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But first… When you think about a presentation, I know you’re thinking about something like
a TED video or a presentation at a conference. You’re thinking about a speech, with
PowerPoint slides and a big audience.
But did you know we use the same skills when we share new information or ideas with our
work colleagues? Or when we tell stories to our friends and family? The situation or
speaking task may be different but we still use the same skills.
Get your audience (family, friends, colleagues or strangers) to agree, to take action,
to change their mind, etc.
So today you’re going to learn how to take the first big step in your English presentation:
how to start with a great introduction.
The introduction is the most important part of your presentation. It is the first impression
you’ll make on your audience. It’s your first opportunity to get their attention. You want
them to trust you and listen to you right away.
However, that first moment when you start to speak is often the hardest. Knowing how to
best prepare and knowing what to say will help you feel confident and ready to say that first
word and start your presentation in English.
How to Organize Your Introduction for a Presentation in English and Key Phrases to Use
Okay, first let’s focus on what you need to include in your English introduction. Think of this
as your formula for a good introduction. Using this general outline for your introduction will
help you prepare. It will also help your audience know who you are, why you’re an expert,
and what to expect from your presentation.
Provide instructions for how to ask questions (if appropriate for your situation) .5
Great, now you have the general outline of an introduction for a speech or presentation in
English. So let’s focus on some of the key expressions you can use for each step. This will
help you think about what to say and how to say it so you can sound confident and prepared
in your English presentation.
“The introduction is the most important part of your presentation. It is the first impression
you’ll make on your audience. It’s your first opportunity to get their attention. You want
them to trust you and listen to you right away.”
It is polite to start with a warm welcome and to introduce yourself. Everyone in the audience
will want to know who you are. Your introduction should include your name and job position
or the reason you are an expert on your topic. The more the audience trusts you, the more
they listen.
Examples:
Welcome to [name of company or event]. My name is [name] and I am the [job title
or background information].
Thank you for coming today. I’m [name] and I’m looking forward to talking with you
today about [your topic].
Good morning/afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I’d like to quickly introduce myself. I
am [name] from [company or position]. (formal)
On behalf of [name of company], I’d like to welcome you today. For those of you
who don’t already know me, my name is [name] and I am [job title or background].
(formal)
Hi everyone. I’m [name and background]. I’m glad to be here with you today. Now
let’s get started. (informal)
For more information about how to best capture your audience’s attention and why, please
see the next session below. However, here are a few good phrases to get you started.
Examples:
Before I start, I’d like to share a quick story about [tell your story]…
When I started preparing for this talk, I was reminded of [tell your story, share your
quote or experience]…
At this stage, you want to be clear with your audience about your primary topic or goal. Do
you want your audience to take action after your talk? Is it a topic everyone is curious about
(or should be curious about)? This should be just one or two sentences and it should be very
clear.
Examples:
During my talk this morning/afternoon, I’ll provide you with some background on
[main topic] and why it is important to you.
First, tell me what you’re going to tell me. Then tell me. And finally, tell me what you told me.
It sounds crazy and weird, but it’s true. This is how we structure presentations in English. So
today we’re focusing on the “First, tell me what you’re going to tell me” for your
introduction. This means you should outline the key points or highlights of your topic.
This prepares your listens and helps to get their attention. It will also help them follow your
presentation and stay focused. Here are some great phrases to help you do that.
Examples:
First, I’m going to present… Then I’ll share with you… Finally, I’ll ask you to…
My talk this morning is divided into [number] main sections… First, second, third…
Finally…
On Asking Questions
You want to be sure to let you audience know when and how it is appropriate for them to
ask you questions. For example, is the presentation informal and is it okay for someone to
interrupt you with a question? Or do you prefer for everyone to wait until the end of the
presentation to ask questions?
Examples:
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to interrupt me. I’m happy to
answer any questions as we go along.
Feel free to ask any questions, however, I do ask that you wait until the end of the
presentation to ask.
Are there any questions at this point? If not, we’ll keep going.
Do you feel unsure about how to capture the attention of your audience? Don’t worry! Here
are some common examples used in English-speaking culture for doing it perfectly!
Two of the most famous speakers in the English-speaking world are Steve Jobs and Oprah
Winfrey. While Steve Jobs is no longer living, people still love to watch his speeches and
presentations online. Oprah is so famous that no matter what she does, people are excited
to see her and listen to her.
BUT, if you listen to a speech by Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey, they still work to get your
attention!
The don’t start with a list of numbers or data. They don’t begin with a common fact or with
the title of the presentation. No – they do much more.
From the moment they start their speech, they want you to listen. And they find interesting
ways to get your attention. In his most famous speeches, Steve Jobs often started with a
personal story. And Oprah often starts with an inspiring quote, a motivational part of a
poem, or a personal story.
These are all great ways to help your audience to listen to you immediately – whether your
presentation is 3 minutes or 20 minutes.
Joke (be careful with this – make sure it translates easily to everyone in the
audience!)
Shocking, bold statement (Think of Steve Jobs’ quote: “Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.”)
Rhetorical question ( =a question that you don’t want an answer to; the focus is to
make someone think)
And finally, consider audience participation. Ask a question and get your audience to
respond by raising hands.
What is the best introduction you’ve ever heard? Have you watched a TED Talk or a .1
presentation on YouTube with a great introduction? Tell me about it. What do you
think was great about the introduction?
What frightens you the most about preparing your introduction in a presentation? .2
Share your concerns with me so I can help you overcome any challenges you have.
Be sure to share in the comments below to get feedback from me and to learn from others
in the Confident English Community.
Have a great week!
~ Annemarie