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52 Phrases for Better Flowing English Presentations

/ Steven Hobson / Business English , English Presentations , Vocabulary

Do you give English presentations at work, but feel that you could communicate your message in a more objective, fluid way?

Maybe you have an English presentation coming up and want to make sure that your speech is clear and structured so that your audience doesn’t lose concentration and stays with you all the way to the end.

A technique that can help you achieve objective, clear, and structured English presentations, is to use linking phrases that join the separate parts of your presentation together.

English presentations normally consist of an introduction, the main body, individual parts of the main body, and the ending or conclusion.

To help maintain your audience’s attention, you need to signal when you are going from one part to another.

In this article, I teach you 52 phrases that do exactly this – linking the different parts together, and therefore, making your presentation flow better. You’ll find that these phrases will act as ‘signposts’ for the audience when you finish one part and start another.

52 Phrases to Improve the Flow of Your English Presentations

The introduction.

All good presentations start with a strong introduction.

There are a number of different ways you can begin your English presentation. Here’s a simple, but effective introduction structure which works for most types of business presentations:

Introduce – Introduce yourself and greet your audience. Introduce the presentation topic – Explain the reasons for listening. Outline – Describe the main parts of the presentation. Question policy – Make it clear to your audience when they can ask questions: during or at the end?

Here are some phrases which you can use to structure the introduction in this way:

1. Good morning/afternoon (everyone) (ladies and gentlemen). 2. It’s a pleasure to welcome (the President) here. 3. I’m … (the Director of …)

Introduce the presentation topic

4. By the end of the talk/presentation/session, you’ll know how to… / …you will have learned about… / 5. I plan to say a few words about… 6. I’m going to talk about… 7. The subject of my talk is…

8. My talk will be in (three parts). 9. In the first part… 10. Then in the second part… 11. Finally, I’ll go on to talk about…

Question Policy

12. Please interrupt if you have any questions. 13. After my talk, there will be time for a discussion and any questions.

 Main Body

Now that you have finished the introduction, we now need to transition to the main body, and its individual parts in a smooth way.

There are three parts of the main body of a presentation where linking phrases can be used:

Beginning the Main Body Ending Parts within the Main Body Beginning a New Part

Here are some phrases which you can use for these parts:

Beginning the Main Body

14. Now let’s move to / turn to the first part of my talk which is about… 15. So, first… 16. To begin with…

Ending Parts within the Main Body

17. That completes/concludes… 18. That’s all (I want to say for now) on… 19. Ok, I’ve explained how…

Beginning a New Part

20. Let’s move to (the next part which is)… 21. So now we come to the next point, which is… 22. Now I want to describe… 23. Let’s turn to the next issue… 24. I’d now like to change direction and talk about…

Listing and Sequencing

If you need to talk about goals, challenges, and strategies in your English presentation, listing phrases can help link these together and improve the flow of your speech. If you have to explain processes, sequencing phrases are helpful:

25. There are three things to consider. First… Second… Third… 26. There are two kinds of… The first is… The second is… 27. We can see four advantages and two disadvantages. First, advantages… 28. One is… Another is… A third advantage is… Finally…

29. There are (four) different stages to the process. 30. First / then / next / after that / then (x) / after x there’s y. 31. There are two steps involved. The first step is… The second step is… 32. There are four stages to the project. 33. At the beginning, later, then, finally… 34. I’ll describe the development of the idea. First the background, then the present situation, and then the prospect for the future.

After you have presented the main body of your English presentation, you will want to end it smoothly.

Here are typical sections transitioning from the main body to the ending of the presentation, and then inviting the audience to ask questions:

Ending the Main Body Beginning the Summary and/or Conclusion Concluding An Ending Phrase Inviting Questions and/or Introducing Discussion Thanking the Audience

Ending the Main Body

35. Okay, that ends (the third part of) my talk. 36. That’s all I want to say for now on (the 2017 results).

Beginning the Summary and/or Conclusion

37. To sum up… 38. Ok, in brief, there are several advantages and disadvantages. 39. To conclude… 40. I’d like to end by emphasizing the main points. 41. I’d like to end with a summary of the main points.

42. I think we have seen that we should… 43. In my opinion, we should… 44. I recommend/suggest that we… 45. There are three reasons why I recommend this. First, … / Second, … / Finally,…

An Ending Phrase

46. Well, I’ve covered the points that I needed to present today. 47. That sums up (my description of the new model). 48. That concludes my talk for today.

Inviting Questions and/or Introducing Discussion

49. Now we have (half an hour) for questions and discussion. 50. So, now I’d be very interested to hear your comments.

Thanking the Audience

51. I’d like to thank you for listening to my presentation. 52. Thank you for listening / your attention. / Many thanks for coming.

Linking phrases are like the skeleton which holds your presentation together.

Not only do they improve the flow and help guide the audience, but by memorizing them they can also help you remember the general structure of your presentation, giving you increased confidence.

To help you memorize, I recommend saying the linking phrases on their own from the beginning to the end of your presentation while you practice.

I also suggest memorizing the introduction word for word. By doing this, you will get off to a great start, which will settle your nerves and transmit a positive first impression.

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Author: Steven Hobson

Steven is a business English coach, a certified life coach, writer, and entrepreneur. He helps international professionals build confidence and improve fluency speaking English in a business environment.

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Updated for 2024 | 30 useful phrases for presentations in English

For non-native speakers giving a presentation in English can be quite a challenge. There are just so many aspects to consider.  

Firstly, the audience. Do you know them well? If so, more informal language can be used. Or are they unfamiliar to you? If this is the case, then more formal expressions should be adopted. Whether you use more formal or informal language, it is important to engage the audience through positive body language and a warm welcome. Your tone of voice and changes in intonation are additional useful tools and you might consider asking them relevant questions (real or  rhetorical ). 

The  audience  also needs to see a clear and logical structure to follow you effortlessly. Useful linking expressions, when delivered well, provide  effective  ‘bridges’ guiding the audience from one point to the next.

Here are 30 useful phrases for presentations in English for effective  structure and linking.  

Introduction

• Good morning/afternoon everyone and welcome to my presentation. First of all, let me thank you all for coming here today.
• Let me start by saying a few words about my own background.
• As you can see on the screen, our topic today is......
• My talk is particularly relevant to those of you who....
• This talk is designed to act as a springboard for discussion.
• This morning/ afternoon I’m going to take a look at the recent developments in.....

Presentation structure

• In my presentation I’ll focus on three major issues.
• This presentation is structured as follows....
• The subject can be looked at under the following headings.....
• We can break this area down into the following fields....
•  It will take about X minutes to cover these issues.
• Does everybody have a  handout  / copy of my report?
• I’ll be handing out copies of the slides at the end of my talk.
• I can email the PowerPoint presentation to anyone who would like it.  
• Don’t worry about taking notes, I’ve put all the relevant statistics on a  handout  for you
• If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them
• If you don’t mind, I'd like to leave questions until the end of my talk /there will be time for a  Q&A  session at the end...

Sequencing phrases

• My first point concerns...
• First of all, I’d like to give you an overview of....
• Next, I’ll focus on.....and then we’ll consider....
• Then I’ll go on to highlight what I see as the main points of....
• Finally, I’d like to address the problem of.....
• Finally, I’d like to raise briefly the issue of....

Highlighting information

• I’d like to put the situation into some kind of perspective
• I’d like to discuss in more depth the implications of....
• I’d like to make more detailed recommendations regarding....
• I’d like you to think about the significance of this figure here
• Whichever way you look at it, the underlying trend is clear
• I’d just like to finish with the words of a famous scientist/ politician/ author.......
• Now let’s go out and create opportunities for...! 

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Hopefully, these phrases help you to vary your vocabulary for clear, well-structured presentations with a logical joined-up flow. The most important thing, of course, is that you are comfortable and confident in your delivery, which helps the audience feels relaxed and ready to be engaged by your subject matter. Good luck! 

Glossary 

Rhetorical  -  (of a question) asked in order to produce an effect or to make a statement rather than to elicit information 

Audience  -  spectators or listeners at a public event such as a play, film, concert, or meeting 

Effectiv e -  successful in producing a desired or intended result 

Springboard -  springboard is also something that provides an opportunity to achieve something  

Handout - a document given to students or reporters that contains information about a particular subject 

Q&A  – an abbreviation for ‘question and answer’ 

Related blog posts 

• Business English Work and Careers: 50 words you need to know
• Email writing: how to start and end an email in English  
• 5 Tips for Polite and Diplomatic Language  

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Posted: 13 February 2020

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37 Useful Phrases For Presentations In English

• Post author: Harry
• Post last modified: 07/02/2024
• Post category: Business English Vocabulary
• Reading time: 10 mins read

Here you will learn at least 37 useful phrases for presentations in English. Improve your business English skills and feel confident when making presentations in English.

Presentation phrases for setting the scene, recapping, ending a presentation in English and more. 

Listen to the podcast Speak Better English with Harry or watch it on YouTube at Learn English with Harry .

List of phrases for presentations in English

useful phrases for presentations in English

Hi there, this is teacher Harry, and welcome back to my English lessons where I try to help you to get a better understanding of the English language.

Okay, so what are we going to cover in the lesson today? Well, all of us, myself included, have to make presentations, from time to time to staff or to bosses, or to clients or customers, whoever it may be. And if you’re using English, not as your native language, then it can be a bit of a challenge. You might feel lacking in confidence. You might feel that you’re not up to the other guys.

But you can do it.

So I’m going to give you some useful phrases that you can use in relation to presentations.

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setting the scene

You might just simply say at the presentation particularly if it’s online,

• It’s good to see you all here.
• It’s great that you could join me.
• I’m very pleased to be here.
• I’m very pleased to be talking to you today.
• I’m very pleased to be presenting to you today.
• I’m glad you could all make it.
• Thank you all for coming.
• Thank you all for joining in.
• Thank you all for coming together on Zoom.

Whatever it might be, you can adjust the words to suit the media and the medium by which you’re presenting to your guests. Staff, colleagues, clients. 

common  phrases  for starting off  presentations

And then if we talk about other useful expressions and phrases.

It’s a good idea to spend 30 seconds introducing yourself.

So my name is Harry, I work in this department, I’d like to talk to you today about…

• The topic of my presentation today is….
• I’m planning to tell you about today….
• I’d like to introduce you to….

So in those sorts of expressions, you’re setting the scene again, you’re telling them exactly what you’re going to cover. And that’s a really good idea in a presentation because then everybody knows what’s going to be spoken about.

My name is Harry, I work in the marketing department. My presentation today is about a new product. The presentation is probably going to take about 20 minutes. And if you have any questions, then please ask them as we go through the presentation. 

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Introducing a talk.

Now, if you want to introduce the talk, you could say:

• What I’d like to do in this presentation is…
• First of all, I’ll give you a brief overview of…

A brief overview of the product, a brief overview of the background, a brief overview of our plans.

• Okay, then I’ll talk about….
• And after that, I’d like to show you some market research.
• After that, I’d like to show you our projections.
• After that, I’d like to show you this specific plan for the launching of this product.

So you go step by step by step. 

referring to visuals

So in any presentation, visuals are really important, and they can help you.

And they can also support you if you’re a little bit lacking in confidence about the presentation itself.

And you perhaps don’t want to be the focus of everything.

So the type of phrases you might use in that context would be something like:

• You will notice on this chart…
• If you look at this slide, we can see…
• Have a look at these figures…

As I said, it helps you, it supports you and enables you to just sort of hide a little bit behind those slides that focus on the screen, not specifically on you.

Useful Phrases For Presentations In English​

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Finishing off a section.

And when you want to finish off in relation to those sort of aspects, you might just summarise by saying,

• Well, that’s all I wanted to say on that particular topic.
• If you’ve got any questions, I’d be happy to take them now.
• To summarise what I said is…
• If you want to contact me offline, just send me an email.
• As I promised, I’ve now finished the presentation, it only took 20 minutes.
• I appreciate you watching and listening and your attention.
• If I have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them now.
• Have you any questions?

So again, helpful information directly in them, how they can get in touch with you after your presentation.

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Checking and moving on.

So during the presentation, we want to make sure that the people are listening, but you also don’t want to spend too much time on each particular point.

So you check their understanding so far, and then you move on. So you might say to the people,

• Does that sound okay to you?
• Do you follow that?
• Is it clear?
• Can I clarify anything else?
• If not, let’s move on.
• Let’s look at the next slide.
• Now, let’s move on to the really important topic of…
• Let’s turn to the topic of budgets.

So you pinpoint exactly what you want to cover. When you’re going to cover it and then you move on. So you check that they understand it. 

I also find in these types of presentations, particularly if they’re a bit longer than a few short slides, that it’s a good idea to do some recapping.

To recap means to go over what you’ve done before. Not a huge amount of detail because you don’t want to bore them by going through everything, but you recap quite quickly.

• Before I move on…
• I’m going to recap quickly…
• Let me summarise briefly…
• Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered today.
• I’d like to recap the main points.
• Let me go over the main points for you once more.

All of those good, acceptable expressions and words that you can use. 

coming to an end

And then when you come to the end of the presentation, you want to sign off, you want to finish them. We can say,

• Well, this is my key point.
• This is the key point in all of this, so let me finish on this.
• This is what I want to say to sum up in a few words.
• I’d like to finish now by thanking you all for your kind attention. 
• I look forward to joining you again soon.
• I look forward to any questions.
• I look forward to receiving your emails.
• I’d be happy to take any questions now. 

All nice and polite ways of informing people that this is the end. 

So there’s somebody out there in the audience who’s asleep, they’ll probably wake up at that point when you say and finally or, in conclusion

Well, hopefully you’ve got something in particular that you can hold onto there. Something that can help you if you’re making presentations in English.

If you have any other queries, come to me, I’m very, very happy to help you. My contact details are www.englishlessonviaskype.com .

And indeed, if you want some help, how to make presentations, if you want some help, how to get through interviews, or you just want general help with your English well, why not try our one-to-one online English lessons . 

Thanks for listening. Join me again soon.

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Vocabulary and Phrases for Making Presentations in English

Here’s a step-by-step guide for making presentations in English. You’ll find the phrases you need for each step of your presentation.

After you give your opening statement, give a brief overview of your presentation. Say what your presentation is about, how long you will take and how you are going to handle questions.

For example, a presentation to sales staff could start like this: “Welcome / “Hello everyone.”

(Opening statement) “As you all know, this company is losing its market share. But we are being asked to increase sales by 20 – 25%. How can we possibly increase sales in a shrinking market?”

(Overview) “Today I am going to talk to you about how we can do this. My presentation will be in three parts. Firstly I am going to look at the market and the background. Then I am going to talk to you about our new products and how they fit in. Finally, I’m going to examine some selling strategies that will help us increase our sales by 20%. The presentation will probably take around 20 minutes. There will be time for questions at the end of my talk.”

Useful language for overviews

“My presentation is in three parts.” “My presentation is divided into three main sections.” “Firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally…” “I’m going to… take a look at… talk about… examine… tell you something about the background… give you some facts and figures… fill you in on the history of… concentrate on… limit myself to the question of…

“Please feel free to interrupt me if you have questions.” “There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.” “I’d be grateful if you could ask your questions after the presentation.”

The main body of the presentation

During your presentation, it’s a good idea to occasionally remind your audience why your presentation and ideas are important or relevant.

“As I said at the beginning…” “This, of course, will help you (to achieve the 20% increase).” “As you remember, we are concerned with…” “This ties in with my original statement…” “This relates directly to the question I put to you before…”

Keeping your audience with you

Remember that what you are saying is new to your audience. You are clear about the structure of your talk, but let your audience know when you are moving on to a new point. You can do this by saying something like “right”, or “OK”. You can also use some of the following expressions:

“I’d now like to move on to…” “I’d like to turn to…” “That’s all I have to say about…” “Now I’d like to look at…” “This leads me to my next point…”

If you are using index cards, putting the link on the cards will help you remember to keep the audience with you. In addition, by glancing at your index cards you will be pausing – this will also help your audience to realise that you are moving on to something new.

Phrases for introducing visuals

It’s important to introduce your visual to the audience. You can use the following phrases:

“This graph shows you…” “Take a look at this…” “If you look at this, you will see…” “I’d like you to look at this…” “This chart illustrates the figures…” “This graph gives you a break down of…”

Give your audience enough time to absorb the information on the visual. Pause to allow them to look at the information and then explain why the visual is important:

“As you can see…” “This clearly shows …” “From this, we can understand how / why…” “This area of the chart is interesting…”

Summarising

At the end of your presentation, you should summarise your talk and remind the audience of what you have told them:

“That brings me to the end of my presentation. I’ve talked about…” “Well, that’s about it for now. We’ve covered…” “So, that was our marketing strategy. In brief, we…” “To summarise, I…”

Relate the end of your presentation to your opening statement:

“So I hope that you’re a little clearer on how we can achieve sales growth of 20%.” “To return to the original question, we can achieve…” “So just to round the talk off, I want to go back to the beginning when I asked you…” “I hope that my presentation today will help you with what I said at the beginning…”

Handling questions

Thank the audience for their attention and invite questions.

“Thank you for listening – and now if there are any questions, I would be pleased to answer them.” “That brings me to the end of my presentation. Thank you for your attention. I’d be glad to answer any questions you might have.”

It’s useful to re-word the question, as you can check that you have understood the question and you can give yourself some time to think of an answer. By asking the question again you also make sure that other people in the audience understand the question.

“Thank you. So you would like further clarification on our strategy?” “That’s an interesting question. How are we going to get voluntary redundancy?” “Thank you for asking. What is our plan for next year?”

After you have answered your question, check that the person who asked you is happy with the answer.

“Does this answer your question?” “Do you follow what I am saying?” “I hope this explains the situation for you.” “I hope this was what you wanted to hear!”

If you don’t know the answer to a question, say you don’t know. It’s better to admit to not knowing something than to guess and maybe get it wrong. You can say something like:

“That’s an interesting question. I don’t actually know off the top of my head, but I’ll try to get back to you later with an answer.” “I’m afraid I’m unable to answer that at the moment. Perhaps I can get back to you later.” “Good question. I really don’t know! What do you think?” “That’s a very good question. However, we don’t have any figures on that, so I can’t give you an accurate answer.” “Unfortunately, I’m not the best person to answer that.”

What to say if things go wrong during your presentation

You think you’ve lost your audience? Rephrase what you have said:

“Let me just say that in another way.” “Perhaps I can rephrase that.” “Put another way, this means…” “What I mean to say is…”

Can’t remember the word?

If it’s a difficult word for you – one that you often forget, or one that you have difficulty pronouncing – you should write it on your index card. Pause briefly, look down at your index card and say the word.

Using your voice when making presentations

Don’t speak in a flat monotone – this will bore your audience. By varying your speed and tone, you will be able to keep your audience’s attention. Practise emphasising key words and pause in the right places – usually in between ideas in a sentence. For example “The first strategy involves getting to know our market (pause) and finding out what they want. (pause) Customer surveys (pause) as well as staff training (pause) will help us do this.”

Don’t forget – if you speak too fast you will lose your audience!

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60 Essential Business Presentation Phrases in English [With Audio]

Giving a business presentation in English can be challenging, especially if it’s not your first language. However, with the right phrases and a bit of practice, you can deliver a confident and effective presentation.

Greeting Your Audience

Beginning your presentation, outlining the structure, transitioning between topics, highlighting key information, explaining data or visuals, restating your point, summarizing your main points, inviting questions, concluding your presentation, tips for preparing your presentation in english, have a plan, use visuals, structure your presentation well.

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The way you start your presentation sets the tone for the rest of it. Begin by greeting your audience and introducing the topic. Here are some phrases to get you started:

1. Good morning, everyone.

Depending on the time of day, you can also say “Good afternoon, everyone” or “Good evening, everyone.”  

2. Welcome to [name of event].

For example: “ Welcome to our 3rd Annual Sales Leadership Conference.”

3. First, let me introduce myself.  

“First, let me introduce myself. I am Dan Smith from ABC Designs.”

4. Thank you for being here today.

These phrases help you clearly state the purpose of your presentation. This is a good way to give them an idea of what’s going on and to bring them up to date. 

5. Let’s get started with our presentation.

6. The purpose of today’s presentation is to…

7. I’m here to talk about…

8. Today, I’d like to discuss…

9. Let’s begin by looking at…

10. Let me start by giving you some background information.

11. I’ll start with an overview of…

12. As you’re aware…

“ As you’re aware , the CEO of DHL Express has often said that globalization is here to stay.”

Once you’ve introduced yourself and your topic, it’s important to give your audience a roadmap of what to expect. Use these phrases to outline the structure of your presentation:

13. Here’s what we’ll cover today…

14. Let me walk you through the agenda.

15. Our presentation will be divided into three main parts…

16. I’ll begin with…, followed by… and finally…

17. First, I’ll give you an overview of…, then we’ll discuss…

Transitions are key to keeping your presentation fluid and coherent. Use these phrases to smoothly move from one point to the next:

18. Let’s move on to…

“ Let’s move on to our second sales strategy.”

19. Turning our attention now to…

“ Turning our attention now to the results of our 2016 customer survey.”

20. That brings us to the next point…

21. Moving on to the next topic…

22. Let’s take a closer look at…

23. Now that we’ve covered…, let’s discuss…

24. This ties in with my next point…

In any presentation, there are certain points you’ll want to highlight. These phrases will help you draw attention to the most important information:

25. I’d like to expand on…

“Now I’d like to expand on my point about increasing our market share.”

26. Let me elaborate further.

27. What’s important to note here is…

28. I’d like to emphasize that…

29. Let me draw your attention to…

30. This is a crucial point because…

31. One thing to keep in mind is…

32. We have to remember that…

“ We have to remember that people are our most important resource.”

33. The significance of this is…

“ The significance of this is , if we complete this project on schedule, we’ll have more people available to work on the next project.”

34. This is important because…

“ This is important because any marketing effort we put in now will help to boost demand for our products in the long run.”

Concrete data presented with visual aids like charts and graphs can be powerful tools in a presentation, but only if you explain them clearly. These phrases can help:

35. Based on our findings…

“ Based on our findings, 74% of our market is made up of teenagers who find our clothing line stylish and upbeat.”

36. According to our study…

“ According to our study, 63% of working people in this city go directly to the gym after work.”

37. Our data indicates that…

“ Our data indicates that more than 23% of men in this town who used to drive to work now prefer to save money and the environment by cycling instead.”

38. As you can see from this chart…

39. This graph clearly shows that…

40. Looking at the figures, we can see…

41. This table highlights…

42. I’d like to illustrate this point by showing you…

The word “illustrate” means “show,” usually with examples, data or visuals.

“ I’d like to illustrate this point by showing you a chart of the number of people in each age group who prefer to shop online.”

43. This chart shows a breakdown of…

A “breakdown” refers to the detailed parts or figures that make up the total picture. A breakdown is often used in a presentation to show all the smaller parts behind something bigger.

“ This chart shows a breakdown of the ingredients we use in our gluten-free products.”

Sometimes in order to emphasize your point, you have to state it in a way that’s easier for your audience to understand and remember. This often involves rephrasing, simplifying or clarifying your point.

44. In other words…

“ In other words , we need to change our current design to make it more attractive to older children.”

45. To put it simply…

“ To put it simply , we’ll need you to work harder at making this launch a success.”

46. What I mean to say is…

“ What I mean to say is that we need to change the way we market our products.”

As you approach the end of your presentation, it’s important to summarize your main points and give a strong conclusion. Use these phrases:

47. In conclusion, let me sum up my main points.

As part of your closing statement, “sum up” (summarize, state briefly) your speech by mentioning the main points of your speech.

48. To summarize…

49. Let’s briefly recap the main points…

50. To wrap up, I’d like to…

51. The key takeaway from today’s presentation is…

Inviting questions during or after your presentation shows that you value your audience’s input. Here are some polite ways to do that:

52. Feel free to ask any questions at this point.

53. Are there any questions before we move on?

54. Does anyone have any questions so far?

55. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

56. I’ll be happy to answer any questions at the end.

Finally, close your presentation with a positive, professional note and thank your audience . Here are some phrases to help you finish strong:

57. Thank you for your time and attention.

58. That concludes my presentation.

59. I appreciate your participation today.

60. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback.

Always have a plan. Spend some time thinking about what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it. Think about the vocabulary , phrases and grammar that will make your message clear and easy to understand.

Here are a few suggesstions:

• Have a clear goal in mind to help you stay on track. Whenever you feel lost during the presentation, just remember this main goal. An example of a goal could be to convince potential clients to work with you. Remember to focus on the advantages you want to present and on examples of what you did in the past to deserve their trust. 
• Research content. If you know your facts, you already have the core of your presentation prepared. Write these facts down on topic cards, give out handouts with important information or include them on your PowerPoint slides.
• Prepare the delivery. Rehearse giving the presentation several times. Some people like recording themselves, others prefer practicing in front of a mirror or having friends listen to them while presenting. Choose the method that works best for you.

Using some visuals can make your presentation more entertaining, easier to understand and can get your points across more convincingly . My advice:

• Decide whether you need a PowerPoint presentation or not. Do you have graphs, results or other things like this to show? Then yes, you need one. Are you just telling a story? Then a PowerPoint probably isn’t necessary.
• Don’t fill your slides with too much information. Use a maximum of five or six short lines of text. Highlight key words so the audience can see the main ideas right away. Use bullet points rather than full sentences.
• Give the audience time to read graphs or charts. Don’t show a huge table of data if the audience won’t have time to read and understand it. Make sure you practice reading each slide while timing yourself to see how long it takes, so you don’t jump to the next slide too early during your presentation.

If you don’t structure your presentation well with a clear goal in mind, it may end up unclear and unorganized. You don’t want to run out of time before covering your main points or bore the audience.

Here are a few ways to make sure it goes smoothly:

• Decide on three main points (or less). Audiences can’t usually focus on more than three points, so narrow it down to the most important ones you want to make. 
• Tell them what points you’ll be making. Audiences like to know what to expect. Tell them the main goals of your presentation directly in the introduction.
• Use connectors to make transitions from one point to another.  Connectors can also help you present details within certain points. Here are some examples of connectors for different situations:

Mastering these presentation phrases will help to ensure that your message is conveyed clearly and professionally. They’ll also boost your confidence as you prepare to present in English. 

Practice using these phrases in your next presentation, and you’ll see how they help you succeed.

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• Grammar & vocab

Making a presentation: language and phrases (1)

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This is a list of phrases to help you make a professional presentation in English.

Clear structure, logical progression

Good presenters always use language (sometimes single words, sometimes phrases) which shows where they are in their presentation. These ‘signposts’ make it easier for the audience to:

• follow the structure of the presentation
• understand the speaker more easily
• get an idea of the length and content of the presentation.

We’ve divided the phrases and sentences into sections which follow the logical progression of a well-balanced presentation.

1. Welcoming

• Good morning and welcome to [name of company, name of conference hall, hotel, etc.].
• Thank you all very much for coming today.
• I hope you all had a pleasant journey here today.

2. Introducing yourself

• My name is Mark Watson and I am responsible for … .
• My name is Mark Watson from [name of company], where I am responsible for … .
• Let me introduce myself; my name is Mark Watson and I am responsible for … .

3. Introducing your presentation

• The purpose of today’s presentation is to … .
• The purpose of my presentation today is to … .
• In today’s presentation I’d like to … show you … . / explain to you how … .
• In today’s presentation I’m hoping to … give you an update on… / give you an overview of … .
• In today’s presentation I’m planning to … look at … . / explain … .

You can also outline your presentation to give the audience a clear overview of what they can expect:

• In today’s presentation I’m hoping to cover three points:
• firstly, … , after that we will look at … , and finally I’ll … .
• In today’s presentation I’d like to cover three points:
• firstly, … , secondly … , and finally … .

4. Explaining that there will be time for questions at the end

• If you have any questions you’d like to ask, please leave them until the end, when I’ll be happy to answer them.
• If there are any questions you’d like to ask, please leave them until the end, when I’ll do my best to answer them.

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60 Useful and Impactful Phrases for Presentations in English: A Quick Glimpse for Presenters

Introduction.

Are you up for a presentation in English but don’t know how to start yet? Preparing and making a persuasive presentation in English is quite challenging and taxing. You have to consider a lot of things before you can finalize it. A good presentation relies heavily on the words or phrases you use to clearly convey your message to your target audience.

Then, what kind of phrases for presentations in English should you use to persuade your audience and get them involved in your presentation?

In this article, we are going to talk about useful and impactful phrases for presentations in English that you can effectively use in your future presentations. Before that, let us discuss first the importance of these phrases in English presentations.

The Importance of Having Impactful Phrases for Presentations in English

In the business world, presentations play a significant role because they make reports easier to convey and understand. Presentations delivered in English are impactful and are often commended. Thus, having impactful phrases for presentations in English is an additional advantage to get your audience’s attention and be on track.

Say for example you are assigned to lead a new project and you are tasked to give a progress report to your boss. It would not be nice to give him just verbal updates about the progress of the project you handle. It would be better to show him the things that have been working well so far, and things that have been a worry. With just a verbal report, your boss might not be able to understand clearly.

With that, using a presentation is important for him to clearly visualize what is going on with the project. Presentations also give you the chance to be constructively corrected. It also serves as a formal report.

Using impactful phrases for presentations in English leaves a lasting impression on your audience. These phrases can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your report. The more you use persuading phrases or expressions in your presentations, the greater the chance you have to be recognized.

Do you want to be recognized and commended? This article is for you, so keep reading and we’re with you all throughout.

Useful and Impactful Phrases for Presentations in English

Aim for a long-lasting impression on your audience by using the following useful and impactful phrases in your next presentation in English.

• Setting a bright atmosphere

At the beginning of the presentation, you would want your audience to interact with you throughout so setting a warm and bright atmosphere before it is crucial. You can use the following expressions:

• “Good day, everyone! Who’s up for a game?”
• “It’s nice to see everyone with a smile today.”
• “I am glad you all came to attend this meeting.”
• “Before we start, let’s have an icebreaker first to keep everyone going!”
• “Have you ever…?”

Remember to get your audience engaged right at the beginning of your presentation.

• Setting your audience’s expectations

In some presentations, the audience expects more of what you can give, so it is good to give them a brief overview of what the presentation is about and what will happen.

• “This presentation will last about 30 minutes.”
• “All questions and concerns will be attended to after the presentation.”
• “We will allocate spare time for your questions and concerns.”
• “The first part of the presentation would be…”
• “There will be more slides in the presentation so please bear with me.”
• “This presentation will take longer than usual.”
• “If you have questions during the presentation, please write them on these pieces of paper so we can answer them later.”
• “Please take down notes for your reference.”
• “Handouts will be distributed to everyone.”
• “There will be more games and interaction in this presentation.”
• Starting your presentation

It is always nice to warmly welcome your audience before going deeply into your topic.

• “I would like to formally welcome everyone today.”
• “Please sit comfortably and relax.”
• “Let’s start this presentation by introducing myself. My name is _________.”
• “My name is ______ and I am from _______ department.”
• “I’d like to share a quote from …”
• “I have an anecdote to share and I’d love everyone to listen.”
• “What do you think about the quote shared by…?”

Sometimes, it is better to start your presentation with an anecdote or a quote related to your presentation.

• Introducing your topic

You may use the following phrases for presentations in English when introducing your topic.

• “Today, I will be talking about…”
• “The topic of my presentation today is about …”
• “My presentation is relevant to…”
• “I am glad to present to you the progress of …”
• “As you can see, I am here to report about…”
• “There are three major topics that I’m going to discuss today.”
• Discussing the content of your topic: showing images, graphs, and illustrations

When discussing the content of your presentation, it is good to use the following expressions.

• “As you can see in the graph…”
• “Here is an example illustration of…”
• “Look at the graphic on the screen.”
• “This illustration/graph shows the result of…”
• “Things don’t look good in this image so…”
• “I visualize this project as…”
• “You can see the graph showing the trends…”
• Engaging your audience

It’s okay to pause for a while and get your audience involved in your presentation.

• “What do you think about it?”
• “Do you have any additional insights?”
• “Please feel free to share your thoughts about it.”
• “Your opinion really matters.”
• “Kindly let me know if you have questions or clarifications.”
• “I’d love to hear your thoughts about this.”
• “Who would like to share their personal thoughts on this?”
• Emphasizing or highlighting important information
• “This is very important because…”
• “The good thing about this one is that…”
• “Our key takeaway for this matter is…”
• “The most important thing in this project is the…”
• “The decrease will not affect our sales target…”
• Entertaining questions and concerns

Some members of the audience inevitably ask you questions about your presentation so it is best to be prepared. If not, might as well be polite instead.

• “Thank you for your question, Mr./Ms. _____.”
• “That’s a very good question.”
• “Thank you for raising that concern.”
• “I’d love to answer your question, but let me finish this first.”
• “I will attend to all your questions after the presentation.”
• Ending your presentation and leaving a long-lasting impression

You may not impress all in the audience with your presentation but you must know how well you delivered your presentation. End it with a bang, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

• “This is not easy, but I know we can do this.”
• “Thank you so much for sparing your precious time on this presentation.”
• “I really appreciate your presence in this meeting.”
• “We are all in this together, so let’s start making a difference.”
• “I’d like to commend our workers for…”
• “Good job to everyone for a job well done.”
• “Kudos! Let’s continue to be productive and excellent.”
• “You’re all amazing.”

You can also end your presentation with a quote or a personal anecdote for your audience to remember you.

These phrases for presentations in English are helpful ways to make your presentation easy to understand as well as impactful. These are just examples of phrases you can use when presenting in English. You can always experiment and create sounding phrases to persuade your audience.

By knowing these phrases, you enhance the effectiveness of your delivery as well as your communication skills. This is your way to overcome your fear of speaking English . Most importantly, the impression you will leave to your listeners will last for a long time.

What to consider when preparing a presentation?

Presentations can be simple depending on your target audience, the context, and the time frame. These are just a few of the things you have to consider when preparing a presentation. You can also ask yourself the following questions.

• Know your target audience. Who are the attendees? Your presentation must be appropriate for the listeners.
• Where is the presentation? Check the situation.
• How long will the meeting last? How much time is allocated for your presentation?
• What data should you present? Think about the most important highlight in your topic.
• Should you use a PowerPoint presentation? This is better than just speaking without material.
• Are games or activities suitable for the presentation? If not, never mind. You’ll just waste your time.
• What interactive activities should you include? This is nice to get your audience engaged.
• What if you cannot answer the questions? Anticipate and prepare a backup answer.

Presentations are always easy when you know how to consider things during your preparation. Things do not always go easy, especially when it is your first time. However, just be confident and relax. Your goal is to deliver a good and effective presentation, but most of all, to impress your audience.

Get ready for your next presentation…

You have just learned some useful and impactful phrases for presentations in English. Now you are ready for your next presentation. Focus and think about your primary goal: the impression.

• March 12, 2024

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Presenters’ Secret Weapon: 32 English Phrases for Smooth Q&A

Let’s face it… At the end of a presentation, the questions can be terrifying for many speakers as they can’t be controlled and are hard to prepare for. For non-native speakers, particularly, it’s essential to be well prepared, and part of this preparation means knowing the phrases to handle questions!

In this lesson, you will learn the ‘Top 32 ways to handle Presentation Questions using Business English.’ Watch the lesson and then read the article for examples.

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CLARIFYING QUESTIONS The presenter checks that they’ve understood the question from the audience correctly. A customer has called to the office and you pick up the phone.

• “I’m sorry, could you repeat your question please?”
• “So, if I understood you correctly, you’d like to know whether [there will be redundancies in our organisation?”]
• “So, in other words, you would like to know whether [the database purchase will ensure efficiency?”]
• “Does that answer your question?”
• “I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch that.”
• “If I could just rephrase your question. You’d like to know [if these security standards are the minimum?”]

CHECKING WHETHER THE AUDIENCE MEMBER IS SATISFIED An audience member has asked a question. The presenter answers and then checks to see that they’ve understood.

7. “Does that answer your question?”

8. “Is that clearer now?”

9. “Is that the kind of information you were looking for?”

RESPONSES TO GOOD QUESTIONS The presenter acknowledges that an audience member has asked a good question.

10. “Good point.”

11 “I’m glad you asked that.”

12. “That’s a very good question.”

ADMITTING YOU DON”T KNOW Sometimes the presenter might not know the answer to an audience member’s question.

13. “I don’t know the answer to your question, but I’ll aim to find out for you.”

14.. “Sorry I don’t know that off the top of my head.”

15. “Sorry, that’s not my area of expertise but I’m sure [Steve Beesley from the Research Department] could answer your question.”

16. “I’m afraid I’m not in a position to answer that question at the moment.”

RESPONSES TO IRRELEVANT QUESTIONS Sometimes an audience member will ask a question that is not relevant to the presentation, and the presenter responds accordingly.

17. That’s not really my area of expertise.”

18. “Well, I think that goes beyond the scope of my expertise.”

19. “To be honest, I think that raises a different issue.”

AVOID GIVING AN ANSWER The presenter may get a difficult or awkward question and avoid answering.

20. “ If you don’t mind, could we discuss that on another occasion?”

21. “I’m afraid that’s not really what we’re discussing today.”

22. “Well actually, I’d prefer not to discuss that today.”

POSTPONING QUESTIONS The presenter assures the audience member that there will be an opportunity to revisit the question later on in the session.

23. “If you don’t mind, I’ll come back to this point later on in the presentation.”

24. “Can we get back to this point a bit later?”

25. “I will definitely answer your question towards the end of the presentation.”

26. “Would you mind waiting until the Question and Answer session at the end?”

27. “Perhaps we could go over this after the presentation?”

SUMMARISING AFTER INTERRUPTIONS An audience member interrupted and asked a question. Therefore, the presenter needs to remain composed in directing the audience back to the presentation.

28. “So, now I’d like to go back to what we were discussing earlier.”

29. “Before we go on, let me summarise the main points we’ve discussed.”

CLOSING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS The presenter gives the audience the option to ask any final questions.

30. “I think we have time for one more question…”

31. “So, if there are no further questions, [it’s time to end my presentation and thank you all for coming today.”]

32. “If there are no further questions, I’ll finish there. Thank you very much.”

LESSON END.

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Elevate Your Presentations: Mastering English Presentation Words and Phrases

The art of delivering a compelling presentation lies in the finesse of your language skills. It’s about crafting resonating sentences, choosing captivating words, and initiating a dialogue that piques curiosity. One must know how to maneuver through this landscape, from setting the scene with a powerful introduction to concluding with a thought-provoking statement. That’s where this guide comes in. It will give you key presentation sentences, phrases, and words to help elevate your communication skills.

Presentation Starting Phrases

In the realm of presentations, first impressions matter tremendously. Your opening words set the stage for the rest of your discourse, establishing the tone and drawing in your audience. The right choice of phrases can create a compelling introduction that commands attention and sparks interest. Here, we will explore a selection of presentation-starting words and phrases to help you set a strong foundation:

• I’d like to start by…
• Today, I’m here to discuss…
• Let’s begin with a look at…
• Good morning/afternoon/evening, my name is…
• It’s a pleasure to be here today to talk about…
• Let’s dive straight into…
• I would like to kick off with…
• Firstly, let’s consider…
• Have you ever wondered about…
• Thank you for joining me as we explore…
• Today’s focus will be on…
• Let’s set the stage by discussing…
• The topic at hand today is…
• To start, let’s examine…
• I want to begin by highlighting…

Crafting an engaging opening with the presentation starting words, is akin to opening the first page of a riveting novel. These phrases serve as a doorway, inviting your audience into the fascinating narrative you are about to share.

Setting the Scene: Key Presentation Phrases

Now that you have your audience’s attention, the next crucial step is to set the scene. It involves using key phrases to keep your audience engaged, clarify, and effectively communicate your main points. A well-set scene guides the audience through your presentation, helping them understand your narrative and easily follow your arguments. Let’s look at some essential phrases that can help you accomplish it:

• Moving on to the next point, we see...
• Delving deeper into this topic, we find...
• An important aspect to consider is...
• It leads us to the question of...
• Another critical point to remember is...
• To illustrate this point, let me share...
• On the other hand, we also have...
• Furthermore, it’s critical to note that...
• Let’s take a moment to examine...
• As an example, let’s look at...
• The evidence suggests that...
• Contrary to popular belief...
• It’s also worth noting that...
• Digging into this further, we discover...
• Expanding on this idea, we can see...
• Turning our attention to...
• The data indicate that...
• To clarify, let’s consider...
• To highlight this, let’s review...
• Putting this into perspective, we can infer...

These phrases help establish your narrative, maintain audience interest, and structure your arguments. They serve as signposts, guiding your audience through the presentation and facilitating understanding and engagement.

Transitioning Gracefully: Phrases for Presentation Flow

Transitioning between points or sections in your presentation is like steering a ship through water. Smooth navigation keeps your audience aboard, maintaining their interest and comprehension. Seamless transitions contribute to a coherent and compelling narrative, preventing abrupt jumps or confusing shifts in your discourse. The following phrases are powerful tools that can ensure your transitions are smooth and effective:

• Moving forward, let’s consider...
• With that said, let’s turn our attention to...
• Now that we’ve discussed X, let’s explore Y...
• Building upon this idea, we can see that...
• Transitioning to our next point, we find...
• Shifting gears, let’s examine...
• Let’s now pivot to discussing...
• Following this line of thought...
• Linking back to our earlier point...
• Let’s segue into our next topic...
• It brings us neatly to our next point...
• To bridge this with our next topic...
• In the same vein, let’s look at...
• Drawing a parallel to our previous point...
• Expanding the scope of our discussion, let’s move to...
• Having established that, we can now consider...
• Correlating this with our next point...
• Let’s transition now to a related idea...
• With this in mind, let’s proceed to...
• Steering our discussion in a new direction, let’s delve into...

These phrases connect threads, linking your ideas and ensuring your presentation flows smoothly. They give your audience cues, signaling that you’re moving from one idea or point to the next, making your discourse easy to follow.

Concluding Your Presentation in English

The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your audience. It’s a chance to wrap up your arguments, restate your main points, and leave your audience with a clear and compelling message to ponder. Here are some phrases that can assist you in crafting a memorable conclusion:

• To sum up our discussion today...
• In conclusion, we can say that...
• Wrapping up, the key takeaways from our talk are...
• As we come to an end, let’s revisit the main points...
• Bringing our discussion to a close, we find...
• In the light of our discussion, we can infer...
• To synthesize the main points of our discourse...
• To recap the primary themes of our presentation...
• As we conclude, let’s reflect on...
• Drawing our discussion to a close, the principal conclusions are...
• As our dialogue comes to an end, the core insights are...
• In wrapping up, it’s essential to remember...
• Summarizing our journey today, we can say...
• As we bring this presentation to a close, let’s remember...
• Coming to an end, our central message is...

These phrases help you consolidate your arguments, summarize your main points, and end on a high note. A well-structured conclusion ensures your audience understands your presentation, its key messages, and its implications.

Polished Presentation Vocabulary

Apart from structured sentences and transitional phrases, the vocabulary you use can add a touch of sophistication. An expanded lexicon enriches your language and enhances your ability to express complex ideas with clarity and precision. Let’s explore a list of presentation words that can add depth and dimension:

• Elucidate  -   make something clear, explain.
• Pivotal  -   of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
• Insights  -   an accurate and deep understanding.
• Nuanced  -   characterized by subtle distinctions or variations.
• Leverage  -   use something to maximum advantage.
• Perspective  -   a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something.
• Synthesize  -   combine   into a coherent whole.
• Salient  -   most noticeable or important.
• Correlation  -   a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.
• Framework  -   a basic structure underlying a system or concept.
• Paradigm  - a typical example or pattern of something.
• Repercussions  -   an unintended consequence of an event or action.
• Contemplate  -   look thoughtfully for a long time.
• Manifestation - an event, action, or object that embodies something.
• Escalate  -   increase rapidly.
• Inherent  -   existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
• Validate  -   check or prove the validity or accuracy of.
• Consolidate  -   make something physically more solid.
• Compelling  -   evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
• Delineate  -   describe or portray something precisely.

These words add a layer of sophistication to your presentation, conveying your thoughts and ideas more precisely. They expand your expressive capacity and lend an authoritative and professional tone to your speech. By integrating these words into your presentation, you can deliver your message with clarity and depth, engaging your audience more effectively.

The Corporate Edge: Navigating the Nuances of Business English Presentations

In the corporate world, effective communication is the linchpin of success. It’s an art that lies at the heart of all business interactions, from high-stakes meetings to persuasive pitches. And when it comes to delivering such a presentation, the task becomes even more critical. The business English presentation phrases you use, how you present your points, and the overall language command play a significant role in conveying your message effectively.

Presenting in a business setting often involves explaining complex ideas, discussing financial matters, and persuading potential clients or stakeholders. Here, the language must be precise, the tone - professional, and the content - structured. Unlike informal or academic ones, business presentations carry a certain degree of formality and specific jargon that sets them apart. However,  business English idioms and expressions can help soften the formality, adding a touch of personality to your language. 

Navigating the labyrinth of  business English also involves acknowledging the importance of research and planning. A well-researched presentation reflects your dedication, expertise, and credibility. It shows you respect your audience’s time and are prepared to deliver value. It’s not just about memorizing facts and figures; it’s about understanding your topic thoroughly and answering queries convincingly.

Another characteristic of business presentations lies in their persuasive nature. Often, they are geared toward persuading clients, investors, or team members toward a particular course of action. Consequently, using persuasive techniques such as presenting benefits, sharing testimonials, or demonstrating success stories becomes prevalent. You’re not just providing information; you’re trying to influence decisions and drive action.

An essential but often overlooked aspect of business presentations is the importance of a strong opening and closing. The opening is your chance to grab the audience’s attention and make them invested in your talk, so knowing how to start a business presentation is essential. Conversely, the closing is your final shot at reinforcing your message and making a lasting impression.

Finally, business presentations often involve handling criticism or skepticism, especially when proposing new ideas or challenging existing norms. Here, your ability to accept feedback gracefully, address concerns effectively, and maintain your composure can significantly impact the outcome.

Learn Vocabulary for Presentations with Promova

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As we conclude, it’s clear that effective presentations in English rely on various linguistic elements. A strong beginning, transitions, and a powerful conclusion, all while using precise vocabulary, are critical. The ability to craft compelling sentences and phrases, set the scene effectively, and transition smoothly between ideas are essential for a successful presentation. And the correct vocabulary can add depth and dimension to your discourse while conveying professionalism.

What role does body language play in presentations?

Body language can significantly impact how your message is perceived. Effective use of gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions can amplify your points, show enthusiasm, and engage the audience. Conversely, negative body language can detract from your message.

How important is it to know your audience before a presentation?

Knowing your audience is crucial. It informs the level of detail you need to include, the words and phrases you use, the examples you choose, and even the humor you might incorporate. Tailoring your presentation to your audience’s knowledge and interests can significantly enhance its effectiveness.

What if I make a mistake during my presentation?

Everyone makes mistakes. If you stumble during your presentation, take a moment, compose yourself, and move on. Don’t let a minor error disrupt your flow. Remember, the audience is there to listen to your ideas, not critique your performance.

Are there some resources with more phrases for presentations?

Indeed, many resources are available if you’re seeking to delve deeper into the world of presentation phrases.  The Cambridge Dictionary and  Merriam-Webster Dictionary offer many valuable collocations, from simple expressions to sophisticated vocabulary.

Useful English phrases for a presentation

Presentations have the advantage that many standard phrases can be used at various points. Perhaps you wish to welcome the audience, introduce the speaker and the topic, outline the structure, offer a summary, or deal with questions. In all these situations, you can apply a number of useful expressions that will make your presentation a linguistic success.

At the beginning of each presentation, you should welcome your audience. Depending on who you are addressing, you should extend a more or less formal welcome.

Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and gentlemen/everyone.

On behalf of “Company X”, allow me to extend a warm welcome to you.

Hi, everyone. Welcome to “Name of the event”.

Introducing the speaker

The level of formality of your welcome address will also apply to how you introduce yourself. Customize it to match your audience.

Let me briefly introduce myself. My name is “John Miller” and I am delighted to be here today to talk to you about…

First, let me introduce myself. My name is “John Miller” and I am the “Position” of “Company X”.

I’m “John” from “Company Y” and today I’d like to talk to you about…

Introducing the topic

After the welcome address and the introduction of the speaker comes the presentation of the topic. Here are some useful introductory phrases.

Today I am here to talk to you about…

What I am going to talk about today is…

I would like to take this opportunity to talk to you about…

I am delighted to be here today to tell you about…

I want to make you a short presentation about…

I’d like to give you a brief breakdown of…

Explanation of goals

It is always recommended to present the goals of your presentation at the beginning. This will help the audience to understand your objectives.

The purpose of this presentation is…

My objective today is…

After presenting the topic and your objectives, give your listeners an overview of the presentation’s structure. Your audience will then know what to expect in detail.

My talk/presentation is divided into “x” parts.

I’ll start with…/First, I will talk about…/I’ll begin with…

…then I will look at…

and finally…

Starting point

After all this preparation, you can finally get started with the main part of the presentation. The following phrases will help you with that.

Let me start with some general information on…

Let me begin by explaining why/how…

I’d like to give you some background information about…

Before I start, does anyone know…

As you are all aware…

I think everybody has heard about…, but hardly anyone knows a lot about it.

End of a section

If you have completed a chapter or section of your presentation, inform your audience, so that they do not lose their train of thought.

That’s all I have to say about…

We’ve looked at…

So much for…

Interim conclusion

Drawing interim conclusions is of utmost importance in a presentation, particularly at the end of a chapter or section. Without interim conclusions, your audience will quickly forget everything you may have said earlier.

Let’s summarize briefly what we have looked at.

Here is a quick recap of the main points of this section.

I’d like to recap the main points.

Well, that’s about it for this part. We’ve covered…

Use one of the following phrases to move on from one chapter to the next.

I’d now like to move on to the next part…

This leads me to my next point, which is…

Turning our attention now to…

Let’s now turn to…

Frequently, you have to give examples in a presentation. The following phrases are useful in that respect.

For example,…

A good example of this is…

As an illustration,…

To give you an example,…

To illustrate this point…

In a presentation, you may often need to provide more details regarding a certain issue. These expressions will help you to do so.

I’d like to expand on this aspect/problem/point.

Let me elaborate further on…

If you want to link to another point in your presentation, the following phrases may come in handy.

As I said at the beginning,…

This relates to what I was saying earlier…

Let me go back to what I said earlier about…

This ties in with…

Reference to the starting point

In longer presentations, you run the risk that after a while the audience may forget your original topic and objective. Therefore, it makes sense to refer to the starting point from time to time.

I hope that you are a little clearer on how we can…

To return to the original question, we can…

Just to round the talk off, I want to go back to the beginning when I…

I hope that my presentation today will help with what I said at the beginning…

Reference to sources

In a presentation, you frequently have to refer to external sources, such as studies and surveys. Here are some useful phrases for marking these references.

Based on our findings,…

According to our study,…

Our data shows/indicates…

Graphs and images

Presentations are usually full of graphs and images. Use the following phrases to give your audience an understanding of your visuals.

Let me use a graphic to explain this.

I’d like to illustrate this point by showing you…

Let the pictures speak for themselves.

I think the graph perfectly shows how/that…

If you look at this table/bar chart/flow chart/line chart/graph, you can see that…

To ensure that your presentation does not sound monotonous, from time to time you should emphasize certain points. Here are some suggestions.

It should be emphasized that…

I would like to draw your attention to this point…

Another significant point is that…

The significance of this is…

This is important because…

We have to remember that…

At times it might happen that you expressed yourself unclearly and your audience did not understand your point. In such a case, you should paraphrase your argument using simpler language.

In other words,…

To put it more simply,…

What I mean to say is…

So, what I’m saying is….

To put it in another way….

Questions during the presentation

Questions are an integral part of a presentation. These phrases allow you to respond to questions during a presentation.

Does anyone have any questions or comments?

I am happy to answer your questions now.

Please feel free to interrupt me if you have questions.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Please stop me if you have any questions.

Do you have any questions before I move on?

If there are no further questions at this point, I’d like to…

Questions at the end of a presentation

To ensure that a presentation is not disrupted by questions, it is advisable to answer questions at the very end. Inform your audience about this by using these phrases.

There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

I’ll gladly answer any of your questions at the end.

I’d be grateful if you could ask your questions after the presentation.

After answering a question from the audience, check that the addressee has understood your answer and is satisfied with it.

Does this answer your question?

Did I make myself clear?

I hope this explains the situation for you.

Unknown answer

Occasionally, it may happen that you do not have an answer to a question. That is not necessarily a bad thing. Simply use one of the following phrases to address the fact.

That’s an interesting question. I don’t actually know off the top of my head, but I’ll try to get back to you later with an answer.

I’m afraid I’m unable to answer that at the moment. Perhaps, I can get back to you later.

Good question. I really don’t know! What do you think?

That’s a very good question. However, I don’t have any figures on that, so I can’t give you an accurate answer.

Unfortunately, I’m not the best person to answer that.

Summary and conclusion

At the end of the presentation, you should summarize the important facts once again.

I’d like to conclude by…

In conclusion, let me sum up my main points.

Weighing the pros and cons, I come to the conclusion that…

That brings me to the end of my presentation. Thank you for listening/your attention.

Thank you all for listening. It was a pleasure being here today.

Well, that’s it from me. Thanks very much.

That brings me to the end of my presentation. Thanks for your attention.

Handing over

If you are not the only speaker, you can hand over to somebody else by using one of these phrases.

Now I will pass you over to my colleague ‘Jerry’.

‘Jerry’, the floor is yours.

We hope that our article will help you in preparing and holding your next presentation. It goes without saying that our list is just a small extract from the huge world of expressions and phrases. As always, the Internet is an inexhaustible source of further information. Here are the links to two websites that we would recommend to you in this context.

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Blog > English Presentation Structure (Introduction, Closing) & useful Phrases

English Presentation Structure (Introduction, Closing) & useful Phrases

02.21.20   •  #powerpoint #presentation #english.

When giving a presentation in english, there are certain guidelines you should follow. Maybe you haven't got a lot of experience presenting - or you would simply like to refresh your already existing knowledge - we're here to teach you the basics about presenting and provide you with a free list of useful phrases and the basic structure you can in your presentation!

1. Structure

The general structure of a presentation is the following:

• Introduction

It is up to you to design these three parts. Using videos or everyday-examples can be a great way to introduce the audience to the topic. The important thing is that you capture the audience's attention from the beginning by making an interesting introduction. The main part is where you present your topic, ideally divided into sections. You can be creative with it - incorporate images, videos, stories or interactive polls . We generally recommend using different kinds of elements, as that makes the presentation more lively. Make sure your main part is well structured, so your audience can follow. In the conclusion, you should give a short summary of the points you made without adding any new information. You can also make an appeal to your audience in the end.

2. Useful Phrases

Here you'll find several phrases that you'll need in every presentation. Of course, you should adapt them and use them in a context that is suitable for your setting. The phrases are divided into subcategories so you can find what you're looking for more easily.

Starting your Presentation

In your introduction, you should:

Welcome your audience

Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone!

Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to my presentation about...

Introduce yourself

I am ... (from company ...) and today I would like to introduce you to the topic of ...

My name is ... and I am going to talk about ... today.

Icebreakers (for audience engagement)

Icebreaker polls are an amazing way to engage your audience instantly. They function as a fun and playful element at the beginning, giving you the perfect start you need to give a successful presentation. Click here to read our detailed post about icebreaker polls!

Mention the presentation topic and the reason for giving the presentation

I am grateful to be here today and tell you you about...

I would like to take this opportunity to talk about ...

I am here today to talk to you about ...

The reason why I am here today to talk about ... is ...

The purpose of this presentation is to ...

My goal today is to ...

Hopefully, by the end of the presentation, you will all know more about ...

Give a short overview of the content

To make it as understandable as possible, I divided my presentation into ... parts. In the first part, I will concentrate on ..., the second part will be about ..., ...

First of all, I will give you a short introduction, then we will move on to ...

... and finally, I will give you some insights to ...

Here are a few phrases that you could use during the whole presentation, but especially in the main part.

Engage your audience

In order to raise the audience's attention and improve their engagement, it is extremely important to make contact with them. A great way to do so is by adding interactive elements such as polls. If you would like to know more about this topic, read our article on How To Boost Audience Engagement . You can also use a software like SlideLizard , which allows you to conduct live polls, do Q&A sessions with your audience, share your resources and many more benefits that take your presentation to the next level.

Please raise your hand if you ...

Have you ever thought about ... ?

I would like to do a poll about ...

Please ask any questions as soon as they arrive.

On one hand, … on the other hand…

Comparing … with …, we can see that…

Clearly, … makes more sense than …

Whereas Option A is …, Option B is …

Making new points

Firstly,… Secondly,…

What also has to be mentioned is…

Next, I would like to bring up the topic of…

That being said, now we are going to take a look at…

Let's move on to the next topic.

On the next slide,…

The last thing I would like to mention is…

We made a whole blog post about how to pose questions in your presentation: The Right Way to do a Question Slide .

Talking about images or videos

In this image you can clearly see that ...

We are now going to take a look at a picture/video of ...

I'm going to show you a video by ... about ... now.

I've prepared a video about ...

Talking about statistics and charts

I am now addressing this graph that refers to the results of study XY.

In the graph on this slide, you can see that ...

The average is at ...

This graph clearly shows that the majority ...

According to this graph, the focus should be on ...

What that study tells us for practice is that we should ...

Emphasizing

I would like to emphasize the importance of ...

Moreover, it has to be said that ...

I want to stress the importance of ...

We always have to remember that ...

This is of high significance because ...

That part is especially important because ...

When something goes wrong

I am sorry, but it seems like the projector isn't working.

Could someone please help me with ...?

Is anybody here who knows how to ...?

Could someone give me a hand with ...

I would like to apologize for ...

I apologize for the technical problems, we are going to continue in a minute.

I am sorry for the inconvenience.

End of Presentation

In the conclusion, you should...

Sum up the main points

In conclusion I can say that…

To sum up the main points,…

With all mentioned aspects taken into consideration, I can say that…

Make an appeal

So please, in the future, try to be conscious about...

Please take a moment to think about...

I would like to encourage you to...

Thank your audience and say goodbye

It was a pleasure being here today.

Thank you for listening and goodbye.

Thank you for being such a great, engaged audience. Goodbye.

Thank you so much for listening, see you next time.

What is the structure of a presentation?

Your presentations should always have an Introduction, a Main part and a Conclusion.

What is a good way to begin a presentation?

You can start by introducing yourself, giving an overview of your topic, telling a little story or showing the audience an introductory video or image.

What are good phrases to use in English presentations?

There are many phrases that will make your presentation a lot more professional. Our blog post gives you a detailed overview.

Related articles

About the author.

Pia Lehner-Mittermaier

Pia works in Marketing as a graphic designer and writer at SlideLizard. She uses her vivid imagination and creativity to produce good content.

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The big SlideLizard presentation glossary

Hybrid event.

When an event consist of both virtual and in-person parts, this is called a hybrid event. This type of event is popular as it combines the benefits of both online and live events.

Break-out-Room

In live online training, it is sometimes useful to divide the students into small groups for certain exercises, as it would be impossible to have conversations at the same time. Break-out-rooms are used so that people can talk to each other without disturbing the others. When the exercise is over, they are sent back to the main room.

Audience Demographics

Audience Demographics are the characteristics of listeners like age, gender, cultural backgrounds, group affiliations and educational level. The speaker has to consider all these characteristics when adapting to an audience.

Informative Presentations

An information presentation is created when no solution is currently available. Facts, data and figures or study results are presented and current processes are described.

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ENGLISH BUSINESS VOCABULARY

PRESENTATIONS: Useful Phrases

Useful phrases and keywords for presentations..

Preparation is essential for an effective presentation.
When giving a presentation, certain keywords are used to signpost the different stages.
It's a good idea to memorise them and practise using them, so that they come to mind easily during a presentation.

transitional phrases  |  more vocabulary for presentations

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As you can see in the slide (giving presentations)

• Business Skills
• Presentation Skills

Vocabulary - presenting

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this lesson are to:

• learn and practise vocabulary for presentations;
• watch a video on how to present your ideas effectively;
• develop skills in structuring a presentation.

In this lesson, students explore vocabulary for presentations (e.g. I’m going to tell you about…, As you can see…, I’d like to turn to… , etc.), practise using it and discuss their perspectives on presentations. They also read the text of a presentation and watch a video with tips on how to communicate their ideas with clarity.

WARM-UP AND VOCABULARY

Students start this lesson with a warm-up in which they identify presentations they have seen recently and list things they remember from them. Afterwards, students discuss questions about skills and their personal experiences related to presentations. Then, they read a short text of a presentation and point out who it is for. After that, students create phrases by completing gaps in the text with verbs. Next, students read the text again and identify the phrases to structure a presentation ( beginning of a presentation, explaining examples, moving to another topic and finishing a presentation ). Then, they order statements to make a presentation. They also rewrite the beginnings of the statements using five phrases from the previous task.  

VIDEO AND DISCUSSION

In this part of the lesson, students watch a video about how to present their ideas clearly and complete statements from the video with one word. After that, they discuss questions about tips on how to deliver a good presentation and talk about the exercises they would do to improve their presentation skills. Next, students brainstorm scenarios related to work presentations, where they determine the most appropriate situation from a pair and justify their reasons (e.g. using coloured pictures OR using charts and graphs ). Finally, they think of a work-related task and present it using phrases from the lesson. Students also use the points listed in the activity to help them prepare what to say.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This lesson also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students match halves to create sentences and add one more related sentence to each of them. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan.

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Hi, I would say “on the slide” rather than “in the slide” (British English)

Hi! I think that both options are OK 🙂

Very nice lesson!

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With this lesson, students practise quantifiers in various contexts. They discuss work conditions and employee feedback and watch a video about employee satisfaction.

Workplace safety

Engage in talking about safety in the workplace with this lesson! Students explore vocabulary to talk about injuries, watch a video about safety at work and discuss workplace rules.

I was wondering if… (making requests)

With this lesson, students talk about ways to make requests. They watch a funny ad and discuss requests at work. Students also practise phrases to make requests and do a role play activity.

All for one and one for all

With this lesson, students engage in the exploration of teamwork. They discuss the importance of teamwork, explore vocabulary to talk about the topic, watch a video and discuss useful tips about how to create better teams.

Changing careers

With this speaking lesson, students navigate the territory of career changes. They discuss job market trends, as well as benefits and challenges of transitioning careers. They also talk about important skills and watch a video about a woman who changed careers.

Prioritizing and to-do lists

With this insightful lesson, students practise vocabulary to talk about priorities, watch an explainer video about the Eisenhower Matrix and discuss time management. They also give advice on how to organize tasks.

How to deal with misunderstandings

With this speaking lesson, students discuss situations that might cause misunderstandings, watch a short and funny ad and analyse tips on how to avoid miscommunication.

As per my last email…

Dive into the intriguing world of emailing and talk about what annoys people the most. With this lesson, students expand their vocabulary, express irritation, and analyze real-life situations.

Is a degree worth it?

Engage your students in a discussion on the ins and outs of higher education. Explore education and career-related vocabulary and work on comprehension skills by watching a news report on the job market.

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USEFUL PHRASES IN PRESENTATIONS

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Phrases for your presentations

Greet. Introduce yourself and the topic.

Show the presentation structure

Talk about timing, questions and handouts

Introduce your first topic

transitions

Sequence your ideas

Highlight information

Explain details.

Explain your visuals

Connect to something previously said

Restate and summarize.

Make reference to information

Conclude your talk.

• Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone/everybody and welcome to my presentation. First of all, let me thank you all for coming here today.
• Welcome to (event)
• First, let me introduce myself. I am/My name is .... I am a (job title)... from/at (company/institution).
• Let me start by saying a few words about my own background.
• The topic of my presentation is...
• Today, I would like to talk to you about...
• As you can see on the screen, our topic today is......
• This morning/afternoon I'm going to take a look at...
• My talk is particularly relevant to those of you who....
• This talk is designed to act as a....
• In my presentation I’ll focus on three major issues.
• I'm going to focus on/look at/deal with three main points.
• I've divided my presentation into three main parts
• This presentation is structured as follows...
• The subject can be looked at under the following headings...
• We can break this area down into the following fields...
• First of all, I'll talk about... Second, I'll look at... Finally, I'll explain/show/tell you about...
• My presentation will take about X minutes.
• It will take about X minutes to cover these issues.
• If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them.
• There will be... (time) for questions/a Q&A session at the end of my presentation.
• I would appreciate it if you could leave any questions you may have until the end of my presentation.
• If you don’t mind, I'd like to leave questions until the end of my talk.
• If you have questions during the presentation, feel free to interrupt at any time.
• I’ll be handing out copies of the slides at the end of my talk.
• I can email the PowerPoint presentation to anyone who would like it.
• Don’t worry about taking notes, I’ve put all the relevant statistics on a handout for you
• So, let's get started
• Let me start by giving you some background information.
• Let's start with...
• My first point concerns...
• First of all, I’d like to give you an overview of....
• I would like to begin by telling you/showing you...

Sequencing: Let’s move on to… Turning our attention now to… Next, I’ll focus on.....and then we’ll consider.... Then I’ll go on to highlight what I see as the main points of.... That concludes my second point, let's turn now to Finally, I’d like to address the problem of/raise briefly the issue of......

• I’d like to put the situation into some kind of perspective.
• I’d like you to think about the significance of this figure here.
• The significance of this is…
• This is important because…
• We have to remember that …
• Let me expand on this point.
• I would like to elaborate on this point.
• Let me elaborate further.
• I’d like to discuss in more depth the implications of....
• I’d like to make more detailed recommendations regarding....
• As you can see on this chart...
• Take a look at this diagram...
• This graph clearly shows...
• I would like to illustrate this point by showing you a graph...
• This chart shows you a breakdown of...

Connecting: As I said at the beginning, … This relates to what I was saying earlier… This ties in with what I said at the start of my talk...

• In other words, …
• To put it simply, …
• What I mean to say is …
• So that brings me to the end of my presentation. We looked at three main points.
• We spoke about...
• I explained/showed you...
• Based on our findings, …
• According to our study, …
• Our data shows …
• I’d just like to finish with the words of a famous scientist/ politician/ author...
• In conclusion/To conclude, I would like to say that...
• Before we finish, I would like to leave you with one final thought.
• Thank you for your attention. Now I am happy to answer any questions you might have.
• Thanks for listening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgFNTuRYtKE https://www.londonschool.com/blog/30-useful-phrases-presentations-english/ https://www.fluentu.com/blog/business-english/business-english-presentation-phrases/

Essential Business English Phrases for Effective Professional Communication

• No Comments
• 2nd September 2024

Introduction to Essential Business English Phrases

• 1 Introduction to Essential Business English Phrases
• 2 Key Business English Phrases for Effective Communication
• 3 How to Use Business English Phrases in Meetings and Presentations
• 4 Common Business English Expressions for Networking and Relationship Building
• 5 Improving Your Professional Communication with Essential Business English Phrases

At Britannia School, we understand that mastering essential business English phrases is crucial for effective communication in the professional world. In our increasingly globalized market, fluency in business English can significantly enhance our interactions with colleagues and clients alike. With this in mind, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of key phrases that can empower us to express our ideas clearly and confidently.

Utilizing essential business English phrases can streamline our conversations and improve our overall communication skills. Here are a few critical areas we should focus on:

• Professional greetings : Starting with a polite introduction can set the tone for any discussion.
• Making requests : Utilizing polite language when asking for information or assistance fosters a collaborative environment.
• Expressing opinions : Knowing how to present our thoughts respectfully is key during meetings and negotiations.
• Closing conversations : Ending discussions appropriately helps us leave a positive impression and maintain professional relationships.

By incorporating these essential business English phrases into our daily interactions, we pave the way for more productive exchanges. As we embark on this journey of learning together, we can enhance our communication skills and achieve greater success in our professional endeavors.

Key Business English Phrases for Effective Communication

In the world of international business, mastering Key Business English Phrases for Effective Communication is essential. We find that using the right phrases can significantly enhance our interactions, build rapport with clients, and convey professionalism. Here are some essential phrases we often use:

• Let’s touch base – This phrase helps us to suggest a follow-up conversation.
• Circle back – We use this to indicate returning to a previous discussion.
• On the same page – This phrase assures our team that everyone shares the same understanding.
• Take it offline – We deploy this phrase when we need to discuss something privately or in a less formal setting.

Utilizing these Key Business English Phrases for Effective Communication can streamline our discussions and ensure clarity. Moreover, we often employ phrases that set a collaborative tone, such as:

• I’d like your input – This shows we value everyone’s opinions.
• Let’s brainstorm – A great way to encourage creative ideas from the team.
• How can we move forward? – This promotes action and collaboration.

By integrating these Key Business English Phrases for Effective Communication into our conversations, we enhance our effectiveness and ensure our messages resonate across diverse audiences. Clarity and professionalism in communication pave the way for successful business relationships.

How to Use Business English Phrases in Meetings and Presentations

When it comes to navigating the professional environment, Business English phrases play a crucial role in our communication during meetings and presentations. We can enhance clarity and professionalism by incorporating these phrases, ensuring that our message is delivered effectively. Here are some key strategies we can implement:

• Start with a clear agenda : Initiating our meetings with a well-defined agenda not only sets the tone but also allows us to use phrases like “Let’s begin with our first point” to guide the discussion.
• Encourage participation : Phrases such as “We welcome your input on this topic” or “What are your thoughts?” can help us create an inclusive atmosphere, prompting contributors to engage actively.
• Summarize key points : After discussions, we can reinforce understanding by saying, “To summarize our findings…” This practice can solidify crucial points and maintains focus.

During presentations, it’s beneficial to use strong Business English phrases to articulate our ideas effectively. For instance, phrases like “In conclusion,” or “Moving forward,” signal transitions and help our audience follow along. Additionally, we can employ rhetorical questions such as, “How does this align with our goals?” to elicit critical thinking among our listeners.

Furthermore, Business English phrases can significantly improve our confidence. By mastering expressions such as “Let’s delve deeper into this” or “We can see the implications of this decision,” we not only convey authority but also enhance our professional image. Ultimately, employing these phrases equips us to communicate more proficiently in high-stakes situations.

Common Business English Expressions for Networking and Relationship Building

When we’re engaged in business English conversations, especially in networking situations, using the right expressions can significantly enhance our interactions. We can leverage specific phrases that not only convey professionalism but also promote effective relationship building. Here are some common expressions we may find useful:

• “It’s great to meet you.” – A simple yet effective opening line that sets a friendly tone.
• “I’d love to hear more about your work.” – This shows genuine interest in the other person’s professional background.
• “Let’s stay in touch.” – An essential phrase that indicates our desire to maintain the connection.
• “Would you like to grab coffee sometime?” – A casual way to propose a follow-up meeting, reinforcing the relationship.

In our networking endeavors, using these business English expressions can help us connect more deeply with our peers and potential partners. We should also consider employing phrases that express appreciation and acknowledgment, such as:

• “Thank you for your insights.” – Recognizing the other person’s contributions builds rapport.
• “I appreciate your time.” – Acknowledging someone’s time fosters mutual respect.
• “Let’s collaborate on a project in the future.” – This opens the door for potential joint ventures and continued dialogue.

By incorporating these business English expressions into our networking repertoire, we not only enhance our conversational skills but also solidify our professional relationships. Remember, effective communication is key to successful networking, and with these phrases, we can navigate these interactions with confidence.

Improving Your Professional Communication with Essential Business English Phrases

In today’s global business environment, we understand the importance of effective communication. Utilizing business English phrases can not only enhance our professional interactions but also ensure that our message is clearly understood. By mastering these essential phrases, we can bridge cultural gaps and foster better relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners.

Some vital business English phrases that we may find useful include:

• “Can you clarify that?” – This phrase invites further explanation, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
• “I would like to follow up on…” – A professional way to remind someone about previous discussions or tasks.
• “Let’s touch base on…” – This phrase is an excellent way to suggest a brief meeting or discussion about specific topics.
• “Could you please elaborate?” – Encouraging others to provide more details demonstrates our engagement and sincerity in communication.

Incorporating these business English phrases into our vocabulary allows us to communicate with confidence. By practicing and using these phrases regularly, we not only improve our own skills but also contribute to a more professional environment. Each phrase equips us with the tools we need to navigate any business situation effectively.

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‘Knowing This,’ ‘Given That’: Participial Phrases Explained

Use participial phrases to provide more context to a story or conversation., i want to learn....

A participial phrase can help turn your words into detailed pictures of what you want to say. A particularly well-crafted sentence can bring you back to the river where you used to go fishing with your father, or to the sofa in your grandparents’ house where you used to flip through photo albums. Participial phrases make these vivid details come to life.

There are many ways to add descriptive details to a story or conversation. We often use adjectives to do this, or we can add entire sentences to provide context. But we can also do this with participial phrases. In this article you’ll learn how participial phrases can act as adjectives to provide context and detail to what you want to say.

What is a participial phrase?

Participial phrases are sentences built around a participle. A participle is a very common type of verb in English. Present participles are verbs that end in -ing , a grammar structure that you encounter every few seconds while listening to English. Things can be a little bit more complicated for the past participle as there are a lot of irregular forms, although regular past participles end in - ed . ( To learn more about participles, check out our guides to present participles and past participles . )

Take a look at the chart below to refresh your memory of a few very common verbs and their participle forms in English.

Common English participles

Now look at the examples below to see how participles begin whole phrases that provide context to a sentence. These phrases are called participial phrases.

• Going through old photos, Sarah found a picture of her grandparents.
• Seeing the approaching storm, the sailors quickly secured the ship.
• Taking a deep breath, Emma stepped onto the stage.
• Done with his chores, Jake decided to watch a movie.
• Given a second chance, he promised to work harder.
• Known for its nightlife, London is visited by millions every year.

Present participial phrases

Present participial phrases add detail and context and help to make a sentence more vivid. In a way, the whole phrase acts like an adjective and adds a quality to the subject of the sentence, as in the following examples:

• Barking loudly , the dog scared the neighbors.
• Singing happily , the children walked home.
• Holding the baby , the mother rocked back and forth.

The present participial phrases (in bold type) all modify the underlined phrase, which acts as the subject of the sentence. As you might notice, the participial phrase comes immediately before the subject, although it can be placed in other positions as well (this will be very important later).

Past participial phrases

Past participles can also add information to a sentence, but they often provide a cause or a result connected with the subject. Basically, they describe what happened before and provide a reason to why something is happening.

• Known for its skyscrapers , New York attracts visitors from all over the world.
• Exhausted from the long day , Stephanie sighed with relief when she went to bed.
• Questioned by the police , the murderer soon confessed his crime.

The past participle given is often used to introduce a condition that explains or gives a reason for the main action in the sentence.

• Given the circumstances , we decided to postpone our trip.
• Given her extensive experience , she was the perfect candidate for the job.
• Given the late hour , they decided to stay overnight at the hotel.

Given what you’ve seen so far, wouldn’t it be great to learn more?

Whether you want to practice complex grammar concepts like participial phrases or brush up on vocabulary for your next vacation, Busuu can help. With hundreds of lessons on a wide variety of topics, you are bound to find what you need. You can even receive feedback on your mistakes and practice exactly what you need with a personalized learning plan. Ready to take your English to the next level?

Participial phrase meaning and sentence placement

So far we have seen participial phrases at the beginning of a sentence, but this is not always the case. Participial phrases, in fact, can be at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence. While different positions express the same overall meaning, each can emphasize a different element and give a different flow to the sentence. Look at these examples:

• Given the complexity of the task , the team worked late to finish the project.
• The team, given the complexity of the task , worked late to finish the project.
• The team worked late to finish the project, given the complexity of the task.

Beginning position

Placing the participial phrase at the beginning of a sentence provides the context or background for the action described in the sentence. In this way we draw the attention to the causes of the action.

• Hoping for a promotion , Ann stayed late every night that week.
• Thinking quickly , Jim prepared a prank for his coworker.
• Running down the street , the dog chased after a passing car.

Middle position

This type of sentence adds detail or clarification about the subject as the sentence progresses. In this way it explains the reason why the subject acts a certain way. This placement is more common in written English.

• The students, working hard on their project , managed to deliver on time.
• The team, celebrating their victory , went to a party next to the gym.
• The cat, sleeping soundly in the sun , didn’t notice the bird outside.

End position

In this position, the participial phrase justifies why the main action has happened.

• John completed the race, feeling really proud .
• They sat by the bonfire, telling stories .
• The children played outside, enjoying the fresh snow.

Punctuation of participial phrases

The position of the participial phrase will influence the punctuation of the whole sentence. You need to think about the participial phrase as an addition – it is something extra that you add to the main sentence.

For this reason, you need a comma to separate the participial phrase from the rest of the sentence. If a participial phrase is at the beginning of a sentence, you need to write a comma after it. A participial phrase in the middle of a sentence will have two commas – one before it and one after. An end-of-the-sentence participial phrase will have a comma before it. Notice the commas in the examples below:

* Given the current situation , the couple decided to postpone their wedding.

• The couple, given the current situation , decided to postpone their wedding.
• The couple decided to postpone their wedding, given the current situation .

Common participial phrase mistakes

Earlier we noted that a participial phrase is often close to the subject of the sentence. As we have seen, there can be different placements of a participial phrase in a sentence, but it is still important that the connection between the participial phrase and the noun it modifies be clear.

When this connection is not clear, we have a common mistake called a dangling participle. A dangling participle doesn’t seem to be connected to anything in the sentence, making it confusing and incorrect. Here are a few examples of dangling participles:

• Sitting on the porch, the sound of chirping birds filled the air.
• Getting ready for the day, the dogs started barking.
• Sipping the first coffee of the day, the anticipation of what the day would bring filled me with excitement.

You see? In the first sentence, who is sitting on the porch listening to the chirping birds? There is no person mentioned anywhere. And in the second sentence, did the dogs start barking to get ready for the day? That’s plain illogical. The third sentence is also confusing because the subject should be I , but instead the subject is the ‘ anticipation of what the day would bring .’

Here is a way to fix the previous sentences:

• Sitting on the porch, we enjoyed the sound of chirping birds filling the air.
• Getting ready for the day, John heard the dogs barking.
• Sipping the first coffee of the day, I was filled with excitement in anticipation of what the day would bring.

With a clear subject close to the participial phrase, everything makes sense right away.

Key takeaways

Participial phrases enrich sentences by acting like adjectives, providing additional detail and context. They help paint a vivid picture in the mind of anyone who is listening to us or reading a text.

You can use different kinds of participial phrases to produce different effects – present participial phrases can describe an action, while past participial phrases often describe a cause or result. Finally, when you use participial phrases, keep in mind their position in the sentence, and remember to use commas in writing to make your ideas clear.

By understanding these concepts, you too will be able to paint an interesting and vivid picture in the mind of your readers or listeners.

Do you want to learn more English grammar?

Continue learning with Busuu’s free online courses and learning resources designed by language experts. You can practice your pronunciation, improve your use of grammar and enrich your vocabulary. Most importantly, you can practice your English in interesting, motivating lessons that will keep you going until you reach your language learning goals.

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12+ Extremely Useful Mandarin Phrases for Traveling in Taiwan

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for at no extra cost to you.

A little bit of Mandarin (Chinese) will go a long way in Taiwan. Bust out a phrase or two, and the locals will not only appreciate but seriously praise you for it .

I’ve been learning Taiwanese Mandarin , including how to read and type traditional Chinese characters, on and off since I first moved to Taiwan over 15 years ago. I’m still far from fluent, but I can get by. My wife is Taiwanese, kids go to a Mandarin immersion school in Canada, and we speak some Chinese at home.

In this article, I’ve carefully selected 12 extremely useful phrases and sentence patterns for traveling in Taiwan. These patterns can be used to make hundreds of sentences in Mandarin simply by inserting different vocabulary.

I’ll also give you some tips for pronunciation, tones, best Mandarin apps, and at the end, a list of even more useful words, phrases, questions, and responses.

In total, you’ll be learning over 100 Mandarin words in this article. Get your notebook ready!

Table of Contents

Chinese Phrases Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick summary of the 12 phrases / terms / patterns I’m going to teach you in this article. Words in parentheses can be replaced.

I’ll explain each of these in much greater detail in the article.

To learn more about Mandarin and Taiwanese from an academic perspective, see my Taiwanese language guide .

How to Pronounce Mandarin Sounds

In this article, I’ll be typing Mandarin words in pinyin , for example “nǐ hǎo” and providing the traditional Chinese characters (as used in Taiwan).

Pinyin is the transliteration system used in China, so most Taiwanese don’t know how to use it . Taiwan has their own system, called zhuyin or “Bopomofo”, but it is harder for English speakers to learn. So don’t ask Taiwanese to read or write something for you in pinyin!

Before you can properly say any Mandarin words, you have to learn how to pronounce each sound in pinyin. Pinyin uses the roman alphabet , so it’s quite easy. There are a few tricky sounds, but you can learn it in 15 minutes.

I suggest you start by watching this pinyin pronunciation video . If you can’t get the sounds right first, there’s no point in trying to read any words in this article.

Another tip: for all the phrases I’ll introduce in this article, copy-paste the Mandarin characters to GoogleTranslate then click the speaker icon to hear how they should sound.

Mandarin Tones

Mastering the sounds of Chinese is the easy part. The more difficult step for most of us is the tones.

Every character in Mandarin is one syllable, and each syllable/character has one of five tones . These are indicated with a symbol above the vowel.

• First tone (mā) sounds high pitched
• Second tone (má) sounds rising
• Third tone (mǎ) starts deep, falls even deeper, the rises a little
• Fourth tone (mà) falls abruptly
• Neutral tone (ma) sounds neutral

If you get your tones wrong (and trust me, you will), it can totally change the meaning of your words. In the above examples, ma means: mother, hemp, horse, scold, or it’s a question particle.

Even with context in the conversation, if you mess up one or two tones, local people’s ears will simply turn off and they will have no idea what you are trying to say. They may even think you’re speaking English and that’s why they can’t understand you.

You can never practice tones enough. Here’s a quick tones introduction and another that goes deeper .

Mandarin Resources while Traveling

I highly recommend downloading GoogleTranslate before your trip. You can use the app to look up words, type in something and have it read out for people to hear, record what people are saying and translate for you, or to scan menus for instant translation on the screen.

Some people prefer Naver Papago , which has the same functions but with a focus on Asian languages, so it is sometimes more accurate than GoogleTranslate. Another good one is Pleco , which is more like an English / Mandarin dictionary but also has the above functions.

For more info and links to these apps, see my guide to the best apps for traveling in Taiwan .

12 Mandarin Phrases and Patterns

Now, let’s get to my list of useful Chinese phrases and sentence patterns!

Hello, Thank You, Goodbye

Starting with the absolute basics, “hello” in Mandarin is nǐ hǎo (你好). In formal contexts, you can say nǐn hǎo (您好). It’s also normal to simple say “hello” or “hi”.

Adding the question participle makes this “ nǐ hǎo ma ” (你好嗎, “How are you?”), but Taiwanese people don’t say this often.

Xiè xiè (謝謝, “thank you”) is critical to learn but easy to mispronounce.

When departing, locals actually say bài bài (拜拜 or “bye bye”) more often than zài jiàn (再見), which literally means “see you again”.

Hǎo jiǔ bù jiàn (好久不見 , “long time no see”) is frequently used in Taiwan. As in English, use it when you haven’t seen someone in a while.

To Ask a Question (Qing Wen)

If you want to ask a random person a question in Taiwan, it would be rude to just blurt out your question. Instead, you should preface your question by saying “ qǐng wèn ”.

The equivalent in English would be “ May I ask, ….? ”. But in Taiwan, it doesn’t sound so formal.

It’s just a common courtesy and you should always use this (or the next phrase I’ll introduce) before asking a stranger a question.

Excuse Me (Bu Hao Yi Si)

The phrase “ bù hǎo yì si ” (不好意思) literally translates as “no good meaning”, but actually means “excuse me”.

This phrase is extremely useful and Taiwanese say it all the time . Here are some situations where you can use it:

• You want to ask someone a question (same function as qǐng wèn )
• You want to pass someone in a crowded place / squeeze through a crowd.
• You want to get a server, staff member, or driver’s attention.
• You accidentally bumped, interrupted, or bothered someone (mild apology).
• The word for “ I’m sorry ” (對不起 or duì bù qǐ ) is for more serious transgressions in Taiwan, like you hurt someone, knocked over their drink, etc. It’s more like “I apologize”.

Note: If you are interrupting someone to ask them a question, you can use both of these phrases together: qǐng wèn, bù hǎo yì si , ….?”

While these two phrases together may seem overly formal or polite in English, this is very common language in Taiwan and I use it all the time. Taiwanese highly appreciate politeness and you will get much better responses if you speak like this.

Where is the …? (… Zai Na Li?)

Now that you know how to introduce your questions, let’s get to some actual questions you might ask.

A very obvious one that travelers will need to ask is “ … zài nǎ lǐ ? ” (…在哪裡？), which means “ Where is the … ?”

Note that in Mandarin, you will say the thing/place first, then ask where it is.

Now, let’s put these three phrases together with some examples:

Do you have …? (You mei you …?)

Another very common question you may want to ask in Taiwan is “ Do you have (something)? “

Whether you want to ask for certain food items, products, or bus tickets at a certain time, this will be a high frequency pattern.

There are actually several ways to ask this in Mandarin. In all of them, it is very common to omit the pronoun “you” ( nǐ in Chinese), unless you are asking something about them personally (see the example table below).

“ Yǒu méi yǒu …? ” (有沒有) literally means “ have or don’t have …? ” To answer it, they will not say “yes” or “no” like in English. Mandarin doesn’t really have these words. Instead, they will reply “ yǒu ” (有, have) or “méi yǒu ” (沒有, don’t have) .

This pattern is extremely useful because it can be used with other verbs . For example, “ shì bù shì ” ( 是不是). This means “are you or are you not …?” or “is it or is it not…?). The answer would be “ shì” (是) or “ bù shì ”.

Another is “ kě bù kě yǐ ” (可不可以), meaning “can” or “cannot”, to which the answer would be “kě yǐ” (可以) or “bù kě yǐ” (不可以). A similar one is “ huì bù huì ” (會不會), which means “able to” (use it for abilities, languages).

Yet another is “ duì bù duì ” (對不對, correct or incorrect). The answers duì (correct) and bù duì (incorrect) are the closest things Chinese has to “yes” and “no”.

Another way to ask for something is “ yǒu … ma ?” (literally “ have … ? ” or “… yǒu ma ?” ( … have? ”

Is this … ? (Zhe shi … ma? )

Another super common question pattern is “ Zhè shì … ma? ” (這是 … 嗎？, Is this …? ) You can insert many adjectives or nouns into the pattern.

If the item is further away from you, use the word “Nà” (那, that) instead of “this”, as in “ Nà shì … ma ?” (Is that…?)

In Taiwan, it’s common to add the measure word “ge” when talking about items, as in “ zhè ge ” (這個, “this one”) or “ nà ge ” (那個, that one). I’ll cover measure words further below.

So the question can become “ Zhè ge shì … ma ?” (“Is this one ….” or “ Nà ge shì…ma ?” (Is that one …?”

It’s best if we just look at some examples:

I want … (Wo yao … )

Besides asking questions, travelers will often need to state what they want.

In English, it would be blunt and impolite to say “ I want steak ” to a waitress. But in Mandarin, saying “ wǒ yào niú pá i” (我要牛排) is perfectly acceptable.

To make it negative , we add “bù” first, as in “ bù yào ” (不要). If a clerk offers you a plastic bag but you don’t want it, you could say “bù yào”, but it’s more polite to say “bù yòng” (不用), or “no use”, meaning you don’t need that things.

Don’t know how to say the thing you want? Very easy. Just use the terms “ zhè ge ” (this one) and “ nà ge ” (that one) that we learned in the previous entry.

So you can touch or point at something close to you and say “ wǒ yào zhè ge ” (我要這個, “I want this one”), or point at something further away and say “ wǒ yào nà gè ” (我要那個, I want that one).

This is a rudimentary way of speaking, but for beginner Mandarin speakers and for travelers, it will be a life saver.

Let’s say you’re in a nicer restaurant and/or you just want to sound a little more formal. Say this instead: “ Wǒ xiǎng yào … ” (我想要…). This translates as “I’m thinking of having” or “I would like”, so it sounds a little nicer.

I am … (Wo shi …)

When meeting Taiwanese, the first question they will ask you are “ Where are you from? ”

I can think of around half a dozen ways they could ask this. Here are the three most common, with literal translation.

• Nǐ shì nǎ lǐ lái de? (你是哪裡來的, “you are where from?”)
• Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén? (你是哪國人, “you are which country person?”)
• Nǐ cóng nǎ lǐ lái? (你從哪裡來, “you from where come?”)

The grammatically correct answer to each of the above questions would be different.

However, the simplest way to answer any of these questions would be to answer with the country name . So I will just say “ Jiā ná dà ” (加拿大 or Canada).

The next easiest would be to say “ Wǒ shì … rén ” (我是 … 人, “I am X person”). Unlike English, where each country has an adjective form (like “Canadian”), in Mandarin, we just say the country name + ren (person / people).

Don’t use the “wǒ shì” pattern for temporary things like age (I am 42) or mood (I am happy). See the final section of this article for those.

To talk about other people, instead of wǒ, use tā (he/she/it), wǒ men (us) or tā men (them) .

Let’s look at more useful examples of this phrase.

* Usually “my” is “ wǒ de “, but you can omit the possessive “ de ” when talking about family members.

I like / love … (Wo xi huan / ai … )

Expressing things that you like, don’t like, love, or don’t love can be useful and fun.

“ Wǒ xǐ huān… ” (我喜歡 …) means “I like …”. To make it negative , say “ Wǒ bù xǐ huān … ” (我不喜歡 …, “I don’t like …)

Taiwanese often add “hěn” (really/very) when talking about liking things. As in “ Wǒ hěn xǐ huān …” (我很喜歡…, “I really like …”)

It’s the same for love: “ wǒ ài …” (我愛…, “I love…”), “ wǒ hěn ài ” (我很愛…, “I really love…”), or “ wǒ bù ài … (我不愛…, “I don’t love …”)

Know Your Numbers

Like anywhere, it won’t hurt to learn the numbers before your trip.

In the below table, note that the number two changes when it becomes a measure word . In other words, if you are counting, you say yī , èr , sān … But if you are asking for two of a thing, you would say “ liǎng gè ”.

To make ordinal numbers , you say “ dì (number) gè ”. For example, first is dì yī gè (第一個), second is dì èr gè (第二個), third is dì sān gè (第三個), and so on.

In English, bigger numbers go up by groups of 3 zeros (thousand has three zeros, million has 6, billion has 9, etc). Chinese bigger numbers go up by groups of 4 .

So, wàn (萬) has four zeros (10,000). After that, 10萬 is 100,000, 100萬 is a million, 1000萬 is 10 million and the next word, yì (億) has eight zeros , equaling 100 million in English.

Because of this, Chinese speakers, even ones with really good English, often make mistakes when saying larger numbers in English, and vice versa.

So if someone tells you there are 23 thousand or 230 million people in Taiwan, you’ll know why (the correct number is 23 million – learn other facts about Taiwan here ).

Measure Words

In English, only some nouns require counting words. For example “grain” of rice, “bag” of rice, “pair” of pants, or “piece” of advice.

In Mandarin, virtually every noun requires a measure word . Here’s a list of over 200 of them (simplified characters, but many are the same as traditional).

The most common measure word is “ge” . Use it for a thing or person. If you don’t know the correct measure word of any other thing, just use “ge” and you’ll be understood, even if it sounds a little wrong.

Even if the noun is omitted, you must still say the measure word . For example, if a clerk asks you how many fried chicken orders you want, don’t reply “yī” (one) or “wǒ yào yī (I want one)”. You should correctly reply “ yī gè ” or “ wǒ yào yī gè ”.

Here are some of the most common measure words:

Sound Particles

One very fun but difficult-to-master aspect of Mandarin is sound particles.

These can have grammatical purpose (first three below) or come at the end of a phrase/sentence to add some feeling or emphasis (last three below). Taiwanese use the latter a lot.

Using these (correctly) can make you sound more fluent. Here’s a list of common ones:

Other Useful Words and Sentences

Here’s a list of more words, phrases, questions, and responses that you may find useful for your Taiwan trip.

What to Eat at Ningxia Night Market in Taipei (with map!)

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