Presentation English
Structure your talk, introduce data, handle Q&A. Signposting language that keeps your audience with you.
According to research by Gregersen and MacIntyre (2014), preparation with set phrases reduces presentation anxiety by approximately 75% — even when presenting in a second language.
What Are the Best Signposting Phrases for Presentations in English?
Signposting phrases are verbal markers that guide your audience through a presentation. Phrases like “I would like to start by...” and “Moving on to...” help listeners follow your structure. Research in applied linguistics shows that clear signposting improves audience comprehension by up to 40% in second-language presentations.
6 function groups, 31 ready-to-use phrases. Each phrase shows its register — Formal, Neutral, or Informal.
Tip: Signposting is not just politeness — it's a navigation system for your audience. When you say “That brings me to my second point,” listeners know exactly where they are. Without it, even a great presentation feels hard to follow.
Games
Reading phrases is not the same as knowing them. These games put you in the situation and make you perform under pressure — without the real-world consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are signposting phrases in English presentations?
Signposting phrases are verbal markers that tell your audience where you are in your presentation. They include phrases for introducing topics ('I would like to start by...'), transitioning ('Moving on to...'), referring to visuals ('As you can see on this slide...'), and concluding ('To sum up...'). They are essential for keeping your audience engaged and making your structure clear.
How do you start a presentation in English?
Open with a greeting, introduce yourself if needed, state your topic, and outline your structure: 'Good morning everyone. Today I am going to talk about... I will cover three main points.' You can also start with a question, a surprising statistic, or a brief anecdote to capture attention. The key is to establish your credibility and give the audience a roadmap of what to expect.
How do you handle questions during a presentation in English?
Use phrases like 'That is a great question', 'Thank you for raising that', or 'I am glad you asked' to buy thinking time. If you do not know the answer, say 'I do not have that figure to hand, but I will follow up with you after the session'. Set expectations at the start: 'Please save questions for the end' or 'Feel free to interrupt at any point'.