Useful Phrases for Presentations

Here is the LINK to the handout given in class on 2/2.

Some Useful Phrases for Group Presentations

Introduction

Impact: Good afternoon everyone, +get the audience's attention with a "high-impact" question, fact or visual image. Avoid boring starts such as "Our topic is...! Intro: Goal/thesis: The main goal of this presentation is to show you that....for three reasons: ___, ___, and ____. (give a fairly specific thesis statement that summarizes your message) Preview: First, will briefly introduce ___, will show you three reasons why ___, and will explain ___. Finally, will discuss ___. Q&A Directions: The presentation should take about 15 minutes. Also, we will have about 5 minutes for Q&A at the end, so please hold your questions until then.

Main Sections

Topic sentence: First, I would like to briefly introduce ___. (etc.) Support: According to issued in 19xx... Specific Example/Data: For example... Explanation of data/evidence: In other words... Highlight: The most interesting thing is that... In particular... Summarize: Thus, we feel it is reasonable to say... Transition: Next, <2nd> will show you three reasons why... Thanks <1st>. Here are the three reasons. First... Continue until all main sections are finished.

Conclusion + Q&A (The conclusion person MUST practice Q&A phrases!!!)

Transition: Now, we would like to conclude our presentation. Summary of thesis/main points: In this presentation, we have argued/shown that... Concluding comment: The most important point is that...and we hope... (slow down, speak confidently and make eye contact) End: (long pause, say firmly and conclusively) Thank you. (Audience will applaud) Q&A Start: Now, if you have any questions, we'd be happy to answer them. Choose a person: Yes, Mark (use names!). Go ahead. Request repetition: Sorry, could you repeat that question? Confirm the question: I see. That's a good question. Everyone, Mark's question is...(summarize question). Answer: We are not completely sure, but feel one possible method might be to... Follow up and confirm: Does that answer your question? Invite More Qs: Any other questions? (or say "It looks our time is up, so we'd like to..." End: If not, we'd like to conclude our presentation. If you have any further questions, please... Thank you very much for your attention. Thank you. (Applause)