Making Effective Presentations

🎤 Mastering the Art of High-Impact Presentations

This lesson offers a comprehensive roadmap to delivering professional presentations with confidence and clarity. Built around the three pillars of planning, engagement, and delivery, it guides learners through:

• Structuring content logically for maximum impact

• Using visual aids to reinforce key messages

• Mastering body language to project authority and credibility

Explore linguistic strategies such as signposting language to guide audiences and focusing adverbs to emphasize data trends. The lesson emphasizes psychological preparation, providing practical techniques to manage nervousness and build speaking confidence.

With checklists, real-world case studies, and actionable insights, this resource empowers professionals and students to craft presentations that are both memorable and persuasive.

Lesson A: Designing the Message

Focus: Preparation, Structure, and Language Foundation

⬜ 1. LISTENING: Hooking the Audience

Activity: Listen to three different presentation openings.

Focus: Identify the "Hook" used in each (e.g., a provocative question, a surprising statistic, or a personal anecdote).

Goal: Recognize how to capture attention within the first 60 seconds.

⬜ 2. READING: The Roadmap (Signposting)

Activity: Analyze a transcript of a presentation introduction.

Focus: Identify "Signposting" language used to outline the agenda (e.g., "First, I’ll provide an overview...", "Following that, we will look at...", "Finally, I’ll conclude with...").

Goal: Understand how to guide an audience through a complex topic.

⬜ 3. WRITING: Drafting the Introduction

Activity: Using a provided business scenario, write a formal introduction.

Focus: Include four essential elements: 1) The Greeting, 2) The Hook, 3) The Purpose Statement, and 4) The Agenda/Timeline.

Lesson B: Delivering the Message

Focus: Visuals, Emphasis, and Interaction

⬜ 4. READING & VOCABULARY: Analyzing Visuals

Activity: Match "Focusing Adverbs" and verbs to specific chart movements (e.g., sharply, steadily, fluctuate).

Focus: Phrases for directing attention to slides (e.g., "If you look at this bar chart...", "This figure demonstrates...").

Goal: Acquire the vocabulary needed to describe data accurately.

⬜ 5. LISTENING: Emphasis and Intonation

Activity: Watch a video clip of a professional presenter (like the one linked in the resource).

Focus: Note where the speaker pauses for effect and which words they stress to highlight key takeaways.

Goal: Learn how to use voice to prevent the audience from losing interest.

⬜ 6. SPEAKING (Role-Play): The Q&A Handling

Activity: Practice the "Question & Answer" phase in pairs.

Focus: Clarifying: "If I understand you correctly, you are asking about..."

Deferring: "That’s a great point, can we discuss that further during the break?"

Closing: "If there are no further questions, I’ll wrap up there."

⬜ 7. WRITING: The Executive Summary

Activity: Write a 3-sentence conclusion for your presentation.

Focus: Restate the main goal, provide a final recommendation, and give a clear "Call to Action."

FULL: Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks at July 4th Naturalization Ceremony

FOX 5 Washington DC

Getting your message across

A 🎧 Listen to advice about speaking in public. Check ✅ the items the speaker mentions in the chart below.

B 🎧 Listen again. Complete the chart with the advice you hear.

Three Essential Steps to Make Effective Presentations

Learning objectives: understand and apply the three essential steps to create and deliver effective presentations.

This lesson provides you with a practical understanding of the essential steps to make effective presentations. It helps you build skills for structuring, engaging, and delivering presentations confidently, preparing you for future presentations in English or any other language.

SNAPSHOT

10 minutes

Have you ever given a presentation in English or in your native language?

What do you think makes a presentation effective?

What do you most like when watching a presentation?

Making Effective Presentations

Introduction to the Three Essential Steps

Step 1: Planning and Structuring Your Presentation

Step 2: Engaging Your Audience

Step 3: Delivering with Confidence

VOCABULARY

Engagement specific participation

Structure the organization of the parts

Audience viewers or listeners

Visual aids visual materials

Confidence belief in yourself and your abilities

Impact drive value and cause repercussions

▶ Step 1: Planning and Structuring Your Presentation

Know your audience: Identify their needs, interests, and expectations.

Define your goal: Clarify the key message or takeaway.

Organize your content: Use a clear beginning, middle, and end with logical flow.

➡️ Outcome: You’ll feel prepared and confident with a roadmap to guide your talk.

▶ Step 2: Engaging Your Audience

Grab attention early: Start with a story, question, or striking fact.

Use visuals and examples: Make abstract ideas concrete and memorable.

Encourage interaction: Ask questions, invite participation, or use humor appropriately.

➡️ Outcome: Your audience stays interested and connected throughout.

▶ Step 3: Delivering with Confidence

Practice delivery: Rehearse timing, tone, and body language.

Control nerves: Use breathing techniques and positive visualization.

Project presence: Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and own the stage.

➡️ Outcome: You leave a lasting impression and inspire trust in your message.

Step 1: Planning and Structuring Your Presentation

10 minutes

The importance of planning your presentation.
Create a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Structuring content logically and using visual aids effectively.

Planning Presentations

Organize Your Message

Structured Presentations Make a Difference

Before you deliver any presentation, it's essential to plan what you'll say, how you'll say it, and what you want your audience to take away from it. A well-crafted presentation requires relevant research, an organized delivery, and an effective conclusion. Doing this will ensure that your presentation is both engaging and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Make sure to spend some time on preparation and practice to communicate your message and accomplish your purpose. With proper planning, you can create an impactful and interesting presentation that would bring success.

Topic: ________________

What __________________

How __________________

Example

Topic: Improving Daily Hydration

1. The WHAT (The Content)

Fact: The human body is 60% water.

Goal: Drink 8 glasses of water daily.

Benefit: Increases energy and focus.

2. The HOW (The Strategy)

Opening: Ask the audience, "Who felt tired at 2:00 PM today?"

Visual: Show a picture of a clear water bottle with time markers.

Closing: Hand out a "hydration tracker" card to every participant.

Presentation Structure

Organize Your Content Logically

Use simple structure to communicate.

It's important to create a logical, well-structured presentation. Break your content in understandable sections, transitions and ideas and use keywords and phrases to remember to stay on track. Arranging the key points in a logical order will make your presentation easier to follow and the audience more receptive.

Example

Example: Organizing "Improving Daily Hydration"

1. Introduction

Keyword: Vitality

Message: Why water is the fuel for your day.

2. Body (Logical Steps)

Step A: Tracking (Transition: "Now that we know why, let's look at how much...")

Phrase: "Aim for 8 glasses."

Step B: Timing (Transition: "The next step is when to drink...")

Phrase: "One glass every two hours."

3. Conclusion

Keyword: Commitment

Message: Start with one glass right now.

Power of Visuals

Leveraging Visuals to Enhance Your Presentation

Utilize visuals effectively to boost engagement

When making presentations, visuals can be extremely powerful tools when used effectively. Visuals can help break up large sections of text, engage the audience, and boost comprehension of your message. Effective visuals can also make presentations more memorable and allow the audience to take away key messages. Use engaging visuals paired with an organized presentation to maximize the impact of your message.

Example

1. Instead of a List of Benefits

The Visual: A high-quality photo of a wilting plant vs. a blooming plant.

The Impact: Instantly shows the difference between dehydration and health without using words.

2. Instead of a Data Table

The Visual: A simple Battery Icon (Red at 10% for "No Water" and Green at 100% for "Hydrated").

The Impact: Makes the data about energy levels easy to grasp at a glance.

3. Instead of a Long Paragraph

The Visual: A Clear Water Bottle with time markings (e.g., 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM).

The Impact: Provides a memorable "takeaway" image that the audience can copy at home.

Step 2: Engaging Your Audience

10 minutes

Discuss the significance of engaging the audience.
Use techniques such as storytelling, asking questions, and using real-life examples.

Compare examples of engaging vs. non-engaging presentations to illustrate the point.

Engaging Audiences

Connecting and Captivating

Capturing attention to convey message.

Engaging audiences during a presentation is essential to captivate their attention and successfully communicate your message. Establishing connections with the audience give your presentation purpose and helps to maintain interest. Captivating the audience will promote understanding and deliver maximum impact to ensure your presentation is memorable.

Example

Example: Engaging Your Audience (Topic: Hydration)

1. Engagement Techniques

Storytelling: "Last Tuesday, I hit a wall at 3:00 PM. I couldn't focus on a single email. I realized I hadn't had a drop of water since breakfast."

Asking Questions: "By a show of hands, how many of you have reached for a third cup of coffee today just to stay awake?"

Real-Life Example: "Think of your brain like a sponge. When it’s dry, it’s hard and brittle. When it’s wet, it’s flexible and ready to work."

Presentation Engagement Checklist

Did I start with a hook (story, surprising fact, or question)?

Did I make eye contact with different parts of the room?

Did I ask at least one question to the audience?

Did I use a real-life example or analogy?

Did my voice have energy and varied tone?

Did I use a 'transition' phrase to move between sections?

Did I end with a clear call to action?

Dynamic Presentations

Engage Audiences with Storytelling

Experience engagement with stories

Use techniques such as storytelling, asking questions, and providing real-life examples to connect with your audience. With these tools, your presentations will be filled with energy and excitement that will surely engage and delight your listeners.

Example

Engagement Example: Improving Daily Hydration

1. Engagement Techniques

The Hook (Story): "Last Monday at 3:00 PM, I had a headache and no energy. I realized I hadn't drank any water since breakfast."

The Question: "By a show of hands, who here has had more than three cups of coffee today?"

Real-Life Example: "Think of your brain like a sponge; it works best when it's damp, not bone-dry."

2. Comparison: Engaging vs. Non-Engaging

Live NEWS

Step 3: Delivering with Confidence

10 minutes

Emphasize the importance of confidence in presentation delivery.
Learn tips on body language, eye contact, and practice.

Learn strategies for managing nervousness and building self-assurance.

Presentation Confidence

Defining and Developing It

Building Confidence for Presentations

Presentation confidence is essential to effectively engaging an audience. It is even more important for speakers to display confidence in their speech delivery than the content they are presenting. To build confidence for presentations, practice not only the content but also the physical delivery in front of an audience. It is also beneficial for speakers to focus on the positive outcomes of their presentation and to develop and reflect on areas of strength to use as a foundation of confidence.

Example

Example: Delivering with Confidence (Topic: Hydration)

1. Body Language & Eye Contact

The Stance: Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart (the "Power Pose") while explaining the benefits of water. Avoid hiding behind the podium.

The Eye Contact: Look at one person per sentence. When you say, "Water improves your focus," look directly at someone in the back row.

2. Managing Nervousness

The Strategy: Use the "Physical Anchor." Hold a water bottle while you speak. If you feel a surge of nerves, take a slow, deliberate sip to pause and reset your breathing.

Positive Reframing: Instead of thinking, "I hope I don't forget my words," think, "I am excited to help my team feel more energized."

3. Practice Technique

Action: Record yourself on your phone for 60 seconds.

Reflect: Watch the video. Did you say "um" too much? Did you smile? Use your natural energy as your foundation.

Comparison: Low vs. High Confidence

Fidgeting refers to small, restless movements like tapping or pacing. It is often a natural way for the body to manage stress, boredom, or focus.

While it can be distracting to others, fidgeting often helps people concentrate or calm their nerves. However, if it becomes excessive, it may be a sign of anxiety or ADHD, which can be managed through movement breaks or professional support.

Vocabulary Breakdown

Restless: Unable to stay still or quiet.

Self-soothing: Actions used to calm oneself down.

Distracting: Taking attention away from what is important.

Excessive: More than is necessary or normal.

Body Language

Effective Eye Contact

Master confident presence

Eye contact is essential in a presentation. It can help you engage your audience and give off a confident presence. Make sure to be mindful of your facial expressions and posture to show that you believe in your message. Soften your gaze to make your audience feel comfortable and use a friendly conviction to effectively communicate your message.

Your body speaks before your mouth does. If your posture is confident, your voice will naturally sound more confident too.

Example

Example: Body Language (Topic: Hydration)

1. Mastering Eye Contact

The "Sweep": Don’t stare at just one person. Slowly scan the room like a lighthouse, spending 3 seconds on a person in the left, middle, and right sections.

The "Soft Gaze": When explaining the health benefits, keep your eyes relaxed and friendly rather than staring intensely. This builds trust.

2. Posture & Presence

Open Stance: Keep your arms uncrossed. When you say, "Water helps everyone in this room," open your arms toward the audience to include them.

The "Friendly Conviction": Stand tall with your shoulders back. If you slouch, it looks like you don't believe in your own message; if you stand straight, you look like an expert.

3. Practice Scenarios

Overcoming Nerves

Strategies for Managing Nervousness

Build confidence and reduce anxiety

To manage nervousness during a presentation, take the time to plan and practice beforehand. Set a positive and realistic goal for your talk and focus on the outcome. Speak slowly and take deep breaths to help release tension. Visualize yourself delivering your presentation with confidence to help build self-assurance. Above all, remember to stay calm and relaxed to make sure your presentation is successful.

Example

Example: Overcoming Nerves (Topic: Hydration)

1. The "Pause and Breathe" Technique

The Action: Before you walk to the front, take three "Box Breaths" (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4).

The Result: This physically lowers your heart rate so your voice doesn't shake when you start talking about water intake.

2. Positive Visualization

The Mental Image: Close your eyes for 30 seconds before starting. Picture yourself smiling at the end of the presentation while your colleagues nod and reach for their water bottles.

The Result: It shifts your brain from "What if I fail?" to "What does success look like?"

3. The "Slow Down" Rule

The Strategy: Nervousness makes you speak fast. Plan a "Water Reset"—whenever you finish a section, take a slow sip of water.

The Result: This forces a natural pause, gives you a moment to think, and keeps you calm.

Preparation vs. Panic

¯\(ツ)/¯ Shrug - a gesture of raising your shoulders, often with palms up, to signal "I don't know," indifference, or uncertainty. It has various cultural interpretations. It is most commonly understood as a simple, non-verbal way of saying "what can I do?" or "I'm not sure.".

Case Study

10 minutes

Reflect on a case study or a real-life example of a successful presentation.

Review and discuss how the presenter applied the three essential steps and the positive outcomes of the presentation.

NEXT ▶ READING SMART Goal

Successful Presentation

3 Essential Steps

Make a lasting impression.

Follow the three essential steps for a successful presentation: identify your audience, prepare and practice, and deliver your presentation with confidence. Doing this will enable you to make an impact and leave a lasting impression with your audience.

Three Stories of Presentation Success

1. Mateo (Age 24, Spain) – The Junior Architect

Country: Spain (Madrid)

Profession: Junior Urban Designer

Objective: To persuade the city council to approve a new green park project.

The Story: Mateo was terrified of public speaking. To prepare, he focused on organizing his message by breaking his presentation into three logical zones: Safety, Sustainability, and Cost. During the meeting, he used visuals—3D renders of children playing in the park—to connect emotionally with the council. By maintaining confident eye contact with the Mayor, Mateo moved from a nervous "shrug" to a position of authority, eventually winning the contract for his firm.

2. Yuki (Age 42, Japan) – The Wellness Coordinator

Country: Japan (Osaka)

Profession: Corporate Human Resources Manager

Objective: To launch the "Improving Daily Hydration" initiative at a tech company.

The Story: Yuki noticed her team was burnt out and tired. She planned her presentation with a strong hook, asking her colleagues, "Who here feels like a wilting plant by 3:00 PM?" She used a visual aid of a water bottle with time markers to make the goal clear. To overcome her nerves, she practiced deep breathing before stepping onto the stage. Her engaging storytelling about her own energy transformation made the staff eager to join the hydration challenge.

3. Fatima (Age 56, Egypt) – The Charity Founder

Country: Egypt (Cairo)

Profession: Director of a Non-Profit for Literacy

Objective: To secure funding from international donors for a new library.

The Story: Fatima had decades of experience but struggled with modern presentation tools. She focused on delivering with confidence by relying on her "friendly conviction." Instead of reading from a script, she used keywords to stay on track and shared a real-life example of a young girl whose life changed through reading. Her body language was open and warm, which built an immediate bond of trust with the donors, successfully raising the funds needed for the library.

Assessment

10 minutes

For assessment, share one key takeaway from the lesson related to the three essential steps for effective presentations with the group.

You will be evaluated by your understanding and engagement with the material.

Achieving Success

3 Essential Steps

Ready, Set, Present!

Presentations can be an intimidating endeavor. By utilizing 3 essential steps to a successful presentation, you can set yourself up for success. First, be sure to familiarize yourself with the material and practice. Second, make sure to focus on your audience when delivering the material. Finally, be confident and have fun with the presentation. If you use these 3 easy steps, you can be sure to make the most of your presentation!

Conclusion

5 minutes

Summarize the main points discussed in the lesson, highlighting the three essential steps for effective presentations.

Practice and apply these steps in your future presentations.

Homework

5 minutes

Practice and apply one of the three essential steps in a short presentation you will deliver in the next class.

Take opportunity to put your learning into practice.

VOCABULARY

High stakes = A situation marked by intense pressure, where there is much to gain or much to lose. If things go wrong, the consequences are severe. The term originated in gambling—where “stakes” referred to the chips or money placed on the table—but it has since evolved into a powerful metaphor for any context in which the cost of failure is extreme.

Grammar Note: "High-stakes" is usually used as an adjective before a noun.

"This is a high-stakes meeting."

"The negotiations were high-stakes."

Effective Presentations

Strategies for Success

Crafting connection and impact

Crafting an effective presentation involves more than just a great slide deck and structure - it is about creating a connection and delivering an impact. Clear communication, preparation, organization, enthusiasm and practice are all key ingredients to creating a compelling message that audiences remember.

Explaining Ideas and Visual Information

Explaining Concepts and Ideas

Defining Quality
Total Quality Management
Market Research

Explaining Visual Information

DDIR Technique

3S Technique

Presenting Information

Signaling the Structure of your Presentation
Presentation Signals
Professional Presentation
Crafting Successful Signals
Conveying expertise and authority

Professional presentation techniques involve using cues that convey a speaker's expertise and authority. It can include behaviors from posture and facial expressions to vocal tones and movements. Establishing a presence of knowledgeable confidence enables a speaker to effectively connect with their audience and deliver their message.

Listening

Presentation
Features of a Good Presentation
Evaluation
Active Listening
Strategies to Enhance Your Focus
Ignite your full attention

It is crucial to remain focused during professional presentations so that vital information is not missed. Strategies such as minimal note taking, avoiding excessive processing of information, and being mindful of body language can ensure that active listening is taking place.

High Impact Presentations

Presentation Tips
Make an Impact
Deliver outstanding presentations

Every presenter should strive for excellence by using the best techniques when preparing for their presentations. Doing so will ensure you create a high impact and memorable presentation for your audience. Focus on making the content engaging, use powerful visuals, and practice, practice, practice to become a pro!

The Technique that turns people like us

Professional Presentations

Creating an Engaging Presentation

Transforming ideas into a captivating presentation

Making effective presentations

Discourse markers

Describing a process

How to Start a Presentation

VOCABULARY and EXPRESSIONS

Making Presentations

EVALUATION

Getting your message across

Practice

Defining quality

Which statement do you agree with most? Explain.

Quality is about achieving excellence in a product or service.

Quality is the ability of a service or product to satisfy a given need.

What aspects should be considered to meet high quality criteria?

"In my humble opinion, top-notch products should flaunt a stunning design."

"I think a high-quality product should have a great design appearance."

"In my opinion, a top-notch product should boast an exceptional and stunning design."

Explaining concepts and ideas

You do not need complex language to explain complex ideas but you do need clear, well-structured speech.

Describing your job

Calculating quality costs

Defining the company's aim

Describing visual information

Total Quality Management

Read the paragraph explaining the concept of TQM

TQM stands for Total Quality Management. This is a system which involves the whole company in the management of the quality of its services or products. For example, using the system to identify needs, agree aims and allocate responsibilities. So, TQM can be seen as a strategy to improve quality management in its broadest sense.

The explanation above can be divided into four main steps. Look at the step-by-step version in the flow chart.

Define

Describe

Illustrate

Rephrase

Define TQM - Total Quality Management

Describe It is the total achievement for a company in the management of the quality of its services or products.

Illustrate It has to identify needs, agree aims and allocate responsibilities.

Rephrase TQM is a strategy to improve quality in the broadcast sense.

Now read the paragraph below and in the same way break down the information into steps to make a flowchart.

Market research is the investigation of the needs and potential of a market. It involves several stages including the definition of objectives, the collection and analysis of results, and finally the interpretation and presentation of findings. For example, a company may use market research to decide on the likely demand for a product at a given price. To summarize, market research enables companies to make informed decisions about marketing strategy and its implementation.

Define

Describe

Illustrate

Rephrase

Now take a concept or term related to your own work, or if you prefer, take the term brainstorm and explain it in the same step-by-step way - define, describe, illustrate, rephrase.

Concept -

Text -

Define -

Describe -

Illustrate -

Rephrase -

Record your own explanation then listen to your recording, checking that you included all the steps. Prepare notes and, if possible, give your explanation in class or to a partner.

Explaining visual information

Simple bold visuals can help explain concepts clearly. The graph below shows the variation in production costs during a term-month period. You don't have to point out every detail. Direct people's attention to the most important information. Here are ways that we explain the importance of the information and the visual, and its relevance to your talk.

The following phrases describe different types of movement or trends in a graph. They are commonly used in presentations, data analysis, and business reports to communicate changes clearly and effectively

1 – a moderate increase: gentle upward slope

2 – a sharp fall: steep downward slope

3 – a stable period: horizontal line

4 – a dramatic rise: steep upward slope

5 – a sudden increase: flat line then vertical spike

6 – a leveling-off: upward slope that flattens

7 – a steep drop: vertical drop then flat line

8 – a gradual fall: gentle downward slope

Look at the graph and match the phrases with the corresponding section.

EXPRESSIONS

a moderate increase

a step drop

a sharp fall

a stable period

a dramatic rise

a gradual fall

a leveling-off

a sudden increase

EXPRESSIONS

EXPRESSIONS Showing importance and relevance

This means that ...

This clearly shows that …

This is important because …

What this shows is that …

This table provides ...

This table lists ...

This table gives …

EXPRESSIONS Directing attention

As you can see, ...

Let me point out that …

It’s important to notice that ...

Visual

This graph

This chart

This diagram

Verb

shows

explains

illustrates

Noun or noun clause

the relationship ...

how sales increased ...

why ...

when ...

the process ...

Maximize Professionalism With Numbers

Make a powerful impression.

When making a professional presentation, using large numbers to your advantage can help you make a powerful impression. Understanding how to express numbers as large figures can help you add credibility to your message, as well as creating an aura of expertise. Through careful strategic use of numbers, your presentation can be elevated to a higher level.

When making a professional presentation, accuracy is key. Using rounded numbers can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of trust in the data. To ensure accuracy, aim to express large numbers as precise numbers. Consider converting any large numbers to terms (i.e. 2,000,000 expressed as 2 million). This displays accurate information and makes the data easier to understand in a presentation.

EXPRESSIONS Using large numbers

1,000 a thousands flights

1,000,000 a million visitors $2 m. = two million dollars

1,000,000,000 a billion tourists $6.5 bn. = six point five billion dollars

1,000,000,000 a trillion dollars

EXPRESSIONS Rounding the number

about almost around

19,820 → about 20,000

789,483 → almost 800,000

990,000 → around a million

NOTE

When you point out specific information, you may decide to use a pointer on the remote slide changer. You know the little red laser pointer that shows on the screen. This can be helpful, but be careful when you use it. Sometimes people get carried away, just keep making circles on the screen. This can be very distracting.

Presenting information

Language in context

WHAT and HOW

When you give a presentation, how you deliver the information is just as important as what you say. Knowing your subject well and knowing your audience are both very important for your preparation but there are other considerations. Below are some of the things to consider in order to make a good presentation – maybe you can add to them. Make a list of the features in your order of priority, then compare and discuss your list with the rest of the group.

To take a presentation from "good" to "memorable," you need to consider the strategic and structural elements that happen before and during the talk.

EVALUATION

Content (What was said) ⬜ clear ⬜ OK ⬜not clear

Delivery (How it was said) ⬜ clear ⬜ OK ⬜not clear

Who gave the speech/presentation?

Where does he/she work?

What does he/she do?

Evaluation Criteria

1. Content (What was said)

Clarity: Was the message easy to understand?

Structure: Was there a logical flow (intro, body, conclusion)?

Relevance: Did the content match the audience’s needs?

Evidence: Were examples, data, or stories used effectively?

Engagement: Did the content capture interest?

2. Delivery (How it was said)

Voice: Clear, audible, varied tone?

Body language: Confident posture, eye contact, gestures?

Pacing: Not too fast or too slow?

Confidence: Did the speaker appear comfortable?

Interaction: Did they connect with the audience (questions, humor, etc.)?

3. Visuals (Slides, props, or materials)

Design: Clean, professional, not overloaded with text.

Support: Did visuals reinforce the message?

Accessibility: Easy to read and understand.

4. Impact (Overall effectiveness)

Retention: Did the audience remember the key points?

Persuasion: Did it inspire action or change thinking?

Professionalism: Was the overall impression positive?

How to start a presentation

Starting a Speech

Tips for a Successful Introduction

An organized start is essential

The introduction of a presentation sets the tone and energy level for the rest of the speech. It's important to start with an outline, get to the point quickly, and provide an engaging preview of the material to come. Starting with a few jokes to break the ice can help build confidence and audience engagement, but be careful not to cross the line. Establish a rhythm for your presentation with a clear structure and pacing to keep the audience captivated.

Mastering the First Minute: Starting a Speech

Topic: Starting a Speech with Impact

1. The WHAT (The Content)

Fact: Research shows that audiences form a first impression of a speaker within the first 7 to 15 seconds.

Goal: Move from "Introductory Fluff" to a structured, high-energy preview in under 60 seconds.

Benefit: Establishes immediate authority, reduces speaker anxiety, and ensures the audience knows exactly why they should listen.

2. The HOW (The Strategy)

Opening: Stand in silence for 3 seconds, then ask: "What if I told you that your audience has already decided whether to trust you before you even finished your first sentence?"

Visual: Display a slide showing a "Hook, Guide, Map" diagram—symbolizing the emotional grab, the speaker's credibility, and the roadmap of the talk.

Closing: Give the audience a "Speech Start Template" with three fill-in-the-blank options for their next presentation.

Tips for a Successful Introduction

To make your introduction truly effective, keep these three pillars in mind:

Be the Pilot: Get to the point quickly. Just as a pilot tells you the destination and flight time immediately, you must provide a clear "map" of where the speech is going.

The Icebreaker Rule: Jokes can be powerful tools for engagement, but they must be relevant. A misplaced joke can create a "cringe" moment that is hard to recover from. When in doubt, use a relatable observation instead of a punchline.

Find Your Cadence: Use the introduction to set your "rhythm." Start with a deliberate pace to project confidence, then gradually increase your energy as you move into the core material.

Pro Tip: Avoid starting with "Today I'm going to talk about..." Instead, start with the problem your speech is going to solve.

Example

Opening for a presentation on Improving Daily Hydration, using the "Hook, Guide, Map" strategy.

The Opening (Estimated time: 45 seconds)

The Hook (Standing center-stage, making eye contact) "Who here felt that 2:00 PM energy crash today? That moment where your focus blurred and you reached for a third cup of coffee? Believe it or not, your brain isn't tired—it’s actually shrinking. Even 1% dehydration can physically shrink your brain tissue and tank your productivity."

The Guide (Credibility) "I’ve spent the last six months researching how fluid intake affects cognitive performance, and I’ve discovered that most of us are operating at half-capacity simply because we’re 'dry.'"

The Map (The Preview) "In the next five minutes, I’m going to show you why your body needs more than just 'thirst' as a signal, the simple 'bottle-marker' strategy to automate your intake, and how you can reclaim your afternoon energy without a single drop of caffeine."

1 Read the five important steps to follow when starting a presentation. Decide which order they should be in. Fill in the gaps with the words in the box.

Firstly Secondly Thirdly Fourthly Finally

a ____________, you should say a few words about yourself so that the audience knows something about the person who is going to talk to them.

b ____________, you need to welcome everybody to the presentation or event.

c ____________, you need to explain what you are going to talk about and why.

d ____________, say very clearly how you would like to deal with questions.

e ____________, you have to stop people talking and get them to focus all their attention on you. This is not always easy!

2 Look at the following sentences and decide when you should use them. Match the sentences to their functions below.

____ 1 If I could have everybody's attention.

____ 2 My name's Jack Fisher. I'm head of production.

____ 3 I’ll leave ten minutes for questions at the end.

____ 4 Welcome to Studio Express.

____ 5 If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them as we go along.

____ 6 As you know, I'm in charge of public relations.

____ 7 This morning I'd like to present the new marketing strategy.

____ 8 This afternoon, I'd like to report on sales in Europe.

____ 9 Thank you for coming today.

____ 10 OK, let's get started.

a Getting people’s attention

b Welcoming people

c Introducing yourself

d Giving the aim of the presentation

e Saying how you want to deal with questions.

3 Complete the data sheet and make a presentation about your company or organization.

Name of the company: .......................................................................

Location:

Head office: a) .......................................................................

Branch office b) .......................................................................

Company structure:

Status: c) .......................................................................

Name of directors: d) .......................................................................

Responsibilities:

Name: _________ e) .......................................................................

Name: _________ f) ........................................................................

Number of staff:

g) .......................................................................

h) .......................................................................

Responsibilities:

Name:__________ i) .......................................................................

Name:__________ j) ........................................................................

Administrative staff responsibilities:

k) ........................................................................

Company activities:

l) ........................................................................

CEO

Who is in charge of marketing?

Who is responsible for the financial side?

Where is the company based?

What form of company is it?

Who is responsible for a particular region?

Who are the sales managers supported by?

There is There are

There is and there are are often used in descriptions:

When talking about something or somebody for the first time, e.g.

There is a branch office in São Paulo.

There are three directors.

But when we mention them again, we say:

It’s in the center of town.

They are responsible for finance and marketing.

When answering the question “how many”? e.g.

There’s one representative for Brazil.

There are eight of us in the Head Office.

Verb there to be

Taking a Pause

Reasons to Stop and Reflect

Breaks refresh the mind

Pausing to reflect and take a break while delivering information in a professional meeting is important to prevent mental fatigue and create an atmosphere of engagement. Breaks help to reset the speaker's and audience’s attention and suggest thoughtful consideration of the presented information. They also allow the speaker to adjust their pacing and be more intentional in their delivery. Overall, taking a pause enables the meeting to be more efficient and productive in the long-term.

Significance of Pauses in Spoken English

Pauses are an essential aspect of spoken English, as they provide listeners with the necessary time to assimilate the information presented. Speakers should pause after each message unit to allow listeners to process the information effectively. If a speaker talks too quickly or does not organize the information properly, it may be difficult for listeners to comprehend and discern the central message.

The Importance of Pausing in Speech

The clarity of speech can be enhanced by pausing, just like stress and pronunciation. Adding a pause has several benefits, including: clarifying the meaning, to add emphasis, a useful technique to improve breathing for public speakers, and help listeners understanding complex ideas, concepts, and longer sentences.

A Look at the following sentences and check any (/) that indicates an appropriate pause.

1. Although the Greeks / were credited with the first Western democracy / neither women / nor slaves had their right / to vote.

2. During the debate / the woman proved that Jason’s argument was flawed / thereby embarrassing him / in front of everyone.

3. Those pineapples were / in my opinion / the best fruit / that I had ever tasted.

4. Many critics believe / that modern movies lack / what early movies possessed / namely / a strong plot and good actors.

5. Common pets / in American households include birds / cats / and dogs.

6. Nevertheless / I still do not agree that animal testing / is worthwhile.

B Now practice listening and repeating the sentences.

Signaling the structure of your presentation

Say what you are going to say.

Say it.

Say that you have said it.

Simplicity Matters

Achieving Easier Results

Keeping things simple brings success

To achieve successful and effective results, it is important to keep things simple. This approach enables better understanding and quicker results, making the process less daunting. Simplicity in technique allows us to leverage the power of practice and be able to accomplish more within a shorter period of time.

Presentation signals

A presentation will be much clearer to an audience if the structure is clearly signaled. Here is how you can structure your presentation.

Clear, well-structured speech

Introduction

Topic

Outlines

Middle

Showing steps

Conclusion

Closing

Inviting questions

Example

Topic I’d like to talk about our management

I’d like to say a few words about training scheme.

Outline I’ll be dealing with
I’ve divided my talk into three areas

Middle

Showing steps First of all,

Firstly, let’s look at in-service training.

Then

Next I’ll go on to external training.

After that

Conclusion

Closing Finally, we hope to provide even more

To sum up, specialist courses next year.

Inviting questions Are there any questions?

If there are any questions, I’ll be happy to try to answer them.

Delivering Success

Effective Presentation Tips

Make an Impact

A great presentation is determined by combining interactive visuals and engaging content with a confident speaker. The goal is to provide an informative, interesting experience that leaves a lasting impression in the audience. To achieve this, use visuals that provide a backdrop for the message, break the talk into digestible pieces, and practice your delivery to ensure optimal presentation success.

Features of a Good Presentation

VOICE breath slowly, control the volume

SPEED better slow than too fast; pause frequently

LANGUAGE simply short sentences; give summaries and examples

LENGTH people's concentration is only good for 20 minutes or so

HUMOR always helps to keep your audience with you

NOTES certainly, but never read aloud a complete text

CONFIDENCE sound as though you know what you are talking about

VISUAL AIDS not too many; make them attractive and clear

BODY LANGUAGE plenty of eye contact with your audience

An excellent presentation captivates, informs, and inspires.

A successful presentation doesn't just relay information; it ignites minds and moves hearts. It leaves audiences captivated, informed, and yearning to take action. But how do you craft such a presentation? Fear not, for we hold the key: ten essential features that unlock excellence.

1 Content

1. Clear and concise message - Focus on one key takeaway and tailor your content to support it. Avoid information overload.

2. Compelling story - Weave a narrative that engages your audience and makes your points memorable.

3. Relevant and credible data - Use facts, statistics, and visuals to back your claims and build trust with your audience.

4. Structured and logical flow - Organize your content in a way that's easy to follow, with transitions between points.

2 Delivery

5. Confident and enthusiastic - Speak clearly, project your voice, and maintain eye contact. Show passion for your topic.

6. Varied pace and tone - Avoid monotone delivery. Use pauses for emphasis, and vary your pace and volume to keep the audience engaged.

7. Natural and conversational - Avoid sounding robotic or scripted. Speak in a way that feels natural and authentic to you.

8. Effective use of visuals - Use slides, images, and videos strategically to enhance your message, not distract from it. Keep them simple and visually appealing.

3 Engagement

9. Interactive elements - Encourage questions, polls, or activities to keep your audience actively involved.

10. Call to action - Tell your audience what you want them to do after your presentation, whether it's taking a specific action, visiting a website, or simply reflecting on your message.

Bonus tips

▶ Practice, practice, practice - Rehearse your presentation to feel comfortable and confident.

▶Know your audience - Tailor your content and delivery style to their interests and background knowledge.

▶ Anticipate questions - Be prepared to answer common questions related to your topic.

▶ Embrace technology - Use presentation software and tools effectively, but don't let them overshadow your message.

Remember, the best presentations are a combination of well-crafted content, engaging delivery, and successful audience interaction. Focus on these features and you'll be well on your way to delivering an excellent presentation!

Crafting Impactful Presentations

A Strategic Guide to Prioritizing Key Elements

Crafting Impactful Presentations
A Strategic Guide to Prioritizing Key Elements

The importance of elements in a presentation can depend on various factors, including the context, audience, and goals. However, if we were to consider a general prioritization, the following order is often suggested:

1. Clear and Relevant Content
2. Well-Structured Organization
3. Relevance to Audience Needs
4. Clear and Concise Messaging
5. Engaging Delivery
6. Audience Engagement
7. Effective Use of Visuals
8. Memorable and Impactful
9. Professionalism
10. Confidence
11. Consistent and Effective Tone
12. Adaptability
13. Interactive Elements
14. Appropriate Timing
15. Strong Opening and Closing

Clear and relevant content forms the foundation of any presentation, while a well-organized structure and consideration for the audience's needs follow closely. Engaging delivery and audience engagement are essential for maintaining interest. Effective use of visuals and memorable impact contribute to a lasting impression.

It's important to note that the significance of these elements can vary based on the specific context, audience expectations, and the purpose of the presentation. The best presentations often strike a balance among these elements to effectively convey the intended message.

The importance of various elements in a presentation can depend on the specific context, audience, and goals. However, it's often helpful to view these elements as interconnected, with each playing a crucial role. Here's a breakdown of the elements you mentioned:

Content

Importance: High

Reasoning: Content is the substance of your presentation. It includes the information you're delivering, the key messages, and supporting details. Without strong and relevant content, your presentation lacks a solid foundation. Quality content is essential for providing value to your audience.

Confidence

Importance: Moderate to High

Reasoning: Confidence in your delivery enhances your credibility and can positively impact how your message is received. However, confidence alone cannot compensate for weak content or poor engagement. It works best when combined with solid content and effective engagement strategies.

Engagement

Importance: High

Reasoning: Engaging your audience is critical for maintaining their interest and ensuring they absorb and retain your message. Even if you have excellent content, it may not have the desired impact if the audience is not engaged. Interaction, visuals, and a dynamic presentation style contribute to engagement.

Delivery

Importance: High

Reasoning: Delivery encompasses how you present your content, including your speaking style, tone, pace, and body language. A strong delivery can enhance audience understanding, retention, and overall experience. Effective delivery complements your content and contributes to the success of your presentation.

Outcomes

Importance: High

Reasoning: Ultimately, the success of a presentation is often measured by its outcomes. This could include achieving the desired response from the audience, meeting objectives, or influencing decision-makers. While outcomes are the ultimate goal, they are influenced by the quality of content, the engagement of the audience, and the effectiveness of the delivery.

In summary, these elements are interconnected, and their importance can vary based on the specific goals and context of your presentation. A well-rounded presentation often combines strong content with confident and engaging delivery to achieve desired outcomes. It's crucial to strike a balance and consider the interplay of these elements to create a successful presentation.

High Impact Presentations

A good presentation is one of the most important tools you have in business for getting things done.

Whether you're

✓ persuading colleagues

✓ selling a client

✓ energizing a team or

✓ showing an idea to senior management

the power of your presentation makes the difference between success and failure.

You should be able to

Create a positive first impression and establish a positive first image.

Assess your audience and define the goals of the presentation.

Communicate your ideas with clarity and force, conveying competence and confidence, especially with new or difficult material.

Develop a central theme and structure the presentation around your theme.

Be more relaxed and natural (while making presentations, yet also project enthusiasm)

Effectively use expressions, gestures and modulation for desired impact.

Impress your audience by using the latest in presentation technology.

Think on your goal and quickly handle any situation with polish and professionalism.

Optimize pressure situations and lead an impressive and effective step ahead.

Reach every audience every time.

Motivate and persuade your audience to action using supporting facts and examples.

Convey credibility and sell your ideas, your organization and yourself!

A high impact presentation will benefit you if you have some prior public speaking experience. It is particularly useful for executives who speak in front of groups, salespeople and anyone who meets the press.

Be customized to meet your company's needs. Using the presentation high impact skills, and techniques you’ll cover all the basics.

Adapted from Dale Carnegie Training®

The technique that turns people like us

A successful career depends on your ability to communicate effectively negotiate with your superiors, co-workers and staff.

The technique that turns people - those with the usual public speaking fears and phobia - into polished professionals who get their ideas across with poise and enthusiasm.

Start with the three basics

1. Get to know your audience,

2. organize ideas and

3. create your outline.

Use sophisticated techniques like

✓ voice modulation,

✓ attention focusing and

✓ idea pyramids for creating impact and audience persuasion.

✓ Get advices about your own presentation style (EVALUATION)