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For many of us, speaking in front of an audience is difficult, and it is even more so when you have to do it in another language. Being able to give a presentation in English is an excellent skill, especially since English is the lingua franca of the business world. Whether it is a sales pitch, a presentation to colleagues within the company, or in an academic setting, here are our tips for success when you need to express yourself in English.

How you speak is fundamental

Nervousness affects us in different ways, and when it comes to delivering a presentation, it might make us speak too quickly, mumble, or stare at the floor. The way content is presented is extremely important—almost as much as the content itself. Therefore, it is advisable to practice so as not to go too fast and to ensure you articulate words clearly. Avoid speaking in a monotone voice, and practice placing emphasis on different words or phrases to deliver your message effectively.

Structure your presentation well

• A good structure not only provides you with a solid foundation to work from, but it also makes it easier for your audience to understand where you are going with the message you are communicating. Below is an example of a good structure for your presentation.
• A solid introduction to clarify who the speaker is and why they are giving a presentation. Then, a clear statement of the topics that will be covered in the presentation, so the audience knows what to expect.
• Also clearly define at what point the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions. This will prevent constant interruptions during your presentation.
• A brief overview of the presentation can help keep the audience attentive, for example, by outlining the sections that will follow or by referring to certain data and then drawing conclusions.
• If you change topics, state it clearly. Inevitably, someone will get distracted at some point, but announcing that you are moving from one topic to another can provide an excellent opportunity for them to pick up the thread again.

Take the necessary time to rehearse

This is an excellent idea, whether English is your mother tongue or not. If you practice in advance, you will know the content well and will not face any surprises. You can also use a mirror to see your posture and delivery—for example, if you gesture too much, which could distract the audience.

Use the correct terminology

If you use words and phrases that people recognize, the audience will feel at ease. Here are some examples of common English phraseology.

• At the beginning of the presentation: “Good morning/hello my name is/welcome/today I am going to talk about.”
• If you change topics: “Now let’s focus on/next we should consider/that leads me to this next point.”
• To highlight certain slides: “If I could draw your attention to/look up at the screen.”
• In conclusion: “To summarise/to finish/in conclusion/what we have covered.”

Delivering great presentations in English can open up interesting opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.