職場英語口語(MP3)：Presentation

Presentations are longer than an explanation, but it is easier in the sense that you have time to prepare for it. The biggest mistake I have seen is that people do not use short simple sentences. Many of the best presentations from English speakers I have seen are those who use simple sentences that are easy to understand. Remember that a long paragraph can consist of 10 short sentences. It is still effective and much easier to say.

Many times, a person will be using a presentation software like Power Point. If that is the case, then you should prepare your slides and a separate document with your sentences for each slide. You shouldn't read them, but at least it is there just in case you forget to mention something. Use it as a preparation material before the presentation and reference during the presentation. Each sentence should be step by step explaining the content on the slide.

I am not going to be giving an example because presentations are all different depending on the subject. But keep in mind the process I explained on the house selling example. Keep the sentences short, speak slowly and clearly, put emphasis on key words, and leave a short pause after each sentence.

There are many times when you will have to explain something. Here are some questions you might hear.

"What did you do this week?"
"What are you going to do next week?"
"What is your schedule like for the next two weeks?"

"Can you explain how to perform an evaluation for a partner feedback?"
"How do I perform a refund for a credit card purchase?"

There are numerous questions like these you might run into. To answer all of them, just follow the list example.

"This week, I finished the analysis on Ford Motor, I started writing a report on international market penetration, and I showed our new employee how to use our software."

This example is very simple. It is basically a list of three things. You don't need to include any words in between.

You can use this same style of answer for many different types of questions.

"Next week, I have to finish my report, research information on GM Motors, and make a presentation on our market strategy."

"To perform a feedback on a partner you need to specify who the partner is, what project they worked on, the outcome of the project, where they need to improve, and finally what they did well."

"On the credit card machine, press the refund button. Then type in the credit card number and press enter. Type in the amount, and press enter. That's all you need to do."

Whenever you are giving an explanation, remember the easiest way to do it is by giving a list and putting them together. In order to be able to do this, you must know how to say key words in your area of expertise.

When you have to give a presentation, remember that preparing is the most important. As I said earlier, take the time on your first several presentations to record yourself and find a friend to listen to your presentation.

Finally, let's review the three key steps you need to remember when giving an explanation or a presentation.

Don't talk fast: Even people with perfect English have this problem. Talking fast is not good when you are explaining something or giving a presentation.

Talk clearly: Making the words in each sentence clear will help anyone to understand you better.

Prepare and Practice: This is the most important. As time goes on, you will realize how much your preparation will help with your overall English skills.