How to Start a Successful Presentation in English (Even If Your English Is a Bit Rusty)
One of the targets many people aim for when learning English is being able to give a complete presentation in English. This is usually where students feel a lot of pressure: they need to use the new language properly and also organize and remember the ideas they want to convey, usually within a tight, pre-set time slot.
Today we’ll give you some useful tips to start a presentation in English the best way possible.
Get people’s attention when presenting in English
In any business English presentation, you have to capture the audience’s attention from the very first moment. You can do this with your first line, but there are other ways, just before you say that first line, that can help you become the center of attention in the room.
Here’s where you can be as creative as possible. These are some original ways to let your imagination fly and start your presentation in English:
- Start with a video. Videos are a powerful way to grab attention. Find something interesting related to your topic and create impact from the very first moment.
- Use a quote. Quote someone recognized or famous on the topic you’ll talk about. Comment on it briefly or ask for the audience’s opinion.
- Tell a story. Tell a short story to connect with the audience and show them why they should listen to what you’re saying.
Memorize the first line of your presentation in English
It can be intimidating to give a presentation in English, and trying to memorize your whole presentation word for word makes your delivery clumsy and unnatural. Remembering just the first line you’ll say, though, is a great step toward a strong start. Prepare a short, concise opening: introducing yourself (only if they don’t know you), greeting the audience, or posing a question about your topic.
Before your presentation, write different ways to say that first line and read them aloud. Choose the one you think works best, or ask someone for a second opinion.
Involve the audience with questions
This is a great opportunity to find your comfort zone with your audience. Don’t overdo it, but four or five questions asked across a six-to-eight-minute presentation can give you a small break to organize your ideas. They can also help you remember something you’ve forgotten, or even help you control the pace.
Not sure how to start your presentation in English? Do it with a question. Or even a joke!
Prepare yourself for your presentation in English
Don’t memorize your whole speech. Don’t even try. It’s far better to highlight the most important parts of your presentation and write different ways to express the same idea. This helps you seal the idea in your mind and gives you different ways to communicate it to the audience.
State the purpose of your presentation from the very beginning. You can build around that point, but don’t let yourself or the audience drift too far from it.
As part of our online Business English course, you can get ready for your presentation efficiently. Send your slides to your teacher and rehearse intensively for a couple of weeks beforehand. You’ll have no fear on the day, you’ll know the material, you won’t be scared to answer questions, and you’ll feel far more comfortable.
Key vocabulary for a presentation in English
A few words and phrases come up again and again when you present. Here are the essentials, plus signposting phrases you can reuse.
Presentation vocabulary
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Visual aids | Charts, graphs, and images that help you communicate and make information easier to understand. |
| Whiteboard | A surface you write on with dry-erase markers and wipe clean. Handy for presentations, teaching, and brainstorming. |
| Data projector | An electronic device that projects digital images, video, and other content onto a screen. Common in classrooms and conference rooms. |
| Handout | A printed document given to the audience that supports your talk with extra information, such as outlines, summaries, or charts. |
| Body language | Gestures, posture, and expressions you use to connect with the audience, emphasize points, and convey confidence. |
Useful phrases to signpost your presentation
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| To start with | “To start with, I’d like to thank you all for joining me today and taking the time to learn about our new product line.” |
| Turning now to | “Turning now to the financial results for the past quarter, we can see a steady increase in revenue and a significant decrease in expenses.” |
| For example | “For example, one of our clients increased its sales by 25% after implementing our marketing strategy.” |
| Compared to last year | “Compared to last year, our company has seen a notable increase in productivity and a clear improvement in customer satisfaction.” |
| In conclusion | “In conclusion, I’d like to reiterate the key points and emphasize the importance of acting on the insights we’ve shared.” |
| Finally | “Finally, thank you all for your participation and attention. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out.” |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a presentation in English?
Should I memorize my whole presentation in English?
How do I keep the audience engaged during a presentation in English?
How long should the opening of a presentation be?
How do I prepare for a presentation in English if my English is rusty?
Presentations in English take technique and rehearsal, and you don’t have to prepare alone. Live English has coached over 10,000 professionals since 2007 with native, experienced teachers, and you can start with a free trial lesson, no credit card needed. To build your confidence before your next talk, check the date of our next Public Speaking and Presentation Workshop.
