BASIC PRESENTATION STRUCTURE

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English Presentation Skills

Best Practices for Non-Native English Speakers Giving Presentations

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Agenda

1. Preparation and Content

2. Language and Vocabulary

3. Delivery and Engagement

4. Handling Questions

5. Cultural Considerations

6. Feedback and Improvement

7. General Structure of a Talk

Preparation and Content

Use Visual Aids

• Slides should complement, not duplicate, your spoken words.

• Use images, graphs, and charts to illustrate complex ideas.

• Keep text minimal and legible.

Know your audience

• Research their background and familiarity with your topic.

• Adjust your content to match their level of understanding.

Structure Clearly

• Start with an introduction: state the purpose and main points.

• Organize the body: use clear headings and subheadings.

• Conclude by summarizing main points and stating implications or next steps.

Language and Vocabulary

Keep It Simple

• Use short sentences and familiar vocabulary.

• Avoid jargon unless it's common in your field and you're sure the audience understands.

• Speak slowly. Do not rush.

Practice Pronunciation

• Focus on words you find challenging.

• Use online tools or apps to hear correct pronunciations.

Use Repetition for Emphasis

• Reiterate key points in different ways to ensure understanding.

Delivery and Engagement

Practice, Practice, Practice.

• Rehearse multiple times to get comfortable with the content.

• Consider practicing in front of a friend or recording yourself.

Engage With Your Audience

• Make eye contact.

• Ask rhetorical questions or use short activities to keep them involved.

Manage Nervousness

• Deep breathing exercises can calm nerves.

• Focus on the message.

• You are not anxious, you are in alert mode.

Handling Questions

Pause Before Answering

• Give yourself time to understand and formulate a response.

• It's okay to ask someone to repeat or rephrase their question.

Use Fillers Occasionally

• Phrases like "Let me think" or "That's a good question" can give you a moment; just don't overuse them.

It's Okay to Admit You Don't Know

• Honesty builds credibility. Offer to find out and follow up later.

Cultural Considerations

Be Aware of Cultural Differences

• Non-verbal cues, gestures, and humor can vary across cultures.

• Research your audience's culture if presenting internationally.

• Do not assume stereotypes are true.

Respect Time

• Different cultures have varying views on punctuality and time management.

• Always start and end on time.

Do Not Use Idioms

• Avoid using phrases like "cut to the chase", "go the extra mile".

• Avoid idioms that only native speakers of English use.

• Prefer plain English.

Feedback and Improvement

Seek Feedback

• Ask colleagues or mentors for constructive criticism.

• Use it to refine future presentations.

Reflect on Your Performance

• What went well? What could be improved?

• Continuous self-evaluation leads to growth.

General Structure of a Talk

General Structure of the Talk

1. Introduction

4. Conclusion

2. Likes

3. Dislikes

• Sum up the important keypoints

• Thank the audience for their attention

• Introduce yourself and the topic
• Overview about the main points

• Provide a general idea

• Give examples: These are 5 things I like about Taiwan...

• Explain why: I like this because...

• Provide a general idea

• Give examples: These are 5 things I don't like about Taiwan...

• Explain why: I don't like this because...

Talking About Food

Greeting

"Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone."

Introduce Yourself

Name

"My name is [Student's Name]."

Major/Field of Study (optional):

"I'm studying [Major/Field] here at [University/College Name]."

• It is always important to remind us who you are and what you are planning to do.

Purpose of Presentation:

"Today, I'll be talking about/sharing [Topic/Subject of the Presentation]."

Personal Connection (optional):

"I chose this topic because [Brief Reason or Personal Connection to the Topic]."

Summary

Conclusion

"To recap, we discussed [Brief Overview or Main Points of the Presentation]."

Thanking the Audience

"Thank you for listening."

• Remind us what you did in your talk and why it was important.

Invitation for Questions/Feedbac

"I'm happy to answer any questions you might have."

Closing Remark (optional):

"I hope you found this presentation informative/interesting. Have a great day!"

Activity

Please introduce yourself

• Introduction structure:

• Greeting: "Good afternoon, everyone."

• Name: "My name is [Your Chinese Name and your English Name]."

• Age: "I am [Your Age] years old."

• Place of Origin: "I come from [Your Country and City of Origin]

• Major/Field of Study: "I'm studying [Your Major/Field] at [Your University/College Name]."

• Closing Remark: "Nice to meet you everyone."

In-Class Activity 1 Introducing yourself

In-Class Activity 2 Script Writing/Reading

• Continue with the main content of your script:
• Discuss 2 things you like the most about your home country, explaining why and providing examples or anecdotes.
• Discuss 2 things you like the least, explaining why and providing examples or anecdotes.

• Reflection and Brainstorming:

• Think about 2 things you like the most and 2 things you like the least about your home country.
• Remember specific examples or personal anecdotes related to these likes and dislikes. These stories will make your presentation more engaging and relatable.

• Oral Presentation:
• Once your script is complete, you will read it aloud in class.
• Send your script to me via email.

• Conclude your script using this structure:
• Conclusion:
• Summary: "To recap, I discussed [Brief Overview or Main Points of Your Presentation]."

• Thanking the Audience: "Thank you for listening."

• Invitation for Questions/Feedback: "I'm open to any questions or comments you might have."

• Closing Remark (optional): "I hope you found my perspective interesting. Have a great day!"

• Script Writing:
• Open a new Google document.
• Begin your script by introducing yourself.
• Introduction:
• Greeting: "Good afternoon, everyone."

• Name: "My name is [Your Name]."

• Major/Field of Study (if applicable): "I'm studying [Your Major/Field] at [Your University/College Name]."

• Purpose of Presentation: "Today, I'll be talking about things I like and dislike about my home country."

• Personal Connection (optional): "I chose this topic because [Brief Reason or Personal Connection to the Topic]."