A presentation is a great way to deliver information to a group of people in an organized and engaging way to drive action. However, when giving a presentation in English, there are some essential things to keep in mind to engage your audience and deliver a killer presentation. This blog post will explore tips for delivering a great presentation in English. We will cover topics such as body language, signposting, vocal variety, and ways to engage your audience. By the end of this post, you will have all the tools you need to deliver an awesome presentation like a pro in English! Are you ready to Find Your Voice?
Body language is one of the most critical aspects of communication, yet it is often overlooked. Just as your tone of voice and choice of words can affect how your message is received, so can your body language.
Research has shown that body language makes up a huge part of communication, with 55% coming from body language, 38% from tone of voice, and 7% from the actual words spoken. If you want to deliver a killer presentation in English, you need to pay attention to your body language.
With the rise of remote work and geographically dispersed teams, body language applies even more when you are in a video meeting. Here are some tips I offer when coaching clients during their presentation preparation:
Stand up straight: Good posture conveys confidence and shows you are comfortable in front of an audience. Slouching or hunching over will make you look nervous and insecure. Standing desks might be the key to unleashing your presentation potential. They allow you to start up straight and move around more naturally when presenting.
Make eye contact: Eye contact is essential for building rapport with your audience. Look straight into the camera. It shows that you are engaged and interested in what they have to say. Avoid looking at the wall or your desk for too long. Instead, set your eyes on the camera, so the attendees feel you are focusing on them.
Gesture naturally: Gestures can help to emphasize points and add interest to your presentation. However, beware of using too many gestures or overly dramatic ones – this can come across as fake or insincere. The key is to gesture naturally as if you are conversing with someone. When you get on your next call, make sure you push your pc or device away from you. Your hands and upper body should be visible to the audience.
Have you ever asked yourself where the term signposting comes from?
The term signpost originated in the 1600s to give directions to travelers. They would place a sign on a post along a road, usually indicating an inn or shop to give simple directions. What do you think would happen if those signposts were not used? People would get lost, for sure.
“Signpost language” is a fancy term for words and phrases people use to tell listeners what just happened or what will happen next. For example, “I am going to divide this talk into four parts.” would indicate that they are giving the outline of your speech.”
Likewise, in English, one can say, “That is all I have to say about..” when they are finished with a section. You’ll often find a lot of signpost language during presentations, so it’s worth learning a few common phrases even if you’re not giving them. Like all languages, signpost language is typically informal and easy to understand if you know what to listen for.
When delivering a presentation in English, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you deliver a great one:
Making a great presentation in English can become simple. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to influencing your audience and getting buy-in from important stakeholders. Remember to focus on clarity, brevity, and confidence, and you’ll deliver a killer presentation that will leave your listeners wanting more. Challenge yourself and your business even further by booking a session with one of our experts. Learn more about Find Your Voice.
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