THE LANGUAGE OF PRESENTATIONS IN ENGLISH: WORKSHEET
Now that we saw the structure of a proper academic presentation, let’s see how the different parts can be marked verbally.
1. INTRODUCTION
According to a communication expert, there are four stages when opening a presentation. He calls these the ‘A, B, C and D of openings’. See if you can guess what they are:
1 Capture your audience’s interest instantly = A _ _ E _ T _ _ N 2 Explain what they will gain from the talk = B _ N _ F _ T 3 Show them you have the authority to speak = C _ _D _ B _ _ _ _ Y 4 Give them a route map of the presentation = D _ R _ _ T_ _ N
Here are examples of openings. Match them with the stages they refer to – 1, 2, 3, or 4 (with two openings per stage)
= For the class presentations, only stages 1, 2 and 4 are important.
2. BODY
A presentation is like a journey: it should flow. “Signposting” (baliser) your presentation is critical.
Complete the diagram below.
1
... ... ...
... ...
...
...
...
3
3
At some point, you may need to refer to points you made earlier on your presentation or to move on.
Decide whether the phrases below refer back or point forward and circle the appropriate arrow.
a Earlier we saw ... f So, the next question is ...
b This leads us on to ... g As we discussed ...
c As you’ll recall ... h This brings us on to ...
d Later we’ll see ... i This goes back to ...
e You’ll remember ... j By the end of this talk ...
3. CONCLUSION
There are 4 common techniques to close a summary: dramatic summary, famous wise words, call for action, and heart-felt message. Group the expressions below according to the closing technique that they illustrate.
