How to Give a Presentation in English | English for Business Communication | Ep 4

Summary

In this episode of 'English for Business Communication by Preply,' the focus is on effective presentation skills in English. Key tips include choosing 1-3 key topics, tailoring the presentation to your audience, and using stories and humor to engage listeners. Proper planning is essential, including writing a script, practicing, and seeking feedback. The episode also showcases a live presentation on SEO trends, offering practical examples of how to structure and deliver a business talk. The importance of preparation and natural delivery is emphasized to make your presentation impactful.

Takeaways

• 😀 Decide on 1-3 key messages to deliver in your presentation to avoid overwhelming your audience.
• 😀 Tailor your presentation to your audience’s level of understanding to ensure it resonates with them.
• 😀 Using stories or personal anecdotes can help engage the audience and make your presentation memorable.
• 😀 Humor, when used effectively, can make your presentation more engaging and help listeners remember key points.
• 😀 Planning is essential to delivering a smooth and impactful presentation. Write a script in advance and practice.
• 😀 Recording yourself while practicing allows you to assess how natural your delivery is and make improvements.
• 😀 Once you're comfortable with your script, switch to bullet points to avoid sounding too scripted and more natural.
• 😀 Seek feedback from others, whether friends, family, or colleagues, to refine your presentation and gain different perspectives.
• 😀 The introduction should clearly outline what you will discuss, setting expectations for your audience.
• 😀 Conclude your presentation by summarizing key points and inviting questions from your audience for further engagement.
• 😀 Remember to keep your presentation concise—aim for around 8-10 minutes to maintain audience attention.

Q & A

Why is it important to limit the number of key messages in a business presentation?

Limiting the number of key messages ensures your presentation stays focused and easy to follow. Trying to cover too many topics can overwhelm your audience and dilute the impact of your main points.

How should you tailor your presentation based on the audience?

You should consider the level of expertise of your audience. For example, if you're speaking to industry experts, you can dive into more technical details. For a general audience, you should simplify complex concepts and use accessible language.

Why is storytelling an effective technique in presentations?

Storytelling engages the audience emotionally and makes the presentation more memorable. Personal anecdotes or inspirational stories can capture attention and keep listeners interested throughout the presentation.

How can humor be used effectively in a business presentation?

Humor can make the presentation more enjoyable and help connect with the audience. When used appropriately, it lightens the mood and makes the content more memorable. However, it's important to ensure the humor is relevant and not distracting.

What should you do after writing your script for a presentation?

After writing your script, you should practice delivering it. Record yourself, listen back to identify areas for improvement, and refine your delivery to ensure you sound natural. Avoid reading directly from the script during the actual presentation.

Why is it recommended to use bullet points during the actual presentation?

Bullet points allow you to focus on key ideas without reading verbatim from your script. This makes your delivery sound more conversational and natural, helping you engage more effectively with your audience.

What role does feedback play in preparing for a presentation?

Feedback is crucial for identifying areas where you can improve. By asking a friend, family member, or colleague to listen to your presentation, you can make necessary adjustments to improve clarity, engagement, and overall delivery.

What are some useful phrases for transitioning between points in a presentation?

Useful transition phrases include: 'Moving on to my next point...', 'So, firstly I’ll be talking about...', and 'To summarize...'. These help guide the audience through your presentation smoothly and maintain their attention.

How can you make your presentation more memorable?

Incorporating stories, humor, and engaging content can make your presentation more memorable. Structuring it clearly, using visual aids, and practicing until you feel confident will also contribute to a lasting impression on your audience.

What is the importance of structuring your presentation before delivery?

Proper structure helps ensure your presentation flows logically and is easy for the audience to follow. By planning the introduction, body, and conclusion, you can keep the content organized and maintain the audience's attention.