How to give a presentation in English

Summary

In this lesson, Rebecca, a corporate trainer, offers valuable strategies for delivering effective presentations in English, especially for non-native speakers. She emphasizes using simple language, speaking slowly, and having visuals professionally edited. Rebecca also advises using active verbs, transition words, and avoiding jargon, slang, and crutch words. She highlights the importance of clear communication, body language, and handling Q&A sessions. The lesson also directs viewers to a website for further resources on overcoming fear, structuring presentations, and accessing templates.

Takeaways

• 😀 **Use Simple Language**: Aim for clarity by using uncomplicated words to ensure your message is understood.
• 🔍 **Speak Slowly**: To enhance comprehension, especially for those unfamiliar with your accent, speak more slowly than you think is necessary.
• 🎨 **Professionally Edit Visuals**: Ensure all visual materials are checked for grammatical and spelling errors to maintain a professional appearance.
• ⚡ **Use Verbs Over Nouns**: Verbs make your speech more dynamic and easier to follow compared to heavy noun usage.
• 🏋️ **Prefer Active Verbs**: Active voice is clearer and more direct than passive voice, making your presentation more engaging.
• 🤝 **Work with a Trainer**: Collaborate with a professional to refine your presentation skills and receive constructive feedback.
• 🔄 **Incorporate Transition Words**: Use transition words to guide your audience through your presentation, enhancing clarity.
• 📝 **Write Down Important Numbers**: Clarify numerical values in writing to avoid confusion due to different cultural interpretations.
• 🚫 **Avoid Abbreviations and Jargon**: Explain acronyms and avoid industry-specific language to reach a wider audience.
• 📎 **Steer Clear of Slang**: Refrain from using slang unless you're confident in its correct application to maintain professionalism.
• 🚶 **Ditch Crutch Words**: Avoid fillers like 'um' and 'uh'; embrace silence while gathering your thoughts to appear more composed.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Rebecca's lesson in the provided transcript?

The main focus of Rebecca's lesson is to teach strategies for giving a more effective presentation in English, especially for non-native speakers.

Why is giving a presentation in English considered difficult for non-native speakers?

Giving a presentation in English is considered difficult for non-native speakers due to language barriers, potential lack of confidence, and the challenge of communicating effectively in a language that is not their own.

What is the first strategy Rebecca suggests for giving a successful presentation in English?

The first strategy Rebecca suggests is to use simple language, as complicated words can lead to misunderstandings if the speaker is not comfortable or certain of their meanings.

Why is speaking slowly important when giving a presentation in English as a non-native speaker?

Speaking slowly is important because it can help make the speaker more understandable to the audience, especially if they have an accent that might make comprehension more difficult.

What does Rebecca advise regarding the editing of presentation visuals?

Rebecca advises having the presentation visuals professionally edited by a native English speaker or an editor to avoid grammatical or spelling errors that could compromise the presentation's professionalism.

Why should one use more verbs rather than nouns in a presentation?

Using more verbs makes the content lighter and easier to understand, as opposed to using nouns, which can make the information heavier and more difficult to grasp.

What is the benefit of using active verbs instead of passive verbs in a presentation?

Using active verbs makes the presentation clearer and more direct, as it emphasizes the doer of the action, making it easier for the audience to follow the message.

What role can a professional English trainer or presentation coach play in improving one's presentation skills?

A professional English trainer or presentation coach can provide feedback, help identify strengths and weaknesses, and offer guidance on how to improve presentation skills effectively.

Why are transition words important in a presentation?

Transition words are important because they help the audience follow the presenter's train of thought, providing clarity and coherence to the presentation's structure.

Why should important numbers be written down during a presentation, especially for an international audience?

Writing down important numbers ensures clarity for all audience members, as numerical terms can vary significantly across different cultures and regions.

What are some things one should avoid doing when giving a presentation in English according to the transcript?

One should avoid using abbreviations or acronyms without explanation, jargon, slang, and crutch words. These can confuse the audience or make the presentation sound unprofessional.

Where can one find more strategies and information on giving a successful presentation in English?

More strategies and information can be found on the website www.presentationprep.com, which offers free resources and guidance on various aspects of presentation skills.

Outlines

00:00

📝 Effective English Presentation Techniques

Rebecca, a corporate trainer, introduces strategies for non-native English speakers to deliver presentations more effectively. She emphasizes the importance of using simple language, speaking slowly for clarity, and having visuals professionally edited to avoid grammatical errors. Rebecca also suggests using more verbs over nouns and active verbs instead of passive ones to make the presentation clearer and more engaging. Additionally, she recommends working with a trainer for personalized feedback and improvement.

05:07

🗣️ Enhancing Clarity and Avoiding Missteps in Presentations

This paragraph focuses on the use of transition words to improve the flow of a presentation and the importance of clearly writing down numbers due to cultural differences in numerical terminology. Rebecca advises against using abbreviations or jargon that may confuse the audience and to avoid slang, which can be misused and sound unprofessional. She also warns against crutch words, which are fillers used when speakers are unsure of what to say next, and encourages embracing silence while thinking instead.

10:11

🌐 Additional Resources for Mastering English Presentations

Rebecca concludes by highlighting additional skills needed for a successful English presentation, such as overcoming fear, using body language effectively, structuring presentations for clarity, and handling the question and answer session confidently. She directs viewers to the website www.presentationprep.com for more information, strategies, and resources like presentation templates to aid in their preparation for future presentations.

Keywords

💡Presentation

A presentation is a form of oral communication where the speaker shares information or ideas to an audience, often using visual aids. In the context of the video, the theme revolves around effectively giving presentations in English, particularly for non-native speakers. The script emphasizes the importance of clear communication and confidence in professional settings.

💡Simple Language

Using simple language refers to employing straightforward and easily understood words and phrases. The script advises against using complicated vocabulary when giving a presentation in English, as it can lead to misunderstandings if the speaker is not fully comfortable with those terms. This concept is crucial for ensuring clarity and comprehension by the audience.

💡Accent

An accent refers to the distinct pronunciation unique to a particular region or country. The video script mentions that speakers with an accent, especially non-native English speakers, should speak more slowly to enhance understanding. This is important for effective communication, as it allows the audience to better follow the presentation.

💡Visuals

Visuals in a presentation include slides, images, graphs, and other visual aids that support the spoken content. The script stresses the importance of having these professionally edited to avoid grammatical or spelling errors, which can detract from the presentation's professionalism.

💡Verbs vs. Nouns

The distinction between using verbs and nouns is highlighted in the script to illustrate the impact on the ease of understanding. Using verbs can make a presentation more dynamic and easier to follow, as opposed to using nouns, which can make the content feel heavier and more difficult to digest, as demonstrated by the example of 'The post office delivered the package' versus 'The delivery of the package took place'.

💡Active Verbs

Active verbs are used to describe actions in a direct and clear manner. The script contrasts active verbs with passive verbs, showing that active constructions ('ABC Housing rented 5000 apartments') are more straightforward and engaging than passive ones ('5000 apartments were rented by ABC Housing').

💡Trainer

A trainer in the context of the video is a professional who provides guidance and feedback to improve presentation skills. Working with a trainer is recommended for those looking to enhance their English presentation abilities, as they can offer personalized advice and strategies to overcome specific challenges.

💡Transition Words

Transition words are connectors used to guide the audience through the different parts of a presentation. The script suggests using such words as 'furthermore', 'nevertheless', and 'on the contrary' to enhance clarity and help listeners follow the speaker's train of thought.

💡Numbers

In the script, the importance of clearly writing down numbers is emphasized due to cultural differences in how they are described or pronounced. For instance, the number 'one hundred thousand' might be referred to as 'one lakh' in India. This ensures that all audience members, regardless of their background, can understand the figures presented.

💡Abbreviations

Abbreviations are shortened forms of words or phrases. The video advises against using abbreviations or acronyms that may not be familiar to the audience. Instead, speakers should use the full name initially and introduce the abbreviation only after it has been clearly explained, to avoid confusion.

💡Jargon

Jargon refers to specialized language or terminology used within a specific profession or group. The script warns against using jargon in presentations given to a general audience, as it can alienate listeners who are not familiar with the specific terms, thus hindering the message's clarity.

💡Slang

Slang consists of informal words and expressions that are not part of the standard language. The video script advises against using slang in presentations, especially for non-native English speakers, as it can come across as unprofessional if used incorrectly.

💡Crutch Words

Crutch words are filler sounds or words used when a speaker is searching for the right word or thought. The script describes these as unnecessary and suggests avoiding them in favor of silence while thinking, as crutch words like 'uh', 'um', and 'like' can detract from the presentation's professionalism.

Highlights

Rebecca introduces the lesson on giving presentations in English effectively.

The presentation challenge is emphasized, especially for non-native English speakers.

Rebecca's experience as a corporate trainer is highlighted.

Giving a presentation is identified as a way to improve English and confidence.

The board is divided into sections for do's and don'ts of presentations.

Using simple language is recommended over complicated words.

Speaking slowly is advised for better comprehension.

Professional editing of visuals is crucial to avoid grammatical errors.

Using verbs over nouns makes the presentation clearer.

Active verbs should be used instead of passive for better clarity.

Working with a trainer or coach can significantly improve presentation skills.

Transition words are important for guiding the audience through the presentation.

Writing down numbers is essential for clarity, especially across different cultures.

Avoiding abbreviations and acronyms that are not universally recognized.

Jargon should be avoided to reach a wider audience.

Slang should be avoided, especially if not used correctly.

Crutch words should be avoided in favor of silence while thinking.

Further skills for successful presentations are available on www.presentationprep.com.

Overcoming fear, using body language, and structuring presentations are discussed.

Handling the question and answer session effectively is crucial.

Presentation templates are available for download on the website.

Transcripts

Hi, my name is Rebecca, and in today's lesson I'm going to show you how to give a presentation

in English more effectively. Okay? Now, of course giving a presentation is never easy,

especially when it is in another language which is not your native language -- you're

going to face some special challenges. And as a corporate trainer who has worked with

people from all over the world, I can tell you that giving a presentation is difficult,

but it is also one of the most effective ways to improve your English and also to increase

your level of confidence as a professional speaking in English. Okay? So let's look at

some of the strategies that you can follow in order to give a presentation that is more

successful. All right, so I've divided the board into

two sections; the first part is things that you should do, and in the second part we'll

talk about things you should not do. So the first thing that you must remember when you're

speaking in English and giving a presentation is to use simple language. Many people feel

that their English is not good enough and so they try to use very complicated words.

However, if you're not comfortable with those words or you're not sure of the meaning of

those words, it's not going to go over very well. Simple, clear communication is powerful,

so try to remember that point. Okay? Next: speak slowly. Because you have an accent

-- and everyone has an accent --, but perhaps if you have an accent and English is not your

native language, it's going to be a little bit harder for people to understand you so

you need to speak much more slowly than you think. So however slowly you think you're

speaking, speak a little more slowly. It will only make it easier for other people to understand

exactly what you're saying. Okay? All right. The next point is to make sure to have your

visuals professionally edited. Make sure that a native English speaker or an editor has

checked all your visuals. There is nothing that compromises the professionalism of a

presentation more than seeing grammatical errors or spelling errors in the visuals.

So make sure to have your visuals professionally edited.

The next thing you want to do is to make sure to use more verbs rather than nouns. When

you use a lot of nouns it makes... It makes anything that you hear much heavier and difficult

to understand. Let me give you a little example of that. Okay? One second. Okay, so for example,

if I say: "The delivery of the package took place on Sunday afternoon." That's okay. It's

not impossible to understand, but let's compare it to this: "The post office delivered the

package on Sunday afternoon." It's much easier in the second example because I used verbs

rather than nouns. Okay? Next point: use active verbs rather than passive

verbs. Let me give you another example. "5000 apartments were rented by ABC Housing last

month." That's an example of using passive verbs. "5000 apartments were rented", right?

Let's contrast that with the active verb. "ABC Housing rented 5000 apartments last month."

Okay? So you can see it's much easier when you use the active verbs.

The next point is if possible at all, try to work with a trainer. Try to work with a

professional English trainer or a presentations coach who can help you to improve your presentation

skills, who can give you feedback on how to improve; what mistakes you're making, what

are your strengths and weaknesses. It will be very, very helpful to you so try to do

that if you have the opportunity. Okay? The next point is to use a lot of transition

words in your presentation. This helps your listener to know where you're going. So you

can say, for example: "furthermore", "nevertheless", "on the contrary". These words explain to

your listener what you're trying to say with even more clarity than if you did not use

the words. So try to get accustomed to using transition words.

Another important point, especially in different parts of the world is to make sure to write

down any important numbers. You need to write them down so that people can see them clearly

and also because in some parts of the world, numbers are described or said in different

ways. So for example: this number is what? "One hundred thousand", but in India for example they call this "one lakh". So

one lakh is different from saying one hundred thousand. And if your audience is not familiar

with the term "one lakh" or with the term "one hundred thousand" then you want to make

sure you have written the number down so it is 100% clear. All right?

So these are examples of things you should do; now let's look at some things you should

not do. All right? Don't use abbreviations, or acronyms, or short forms of names of organizations

or anything else from your country which other people are not familiar with. Right? Say the

entire name and then afterwards you can use the abbreviation once you have explained it.

You also want to avoid jargon. Now, what is jargon? Jargon is the special kind of language

that people who are in a special, in a particular field use when they speak to each other. So

for example: if you listen to computer guys speaking to each other, you will feel like

you landed on another planet because they speak language that only they can understand.

So when you're speaking to a general audience, you want to avoid using jargon. Just use regular

plain English to explain what you mean, that way you will reach more members of your audience.

Okay? Also, make sure you avoid slang. Even though

you might hear native English speakers using slang in their presentations, it's best that

you don't use it, especially if you're not familiar with how to use it. The worst thing

is when we hear non-native English speakers using slang in an incorrect way because that

doesn't sound professional at all. All right? And another point is to avoid crutch words.

Now, what's a crutch word? For that you have to know: what's a crutch? Well, crutches are

what people use... you know, for example: if someone has broken their leg, they might

use something like this to walk along and they, these crutches, these sticks support

them while they're walking let's say with a broken leg. Right? Similarly, when people

are nervous, they sometimes use sounds instead of words while they're thinking of the right

thought or word. So they might say: "Mm, ah, for example, uh, like, uh, yeah", and things

like that. These are crutch words and they're often used by people who are not sure what

word to say next. So avoid crutch words or sounds. Silence is okay if you're thinking.

So while you're thinking, try to keep your mouth closed and avoid these crutch sounds.

So these are some basic DOs and DON'Ts -- right? -- for giving a presentation in English. There

are many other aspects of giving a presentation in English and I'm going to write some of

those for you on the board.

Okay, so here are some other skills that you

need to master in order to give a successful presentation in English. You'll find lots

of information on this and other strategies on our website: www.presentationprep.com . There

you can learn how to, for example, overcome fear. It's very natural for you to feel a

lot of fear when you are presenting in a language which is not your native language. Everybody,

or many people, feel afraid in giving a presentation in general, but when you do it in English

it's a little bit more challenging. So you'll learn some mental strategies, psychological

strategies, and physical strategies to really help you with this aspect of the fear.

You'll also learn how to use body language more effectively. In different cultures, body

language means different things, so it's really important to learn how to use body language

effectively in an international context. You'll also learn how to structure your presentation

for greater clarity. Okay? Also important to be able to handle the question and answer

session effectively. That's an important ending of your presentation. So especially if your

presentation has gone well, you want to be completely in command during your question

and answer session. So you'll learn some effective strategies for doing that. And last but not

least, you'll also learn how to... you'll also be able to print out presentation templates

which you can actually use when you're doing your next presentation. So for that, go to

our website www.presentationprep.com . It's a free website. www.presentationprep.com . All

the best with your presentations!