10/07/2021
Giving a presentation in English – whether online or in a face-to-face meeting, can be a challenging task. Here we look at some language and tips to talk about and manage the length of your presentation and when you will answer questions.
From more formal to less formal, here is some language you can use to advise your audience how long your presentation will take, and how you will approach answering their questions.
1) Indicating the time
– Although there is a lot to consider with this topic, I will limit my
presentation to (ex:) 15 minutes.
– This presentation should take around (ex:) 15 minutes.
– I’ll try not to keep you more than (ex:) 15 minutes for my
presentation today..
2) Referring to questions/discussion
– I’ve allowed time at the end of the presentation for discussion so
please make a note of any questions you have for later.
– As my presentation time is short I’ll answer any questions you have
at the end of the presentation.
– ..so, I’m happy to answer any questions at the end.
Try to keep to the time you have specified to your audience so that you don’t over-run and risk the audience losing interest in your talk or not having enough time to allow them to ask any questions. Requesting that the audience asks their questions at the end also means that you can deliver your talk without interruptions or going ‘off-track’ or ‘off-topic’ during your presentation. Practice your presentation beforehand using some timing device and make a note of which sections need more time.
Does the idea of chairing an online meeting in English make you feel nervous? Sometimes it's just a matter of confidence. These 20 phrases will help you manage meetings professionally in English and make you feel more confident when you are leading a meeting with multiple participants.
What do you say when you are asked a question you don't know the answer to immediately? Difficult enough in your mother tongue. These 20 phrases will help you manage those questions professionally in English.
There are always moments in life and in business where we don't see eye to eye with someone. But the problem is often finding the right language to say "you're wrong" without causing unnecessary offence. Expressing disagreement politely is essential for maintaining positive relationships, fostering effective communication, and upholding personal and professional boundaries. With this language toolbox we hope to provide some language that will help you to handle those difficult discord moments gracefully.