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.
Example Presentation: “How to care for a baby”
[NOTE: We have used an imaginary topic with very simple vocabulary so we can focus on the
arrangement of the content, not the meaning]
1) Select the topic of your presentation.
2) Choose the central idea, or thesis, of your essay. For example:
“Babies need to be fed, held, and loved.”
3) Outline your presentation to include the introduction, body with main point, and conclusion.
a) Optionally/depending on the circumstances: Begin the presentation by telling who you
are, and why you are qualified to speak on the topic at hand. For example:
My name is _____, and I have two children – and they both have survived so far. Today
I am going to speak about how to care for your baby.
b) The introduction often continues with an interesting example, illustration, or question.
For example:
“Most of you will become parents someday. But do you know how to take care of a
baby?”
c) After this introduction, add your thesis statement from above. You may add a goal
statement, or some more brief information about the order of what is to follow.