Presentations

Structure a talk, signpost it and handle the questions. Lesson 39 of 58: Professional, CEFR C1.

Structure: tell them three times

Tell them what you will tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them. Open with a hook (a question, a number, a short story), give the purpose and the plan, deliver three main points, then summarise and close with a clear call to action.
Did you know that most meetings run fifteen minutes over? (A hook)
I’ll cover three things: where we are, what’s next, and what I need from you. (The plan)
So, to summarise:… (The close)

Signposts tell listeners where they are, which matters far more in speech than in writing: “Let’s start with…”, “Moving on to…”, “This brings me to my second point.”, “Let me give you an example.”, “To put that in context…”, “Finally,…”.
This brings me to my second point.
Let me illustrate that with an example.
If you look at this chart, you’ll see… (Referring to a slide)
Tip: Do not read your slides. Talk to people; let the slide show the picture or number.

Welcome them: “Great question.” If you need time: “Let me think about that.” If you do not know: “I don’t have that number with me; I’ll find out and send it to you today.” Never guess. If it is off topic: “That’s a bit outside today’s scope; can we talk afterwards?”
That’s a great question.
I don’t know offhand, but I’ll find out and get back to you. (Honest)
Does that answer your question? (Checking)

Give a two-minute presentation on a project, a product or a place you love: a hook, the purpose and three-point plan, the three points with signposts, a summary and a call to action. Record it.
I opened with a hook
I said the plan in three points
I used at least three signposts
I summarised and ended with a clear ask

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