play in presentations?

Body language can significantly impact how your message is perceived. Effective use of gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions can amplify your points, show enthusiasm, and engage the audience. Conversely, negative body language can detract from your message.

How important is it to know your audience before a presentation?

Knowing your audience is crucial. It informs the level of detail you need to include, the words and phrases you use, the examples you choose, and even the humor you might incorporate. Tailoring your presentation to your audience’s knowledge and interests can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

What if I make a mistake during my presentation?

Everyone makes mistakes. If you stumble during your presentation, take a moment, compose yourself, and move on. Don’t let a minor error disrupt your flow. Remember, the audience is there to listen to your ideas, not critique your performance.

Are there some resources with more phrases for presentations?

Indeed, many resources are available if you’re seeking to delve deeper into the world of presentation phrases. The Cambridge Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Dictionary offer many valuable collocations, from simple expressions to sophisticated vocabulary.

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman (St. Martin’s Press).

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Signposts in Speeches: A Guide to Fully Unlock the Power

Going from a blank page to a full speech can be an intimidating process; however, once you have your outline and key points in hand, you will want to ensure that your key points are expressed in a clear, concise, and logical way. This is where signposting can come in handy! Signposting is defined as, “the practice of using words, phrases, and pauses to direct listeners through a speech.” Signposting is a great way to make sure that your listeners are able to keep up with you and find a logical progression in your speech.

What Are Signposts in Speech?

Signposts are verbal clues and indications within a speech that connects the audience with the topic and structure of the overall presentation . In essence, signposts are like waypoints within your speech or presentation, connecting different topics and ideas as you guide your audience from point A to point B. These indicators articulate clear transitions between elements of your speech, highlighting both the beginning and end of each point, as well as the importance of any further detail you may wish to discuss. To illustrate this point further, imagine a speech about the many unique tourist attractions found in California. At the start of your talk , you may use a sign post such as “Today we will explore some of California’s most iconic locations” to clearly indicate both the start and main focus of your talk. As you progress through your presentation, you can also use signposts such as “Now let’s look at some famous beaches in California” to help make transitions more seamless and to keep the audience connected to their overall context. Finally, when it is time to wrap up your discussion, you might use a signpost such as “That was just a brief overview of some of California’s main attractions”. Signposting not only gives structure and clarity to any speech or presentation but also helps ensure that an audience can follow along easily with what is being discussed. Yet on the other hand, too much signposting can also be detrimental; if an audience feels like they are being pulled through a presentation too rigidly or excessively reminded about what is being discussed, then it may negatively affect their engagement with the material being presented. Therefore when using sign posts during a speech it is important to do so purposefully and strategically; they should be used judiciously and only when needed. This way they will help maintain focus while still allowing for natural conversational dialogue in order to create an enjoyable experience for both speaker and listener alike. With that in mind, this brings us to our next section which will explore how signposts can help guide the audience during presentations or speeches.

Signposts Help Guide the Audience

Signposts help guide the audience through a speech or piece of writing. They work like stoplights, creating visual markers that direct readers to the important points quickly and effectively. Signposts can be used as simple summaries of a speaker’s main points or as more detailed explanations of how each point logically follows from the one before it. Used correctly, they not only allow the audience to keep up with the flow of the argument but also give them clues about what is coming next. It has been suggested that signposting is essential to an effective speech because it helps both the speaker and their audience stay focused on the material being presented. This type of structure assists in ensuring that everyone remains engaged, as well as allowing them to better absorb and remember the information being conveyed. Signposting also helps ensure a smooth transition between various sections of a speech and prevents arguments from becoming disjointed or confusing. On the other hand, some argue that too much use of signposts can limit originality and may result in speeches lacking fluidity and creative expression . Furthermore, there are times in which it can be difficult for a speaker to identify when and how to use them appropriately within their delivery, resulting in their use feeling forced or interrupting the momentum of the argument. The best approach is therefore to strike a balance between providing the audience with enough information to assist in comprehending your message without overwhelming them with too many details or sudden shifts in direction. Signposting helps guide the audience through complex speeches and arguments by connecting ideas together and clearly signaling transitions between topics. As we move into our next section on “Connecting Your Ideas Through Signposts”, you will learn more about how to properly utilize this helpful communication tool within your own speeches and presentations.

Connecting Your Ideas Through Signposts

In order to effectively communicate a message, it is important to properly link the ideas in your speech together. This is where signpost language can be useful in helping an audience to perceive the message you are trying to convey. Signposts are verbal cues used to draw attention to a change in topic, or transition, between ideas in a speech. These transitions within the speech help audience members make sense of the message and can be critical for persuasion. When constructing signposts it is important to remain concise and articulate. Signpost language should not be overwhelming, rather they should act as simple cues that express what kind of message transition is taking place and subtly explain why they are necessary. It is also important to connect signpost language consistently with the overall flow of your speech – use words and phrases throughout your address that naturally encourage movement or transition between ideas. Using signpost language helps structure an argument by breaking the larger concepts into smaller components that build upon one another. This builds interest because listeners can follow the progression more easily, understanding how each idea relates back to the main story line. By looking at the big picture and then slowly working through all of its facets, listeners feel more engaged as you take them slowly on a journey from point A to point B. Furthermore, signpost language is beneficial for debates because it allows for support of your arguments before contradicting them; making sure both sides of an opinion are heard. Constructive criticism then has more context when presented and understood by those participating in the discussion. Overall, effective use of signpost language can vastly improve the clarity and persuasiveness of your speech by providing structure and cohesion between ideas. To conclude this section, let’s move on to discussing how referring to previous ideas often ties well into using signposts in order to create connections among ideas throughout a speech.

Referring to Previous Ideas

When you refer back to a previous idea in your speech, it helps remind the audience of what was previously discussed. This serves as an effective transition between topics and reminds people how one topic is connected to another. By referring back to previous ideas, you also demonstrate that you are speaking with knowledge and confidence about the subject. This type of signposting adds structure and clarity to your speech and can be used to link different points together. For example, if you are discussing the risks associated with investing in stocks, you can start by reminding the audience of the positive aspects discussed earlier. This allows you to smoothly transition from one topic to another while preserving continuity in the overall flow of your speech. On the other hand, over-referring to previous ideas can make your speech seem repetitive or even create confusion. If you reiterate something too many times, it may cause listeners to tune out or lose interest in what you are saying. It is therefore important to find a balance when referring back to previous ideas so that your speech stays interesting and engaging for the audience. The Benefits of Signposting is a valuable tool for any speaker because it helps keep ideas organized and structured. In order for signposting to be effective, speakers must learn understand how and when to refer back to their own ideas in order create a clear narrative for listeners.

The Benefits of Signposting

The benefits of signposting in your speech are numerous. By clearly outlining where the discussion is heading, you can help your audience grasp the main points more quickly and help structure your argument for better results. Signposting can also provide helpful reminders to help keep the conversation on track; it allows you to plan ahead and anticipate issues that may arise throughout the speech. Signposting helps guide the conversation organically and can be used to transition from one topic to another in a smooth and natural way. The use of signposts also gives your presentation a more professional feel, helping maintain an organized and efficient flow to your talk. Furthermore, research on public speaking shows that audiences prefer speeches with clear signposts as they make it easier for them to stay focused and follow the discussion. Moreover, signposting can assist you in delivering a polished final product by making sure the main points are covered while remaining clear and understandable. However, some may argue that too much signposting is distracting and takes away crucial time that could be used exploring each point in greater detail. In reality though, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach — it all depends on how you as the speaker choose to craft your presentation. Signposting ultimately serves as an essential tool for effectively communicating ideas during any convincing presentation or persuasive speech. It helps create focus while establishing contextual links between your various thoughts and assertions which in turn encourages engagement from the audience members. As such, if used correctly signposting can effectively unlock the power of persuasion within any speech. Now that we have discussed the benefits of using signposting when crafting your narrative, let’s take a look at how it can help focus your speech in the next section.

Help You Focus Your Speech

Signposting allows you to guide the flow of your speech, helping you to stay organized and focused. It provides structure and direction that keep you on track throughout the entire presentation. Using signposts helps you clearly articulate your message and ensure that your audience can follow the logical progression of your argument. There are two main ways to help focus your speech. First, use signposts to develop clear transitions between different points in your presentation, making it easier for audience members to follow along as you move from one idea to another. Second, use signposts to periodically reiterate the main point of your talk and how it relates to other points in the discussion. This will remind listeners of the overall scope of what you are discussing and help them remain focused on the big picture. Additionally, signposting allows you to anticipate potential areas where your audience might struggle with comprehension or begin drifting off topic, allowing you to address those issues before they become problematic. You can also use signposts to emphasize important ideas or points within your talk – by explicitly stating something like “this is an important concept” or “let’s take a look at this data”, you are guiding listeners’ attention directly to the point that needs clarifying or elaboration. These strategies will help ensure that your audience is following along with your discussion and open up more opportunities for engagement. By effectively incorporating these elements into your speech, you can make sure that everyone is hearing what you have to say and remaining focused on the content of your talk. By recognizing our ability to tailor our language and visual cues while presenting we can help our audience understand our arguments more fully and with greater clarity. This will give us more opportunity for meaningful dialogue and effective communication across all perspectives which can ultimately help us accomplish our objectives through persuasive dialogue and negotiation. With this key information in mind, let’s take a look at how we can use signposting to help our audience follow our dialogue.

Most Important Summary Points

Signposting is an effective way to guide the flow of your speech and provide structure that keeps you and your audience focused. It also helps to prevent confusion or misunderstanding by providing clear transitions between points and periodically reiterating main ideas. Signposting allows you to anticipate possible issues before they become problematic, highlight key concepts, and open up opportunities for more meaningful dialogue and engagement. This allows us to use persuasive dialogue and negotiation to more effectively accomplish our objectives.

Help Your Audience Follow Your Dialogue

The way you help your audience follow your dialogue is by providing signposts. Signposts are verbal markers such as statements, phrases and/or words that allow listeners to better understand the direction in which you are heading with your speech. They communicate important information so that audience members know where you’re going with your speech and how the various points connect to one another. Those opposed to the use of signposts may argue that they make speeches sound rigid and lacking in creativity. However, research suggests that signposting actually aids flow and transitions between points, making speeches more engaging for audiences. Others may also point out that using too many signposts causes speakers to sound repetitive and monotonous. While it is true to an extent, using signposts can actually help speakers demonstrate their audience’s main points more clearly without sounding redundant. When used effectively, signposting allows members of your audience to keep up with your arguments and stay on track throughout the duration of your presentation or talk, rather than getting bogged down in all of the details. Effectively using signposts helps listeners to have a much better grasp on what you’re talking about and allows them to draw connections between individual points, resulting in a more engaging experience overall. By providing helpful signposts in your talk or presentation, you can ensure that your audience understands precisely what you’re saying and can easily follow along with each point. Now, let’s move onto the next section about how to use signposts effectively!

How to Use Signposts Effectively

Signposting is an invaluable tool when giving a speech and can have a dramatic impact on the audience’s understanding and enjoyment of the material. As such, it is essential that speakers learn how to use signposts effectively, helping to provide structure and clarity to their presentation. There are a few key tips for effective signposting that speakers should take into account. Firstly, signposts should be used as often as necessary throughout a presentation in order to keep the audience engaged . Too few signposts can lead to confusion, whereas too many can sound tedious and detract from the content itself. Secondly, the language chosen for signposts should be kept simple and straightforward. The aim of signposting is to tell the audience where you are headed with your argument or ideas, not to confuse them further or introduce additional complexity. Finally, it is important to make sure that signposts fit naturally into the overall flow of a presentation. A succinct phrase is all that’s generally required, no more than 3-5 words if possible, so as not to detract from the content of the speech itself. That said, some would argue that rather than relying heavily on signposting each point in a speech with overly elaborate language, more attention should be paid to crafting powerful statements and stories around individual points. While there is value in this approach – ensuring that certain points stand out regardless of whether they have been prominently signposted or not – it should not come at the cost of clarity and structure entirely. Signposting can go a long way towards making sure that everyone is on the same page during a presentation and making sure the most important points are understood. With this in mind, it is crucial for speakers to ensure they properly highlight the most important points in their presentation through effective use of signposting. This will be discussed further in the next section.

Highlight the Most Important Points

When you are giving a speech, it is important to highlight the most crucial points. This can help ensure that your audience is understanding and retaining key concepts. One way to do this is by using signposting language. Signposting language is language used to shift the audience’s focus from one point to another in order to guide them through your spoken message. It also communicates which of your points are the most significant. For example, when providing background information on a particular topic, you can begin with phrases like “What’s most important is…” or “Most notably…” These phrases give clear indications of which parts of the story are essential and should be remembered to understand the overall concept. Similarly, when transitioning between arguments, use phrases like “Let’s turn our attention to…” or “Essential to consider…” in order to equip the audience with crucial details. On the other hand, some may choose to not signpost at all. They believe doing so takes away from their natural flow and would rather rely on making a few key points throughout their presentation that yield the same purpose as signposting for listeners. Proponents of this school of thought may prefer a conversational style or storytelling format because it tends to be more engaging for audiences. In either case, being aware of how you can highlight your main points is important for conveying your message effectively and allowing your listeners to apprehend vital concepts from your speech. Now that we have discussed how you can emphasize the main points within your speech, let’s move on to understanding presentation structure.

Understanding Presentation Structure

As a speaker or presenter, it is important to understand the structure of your presentation in order to master signposting effectively. The structure should be made clear from the beginning and should remain consistent throughout your speech. Signposting helps to make this transition between topics and ideas smooth for both the speaker and the audience. When constructing a presentation, consider both the logical flow of ideas and how much time you have allocated for each topic. Make sure that each part ties into an overall goal or conclusion by using signpost words or phrases that indicate when you are changing direction or moving towards a conclusion. This can help inform your audience about what will come next without overwhelming them with too much information. It may also be helpful to provide some sort of visual aid or introduction at the beginning of your presentation so that everyone can be on the same page regarding where you are going in the discussion. It may also be useful to include a summary slide or wrap up your talk with a quick review of what has been said during the course of your talk if you feel it would assist the audience in understanding its structure better. Signposting during your presentation is essential in providing clarity and ensuring that all members of the audience are engaged in what you are saying. Using signposts alerts your listeners that something new is coming and allows you to transition more easily between topics. By understanding how to effectively present a structured speech, speakers can make use of signposting as an effective tool for connecting with their audiences and furthering their messages. By mastering signposting techniques, speakers can ensure their message reaches even further and engage wider audiences more deeply than ever before. With this guide on using signposting in speech, you can now begin developing effective presentations that leave lasting impressions on listeners.

Examples of Singposts in Speeches

“First, I will give an overview of the issue we’re addressing. Then, I’ll outline some of the key challenges we face, and finally, I’ll propose some potential solutions.”

Let me begin by introducing our panelists for today’s discussion. After their opening remarks, we’ll move on to a Q&A session, and then wrap up with some closing thoughts.”

“To better understand the impact of this policy, I’d like to first provide some background information on the history of this issue. Then, I’ll examine the current state of affairs, and finally, I’ll offer some insights into the potential future implications.”

“Before we dive into the details, let me start by giving you an overview of the structure of my presentation. I’ll begin by discussing the problem we’re trying to solve, then I’ll move on to some potential solutions, and finally, I’ll offer some closing thoughts on how we can move forward.”

In the next few minutes , I’d like to share with you three key takeaways from my research. First, I’ll discuss the overall trends in the data. Second, I’ll explore some of the factors driving those trends. And finally, I’ll highlight some potential implications and opportunities for future research.”

Conclusion: Signpost in Speech

Signposting is an invaluable tool that can take your speeches to the next level. By providing clear direction and purpose, your audience can easily follow along and understand the main points of your speech. Ultimately, signposting allows you to fully capture and communicate your message to those listening. In closing, it’s important to note that while signposting can be beneficial, its importance should not be overstated. Too much signposting can often become distracting rather than reinforcing your point. It’s important to strike a balance between continuously informing your audience while also using natural pauses , body movements, and other forms of non-verbal communication to control the flow of your speech. Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to utilizing signposting in your speeches, being mindful of how you address transitions and emphasize key points can greatly enhance their impact. The more practice you give yourself with signposting techniques, the more comfortable you’ll become at delivering speeches or presentations with confidence and poise. Overall, signposting offers a powerful way for individuals to deliver engaging speeches that are memorable and effective. While mastering the art of signposting takes time, implementing these tips into each speech will undoubtedly improve both its delivery and reception from the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions and Responses

How can i properly structure signposting in a speech.

Structuring signposting in a speech is not overly complicated, but it does require some preparation. To begin, you should determine the overall structure of the speech, including the main points and any relevant background information. Once this is done, you can then insert signposts identifying the points and giving an indication as to what each point entails. At each major transition in your speech, you should use a signpost such as: “Now that we have discussed XYZ, let’s take a look at ABC…” Signposting not only serves to indicate where you are going in your speech, it also aids in keeping listeners interested by giving them clues about what is coming next. Additionally, it can serve to reinforce key points and transitions within the speech so that they remain clear to the listener long after the speech is over. Finally, signposts increase continuity of presentation by indicating a logical progression from one point to the next.

How can I effectively use signposting in my speech?

Signposting is a powerful technique to make your speech more organized and persuasive. It allows you to control the direction of your argument and give your audience a better sense of what you’re talking about, making it easier for them to follow your argument. To effectively use signposting in your speech: 1.Organize Your Ideas Before You Speak – Before delivering your speech, take some time to plan out the structure and main points of your arguments. This will help you focus on what’s important in terms of the message you want to convey, as well as allowing you to anticipate any questions or objections that might arise during your discussion. 2.Introduce Your Topic – Begin with a brief overview of the topic and state why it’s important or relevant. This will set the scene for the rest of your discussion and provide context for each point. 3.Use Signposts to Guide Your Audience – Introduce signposts throughout your speech, giving your listeners a sense of direction so they know what’s coming next and can follow along with ease. It may be helpful here to use phrases such as “firstly”, “secondly”, “in conclusion” etc., to ensure everyone is keeping up with where you are in the presentation/speech. 4.Repeat Key Points & Summarize – To ensure that all of your points have been taken onboard by your audience, repeat key points from time-to-time throughout the presentation/speech and at the conclusion, provide a summary of these points so they can be cemented into memory. By taking these steps when delivering a speech or presenting an argument, you can ensure that signposting is used effectively and efficiently, helping strengthen the overall message whilst ensuring continuity between each point made throughout the presentation/speech.

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Complete Guide for Effective Presentations, with Examples

July 9, 2018 - Dom Barnard

During a presentation you aim to look confident, enthusiastic and natural. You’ll need more than good words and content to achieve this – your delivery plays a significant part. In this article, we discuss various techniques that can be used to deliver an effective presentation.

Effective presentations

Think about if you were in the audience, what would:

Get you to focus and listen
Make you understand
Activate your imagination
Persuade you

Providing the audience with interesting information is not enough to achieve these aims – you need to ensure that the way you present is stimulating and engaging. If it’s not, you’ll lose the audience’s interest and they’ll stop listening.

Tips for an Effective Presentation

Professional public speakers spend hours creating and practicing presentations. These are the delivery techniques they consider:

Keep it simple

You shouldn’t overwhelm your audience with information – ensure that you’re clear, concise and that you get to the point so they can understand your message.

Have a maximum of three main points and state them at the beginning, before you explain them in more depth, and then state them at the end so the audience will at least remember these points.

If some of your content doesn’t contribute to your key message then cut it out. Also avoid using too many statistics and technical terminology.

Connect with your audience

One of the greatest difficulties when delivering a presentation is connecting with the audience. If you don’t connect with them it will seem as though you’re talking to an empty room.

Trying to make contact with the audience makes them feel like they’re part of the presentation which encourages them to listen and it shows that you want to speak to them.

Asking the audience questions during a presentation

Eye contact and smile

Avoiding eye contact is uncomfortable because it make you look insecure. When you maintain eye contact the audience feels like you’re speaking to them personally. If this is something you struggle with, try looking at people’s foreheads as it gives the impression of making eye contact.

Try to cover all sections of the audience and don’t move on to the next person too quickly as you will look nervous.

Smiling also helps with rapport and it reduces your nerves because you’ll feel less like you’re talking to group of faceless people. Make sure you don’t turn the lights down too much before your presentation so you can all clearly see each other.

Body language

Be aware of your body language and use it to connect:

Keep your arms uncrossed so your body language is more open .
Match your facial expressions with what you’re saying.
Avoid fidgeting and displaying nervous habits, such as, rocking on your feet.
You may need to glance at the computer slide or a visual aid but make sure you predominantly face the audience.
Emphasise points by using hand gestures but use them sparingly – too little and they’ll awkwardly sit at your side, too much and you’ll be distracting and look nervous.
Vary your gestures so you don’t look robotic.
Maintain a straight posture.
Be aware of cultural differences .

Move around

Avoid standing behind the lectern or computer because you need to reduce the distance and barriers between yourself and the audience. Use movement to increase the audience’s interest and make it easier to follow your presentation.

A common technique for incorporating movement into your presentation is to:

Start your introduction by standing in the centre of the stage.
For your first point you stand on the left side of the stage.
You discuss your second point from the centre again.
You stand on the right side of the stage for your third point.
The conclusion occurs in the centre.

Watch 3 examples of good and bad movement while presenting

Example: Movement while presenting

Your movement at the front of the class and amongst the listeners can help with engagement. Think about which of these three speakers maintains the attention of their audience for longer, and what they are doing differently to each other.

Speak with the audience

You can conduct polls using your audience or ask questions to make them think and feel invested in your presentation. There are three different types of questions:

Direct questions require an answer: “What would you do in this situation?” These are mentally stimulating for the audience. You can pass a microphone around and let the audience come to your desired solution.

Rhetorical questions do not require answers, they are often used to emphasises an idea or point: “Is the Pope catholic?

Loaded questions contain an unjustified assumption made to prompt the audience into providing a particular answer which you can then correct to support your point: You may ask “Why does your wonderful company have such a low incidence of mental health problems?” The audience will generally answer that they’re happy.

After receiving the answers you could then say “Actually it’s because people are still unwilling and too embarrassed to seek help for mental health issues at work etc.”

Be specific with your language

Make the audience feel as though you are speaking to each member individually by using “you” and “your.”

For example: asking “Do you want to lose weight without feeling hungry?” would be more effective than asking “Does anyone here want to lost weight without feeling hungry?” when delivering your presentation. You can also increase solidarity by using “we”, “us” etc – it makes the audience think “we’re in this together”.

Be flexible

Be prepared to adapt to the situation at the time, for example, if the audience seems bored you can omit details and go through the material faster, if they are confused then you will need to come up with more examples on the spot for clarification. This doesn’t mean that you weren’t prepared because you can’t predict everything.

Vocal variety

How you say something is just as is important as the content of your speech – arguably, more so.

For example, if an individual presented on a topic very enthusiastically the audience would probably enjoy this compared to someone who covered more points but mumbled into their notes.

Adapt your voice depending on what are you’re saying – if you want to highlight something then raise your voice or lower it for intensity. Communicate emotion by using your voice.
Avoid speaking in monotone as you will look uninterested and the audience will lose interest.
Take time to pronounce every word carefully.
Raise your pitch when asking questions and lower it when you want to sound severe.
Sound enthusiastic – the more you sound like you care about the topic, the more the audience will listen. Smiling and pace can help with this.
Speak loudly and clearly – think about projecting your voice to the back of the room.
Speak at a pace that’s easy to follow . If you’re too fast or too slow it will be difficult for the audience to understand what you’re saying and it’s also frustrating. Subtly fasten the pace to show enthusiasm and slow down for emphasis, thoughtfulness or caution.

Prior to the presentation, ensure that you prepare your vocal chords :

You could read aloud a book that requires vocal variety, such as, a children’s book.
Avoid dairy and eating or drinking anything too sugary beforehand as mucus can build-up leading to frequent throat clearing.
Don’t drink anything too cold before you present as this can constrict your throat which affects vocal quality.
Some people suggest a warm cup of tea beforehand to relax the throat.

Practice Presentation Skills

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Pause to breathe

When you’re anxious your breathing will become quick and shallow which will affect the control you have on your voice. This can consequently make you feel more nervous. You want to breathe steadily and deeply so before you start speaking take some deep breaths or implement controlled breathing.

Controlled breathing is a common technique that helps slow down your breathing to normal thus reducing your anxiety. If you think this may be useful practice with these steps:

Sit down in an upright position as it easier for your lungs to fill with air
Breathe in through your nose and into your abdomen for four seconds
Hold this breathe for two seconds
Breathe out through your nose for six seconds
Wait a few seconds before inhaling and repeating the cycle

It takes practice to master this technique but once you get used to it you may want to implement it directly before your presentation.

Take a deep breath when delivering a presentation

Completely filling your lungs during a pause will ensure you reach a greater vocal range.

During the presentation delivery, if you notice that you’re speaking too quickly then pause and breathe. This won’t look strange – it will appear as though you’re giving thought to what you’re saying. You can also strategically plan some of your pauses, such as after questions and at the end of sections, because this will give you a chance to calm down and it will also give the audience an opportunity to think and reflect.

Pausing will also help you avoid filler words , such as, “um” as well which can make you sound unsure.

10 Effective Ways to use Pauses in your Speech

Strong opening

The first five minutes are vital to engage the audience and get them listening to you. You could start with a story to highlight why your topic is significant.

For example, if the topic is on the benefits of pets on physical and psychological health, you could present a story or a study about an individual whose quality of life significantly improved after being given a dog. The audience is more likely to respond better to this and remember this story than a list of facts.

Example: Which presentation intro keeps you engaged?

Watch 5 different presentation introductions, from both virtual and in-person events. Notice how it can only take a few seconds to decide if you want to keep listening or switch off. For the good introductions, what about them keeps you engaged?

More experienced and confident public speakers use humour in their presentations. The audience will be incredibly engaged if you make them laugh but caution must be exercised when using humour because a joke can be misinterpreted and even offend the audience.

Only use jokes if you’re confident with this technique, it has been successful in the past and it’s suitable for the situation.

Stories and anecdotes

Use stories whenever you can and judge whether you can tell a story about yourself because the audience are even more interested in seeing the human side of you.

Consider telling a story about a mistake you made, for example, perhaps you froze up during an important presentation when you were 25, or maybe life wasn’t going well for you in the past – if relevant to your presentation’s aim. People will relate to this as we have all experienced mistakes and failures. The more the audience relates to you, the more likely they will remain engaged.

These stories can also be told in a humorous way if it makes you feel more comfortable and because you’re disclosing a personal story there is less chance of misinterpretation compared to telling a joke.

Anecdotes are especially valuable for your introduction and between different sections of the presentation because they engage the audience. Ensure that you plan the stories thoroughly beforehand and that they are not too long.

Focus on the audience’s needs

Even though your aim is to persuade the audience, they must also get something helpful from the presentation. Provide the audience with value by giving them useful information, tactics, tips etc. They’re more likely to warm to you and trust you if you’re sharing valuable information with them.

You could also highlight their pain point. For example, you might ask “Have you found it difficult to stick to a healthy diet?” The audience will now want to remain engaged because they want to know the solution and the opportunities that you’re offering.

Use visual aids

Visual aids are items of a visual manner, such as graphs, photographs, video clips etc used in addition to spoken information. Visual aids are chosen depending on their purpose, for example, you may want to:

Summarise information.
Reduce the amount of spoken words, for example, you may show a graph of your results rather than reading them out.
Clarify and show examples.
Create more of an impact. You must consider what type of impact you want to make beforehand – do you want the audience to be sad, happy, angry etc?
Emphasise what you’re saying.
Make a point memorable.
Enhance your credibility.
Engage the audience and maintain their interest.
Make something easier for the audience to understand.

Visual aids being used during a presentation

Some general tips for using visual aids :

Think about how can a visual aid can support your message. What do you want the audience to do?
Ensure that your visual aid follows what you’re saying or this will confuse the audience.
Avoid cluttering the image as it may look messy and unclear.
Visual aids must be clear, concise and of a high quality.
Keep the style consistent, such as, the same font, colours, positions etc
Use graphs and charts to present data.
The audience should not be trying to read and listen at the same time – use visual aids to highlight your points.
One message per visual aid, for example, on a slide there should only be one key point.
Use visual aids in moderation – they are additions meant to emphasise and support main points.
Ensure that your presentation still works without your visual aids in case of technical problems.

10-20-30 slideshow rule

Slideshows are widely used for presentations because it’s easy to create attractive and professional presentations using them. Guy Kawasaki, an entrepreneur and author, suggests that slideshows should follow a 10-20-30 rule :

There should be a maximum of 10 slides – people rarely remember more than one concept afterwards so there’s no point overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
The presentation should last no longer than 20 minutes as this will leave time for questions and discussion.
The font size should be a minimum of 30pt because the audience reads faster than you talk so less information on the slides means that there is less chance of the audience being distracted.

If you want to give the audience more information you can provide them with partially completed handouts or give them the handouts after you’ve delivered the presentation.

Keep a drink nearby

Have something to drink when you’re on stage, preferably water at room temperature. This will help maintain your vocal quality and having a sip is a subtle way of introducing pauses.

Practice, practice, practice

If you are very familiar with the content of your presentation, your audience will perceive you as confident and you’ll be more persuasive.

Don’t just read the presentation through – practice everything, including your transitions and using your visual aids.
Stand up and speak it aloud, in an engaging manner, as though you were presenting to an audience.
Ensure that you practice your body language and gesturing.
Use VR to practice in a realistic environment .
Practice in front of others and get their feedback.
Freely improvise so you’ll sound more natural on the day. Don’t learn your presentation verbatim because you will sound uninterested and if you lose focus then you may forget everything.
Create cards to use as cues – one card should be used for one key idea. Write down brief notes or key words and ensure that the cards are physically connected so the order cannot be lost. Visual prompts can also be used as cues.

This video shows how you can practice presentations in virtual reality. See our VR training courses .

Two courses where you can practice your presentations in interactive exercises:

Essential Public Speaking
How to Present over Video

Try these different presentation delivery methods to see which ones you prefer and which need to be improved. The most important factor is to feel comfortable during the presentation as the delivery is likely to be better.

Remember that the audience are generally on your side – they want you to do well so present with confidence.

IMAGES

👉 Linking Words: List of Sentence Connectors in English with Examples
👉 Linking Words: List of Sentence Connectors in English with Examples
Linking Words, Connecting Words: Full List and Useful Examples • 7ESL
Useful Linking Words for Writing Essay in English
Useful Linking Words for Writing Essays in English
Linking Words

VIDEO

CONNECTOR TO CONNECT SENTENCES#connectorinenglish
Techniques for Mastering Topic Sentences and Paragraph Structures In IELTS Writing
Types of sentences presentation at Bhittai Public High School Larkana
COMMONLY USED CONNECTING WORDS HOW TO USE THEM IN SENTENCES #tamilmedium #spokenenglish #helpstudy
PPF20: 2d
Types of Sentences

COMMENTS

Speech transitions: words and phrases to connect your ideas
From these examples, you can see how the different sections of the presentations link which makes it easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged. Anecdotes. You can tell personal stories or share the experiences of others to introduce a point. Anecdotes are especially valuable for your introduction and between different sections of the ...
101 Must-Know Transition Phrases for Engaging Presentations ...
General vocabulary for presentations. Sometimes, the smallest changes in your presentations can make the biggest differences. One of them is to learn a few phrases that give you confidence during your speech. Here are some important verbs to get you started: To outline. To clarify. To highlight. To emphasize.
52 Phrases for Better Flowing English Presentations
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.
Updated for 2024
Hopefully, these phrases help you to vary your vocabulary for clear, well-structured presentations with a logical joined-up flow. The most important thing, of course, is that you are comfortable and confident in your delivery, which helps the audience feels relaxed and ready to be engaged by your subject matter. Good luck!
Speech Transitions: Words And Phrases to Connect Your Ideas
Craft a list of transitional words and phrases: To ensure smooth and seamless transitions between your ideas, compile a list of words and phrases that can serve as connectors. Examples include "however," "in addition," and "on the other hand.". Identify logical connections: Assess the flow of your speech and identify the logical ...
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Transitions. The difference between a novice speaker and an advanced speaker is in how they bridge the gap between ideas. Learning to use transitions effectively will help take your speaking to the advanced level. Transitions can be one word, a phrase, or a full sentence. The audience is dying to know the relationship between ideas.
Transition Words & Phrases
Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples. Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield. Revised on August 23, 2023. Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the ...
Mastering Presentation Transitions & Closings: The Ultimate Guide
Here are some examples of transitional phrases you can use in your presentations: "Moving on to our next topic…". "Now, let's take a look at…". "Next up…". "Let's switch gears and talk about…". "In addition to reducing your risk of chronic diseases, a healthy diet can also improve your mood and energy levels.".
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Let us look at different types of speech transition words and phrases: 1. Transition Between Similar Ideas. As the name suggests, this transition connects two similar ideas by showing where one ends and the next begins. This type of speech transition examples includes: likewise, similarly, in a similar way, etc. 2.
PDF Connecting Words and Phrases
Connecting Words and Phrases Transitions, Signposts, and Logical Connectors . Adapted from Burton, G. (2013). Presenting: Deliver presentations with confidence. London: HarperCollins. Introduce Topic and Purpose . The topic I want to talk about today is…
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35 Powerful Presentation Phrases in English for Engaging Your Audience. Your palms are sweating. For a moment, your mind goes blank. All eyes are on you. That moment right before you start presenting - as you take in your audience - is usually the scariest. The nervousness lessens with practice, but even the most frequent public speakers ...
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To Show Difference Between Points: "However". "Unlike the last point". "On the other hand". "Conversely". "In opposition". "Another view is that". One way to connect points is to include transitional statements. Transitional statements are phrases or sentences that lead from one distinct- but-connected idea to another.
Using Transition Phrases to Keep Your Audience Engrossed in Your
Also including transitions to connect sentences and key messages will help the audience move from idea to idea. Transitions can make or break your presentation. Linking phrases can turn your presentation into a unified whole. Transitions can also be tricky. You need to use words other than "but," "however," and "in addition."
Presentation in English: Unlock Effective Communication
It will give you key presentation sentences, phrases, and words to help elevate your communication skills. Presentation Starting Phrases. ... These phrases connect threads, linking your ideas and ensuring your presentation flows smoothly. They give your audience cues, signaling that you're moving from one idea or point to the next, making ...
150+ Essential Business Presentation Phrases (+ 8 Tips)
Use a bold or surprising statement that challenges the audience's assumptions. For example: "Traditional SEO will be dead in five years.". Make sure your opening lines directly address the needs and interests of your audience. For example: "By the end of this presentation, you will know…".
How to Connect With The Audience for Public Speaking Success
Key Takeaways. Establishing a genuine connection with the audience is crucial for effective public speaking, as it engages listeners and builds rapport. Techniques such as responding to the audience, making eye contact, using appropriate humor, and sharing personal experiences help to create this connection.
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In essence, signposts are like waypoints within your speech or presentation, connecting different topics and ideas as you guide your audience from point A to point B. These indicators articulate clear transitions between elements of your speech, highlighting both the beginning and end of each point, as well as the importance of any further ...
Complete Guide for Effective Presentations, with Examples
Ensure that your presentation still works without your visual aids in case of technical problems. 10-20-30 slideshow rule. Slideshows are widely used for presentations because it's easy to create attractive and professional presentations using them. Guy Kawasaki, an entrepreneur and author, suggests that slideshows should follow a 10-20-30 rule:
Making a presentation: language and phrases (1)
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.].