Presentations in English
Tips for a successful presentation
Keep to the time limit. Your instructor/listeners won’t cut you off, but they will get very
(quietly) impatient. Culturally, usually when a time limit is given, the giver really means it.
Don’t memorize your presentation word-for-word. it will sound bad.
Don’t read your presentation from a piece of paper, either.
Don’t read your PowerPoint slides. PowerPoint slides should be used to put just a few words
showing the main points, or a relevant chart, picture, etc.
Smile. It’s ok to smile. You’ll still look serious.
Don’t go too fast. I have heard many ESL presentations over the years, and almost everyone
goes too fast.
Your listener should know what is coming next before you say it. Remember the “sandwich”
principle!
Especially when stating main points, use a focus word to guide the listeners’ attention.