I am an online ESL teacher. I want to give brief, conversational and encouraging feedback to a student. We just worked through this worksheet:

""ESL Brains
Moving through
your presentation
ESL Brains 2
LESSON OVERVIEW
The main objectives of this lesson are to:
● learn plenty of useful phrases for presentations in English;
● prepare presentation excerpts, and learn how to start a presentation.
ESL Brains
Let’s get started
with a warm-up
ESL Brains 4
Discuss the questions.
● What makes a presentation successful?
● How can you achieve flow during your presentations?
● Do you go off topic while presenting something?
● How do you signpost (indicate) what is going to happen in a presentation?
ESL Brains
Let’s learn some vocabulary!
ESL Brains
Look at the words related to presentation and match them to their meanings.
A. deviate (3)
B. recap (2)
C. takeaway (5)
D. scope (4)
E. breakdown (6)
F. outline (1)
1. description of something without details
2. the act of repeating the main points
3. start talking about something irrelevant to
the topic
4. the range/ area of the topic covered in the
presentation
5. the main idea of the presentation
6. a division of information into parts so that
you can see all details
6
ESL Brains
Let’s check the answers.
A. deviate
B. recap
C. takeaway
D. scope
E. breakdown
F. outline
7
1. description of something without details
2. the act of repeating the main points
3. start talking about something irrelevant to
the topic
4. the range of the topic covered in the
presentation
5. the main idea of the presentation
6. a division of information into parts so that
you can see all details
ESL Brains 8
A. “We are going to cover some areas where blockchain can empower
women: from owning property to doing business internationally.”
B. “I’ve divided my presentation into three main parts: we’ll start with
defining what blockchain actually is. Then, we’ll talk about all the
opportunities it gives to women. Finally, we’ll look at some real-life
examples.”
C. “Let me go over the crucial points one more time. Many women don’t
have IDs, let alone bank accounts. Therefore, they are extremely
limited in who they can work for.”
part 1/2
breakdown deviate outline recap scope takeaway
Read some excerpts from a presentation and decide which words in the boxes
they are examples of.
ESL Brains 9
A. “We are going to cover some areas where blockchain can empower
women: from owning property to doing business internationally.”
B. “I’ve divided my presentation into three main parts: we’ll start with
defining what blockchain actually is. Then, we’ll talk about all the
opportunities it gives to women. Finally, we’ll look at some real-life
examples.”
C. “Let me go over the crucial points one more time. Many women don’t
have IDs, let alone bank accounts. Therefore, they are extremely
limited in who they can work for.”
Let’s check the answers.
part 1/2
scope
outline
recap
breakdown deviate outline recap scope takeaway
ESL Brains 10
D. “To explain this more clearly, I’m going to break this data down into the
following categories: data showing the financial status of women in these areas
before this application was introduced, the numbers that we received after the
first year and the current numbers.”
E. “Women can make P2P transactions and it will allow them to receive money
without a bank as an intermediary. Speaking of banks, in some places it’s not
even an option as banks are located far from residential areas and the absence
of the infrastructure makes it hard or even impossible to get there. Moreover,
public transport might be quite dangerous for women. Sorry, I got a bit off topic.
Back to the main point…”
F. “Basically, the main idea of my talk is to show the empowering force that
blockchain is and to emphasize the need to educate women on how to use it.”
part 2/2
breakdown deviate takeaway
Read some excerpts from a presentation and decide which words in the boxes
they are examples of.
ESL Brains 11
Let’s check the answers.
part 2/2
breakdown deviate takeaway
breakdown
deviate
takeaway
D. “To explain this more clearly, I’m going to break this data down into the
following categories: data showing the financial status of women in these areas
before this application was introduced, the numbers that we received after the
first year and the current numbers.”
E. “Women can make P2P transactions and it will allow them to receive money
without a bank as an intermediary. Speaking of banks, in some places it’s not
even an option as banks are located far from residential areas and the absence
of the infrastructure makes it hard or even impossible to get there. Moreover,
public transport might be quite dangerous for women. Sorry, I got a bit off topic.
Back to the main point…”
F. “Basically, the main idea of my talk is to show the empowering force that
blockchain is and to emphasize the need to educate women on how to use it.”
ESL Brains
Do you agree?
ESL Brains 13
Discuss the statements. Say whether you agree or disagree and explain why.
● Any deviation from the topic is bad for the presentation flow.
● It is important to present the outline as it tells people what to expect
and builds interest.
● There’s no need to recap every point before moving to the next one if
you see that people are following.
● People should be able to understand the takeaway of your
presentation without you emphasizing it.
ESL Brains
Let’s learn some useful phrases!
ESL Brains 15
Complete the phrases with one word. Sometimes two options are possible.
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot. (Very briefly, there is a chance of
success)
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the main tendencies/
objectives.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
part 1/2
ESL Brains 16
Let’s check the answers.
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown _____ the statistics in this area.
B. _____ a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you _____ on the background to the story.
D. Let me start _____ saying just a few words about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go _____ to highlight what I see as the main points of this
topic.
F. Let me expand _____ this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date _____ the main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me _____ the end of my presentation.
of
with
in
In
by
on
on
on
to
part 1/2
ESL Brains 17
Complete the phrases with one word. Sometimes two options are possible.
I. Let me just run over/ through the main takeaway again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
part 2/2
ESL Brains 18
Let’s check the answers.
I. Let me just run _________ the main takeaway again.
J. Since we are pushed _________ time, let’s move _________ to the results.
K. Let’s kick _________ by discussing the influence of this trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried _________ a little.
M. This ties _________ with our next slide.
part 2/2
over
through
for on
off
away
in
ESL Brains 19
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 1/11
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
What phrase might you use if you need to introduce yourself?
ESL Brains 20
Let’s check the answers.
What phrase might you use if you need to introduce yourself?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
part 1/11
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 21
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 2/11
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
What phrase might you use if you need to state your purpose?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
ESL Brains 22
Let’s check the answers.
part 2/11
What phrase might you use if you need to state your purpose?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 23
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 3/11
What phrase might you use if you need to present the outline?
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 24
Let’s check the answers.
part 3/11
What phrase might you use if you need to present the outline?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 25
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 4/11
What phrase might you use if you need to start?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 26
Let’s check the answers.
part 4/11
What phrase might you use if you need to start?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 27
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 5/11
What phrase might you use if you need to make a connection?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 28
Let’s check the answers.
part 5/11
What phrase might you use if you need to make a connection?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 29
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 6/11
What phrase might you use if you need to elaborate an idea?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 30
Let’s check the answers.
part 6/11
What phrase might you use if you need to elaborate an idea?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 31
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 7/11
What phrase might you use if you need to move to the next point?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 32
Let’s check the answers.
part 7/11
What phrase might you use if you need to move to the next point?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 33
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 8/11
What phrase might you use if you need to go back after you deviate
from the topic?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 34
Let’s check the answers.
part 8/11
What phrase might you use if you need to go back after you deviate
from the topic?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 35
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 9/11
What phrase might you use if you need to do a recap?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 36
Let’s check the answers.
part 9/11
What phrase might you use if you need to do a recap?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 37
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 10/11
What phrase might you use if you need to summarize?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 38
Let’s check the answers.
part 10/11
What phrase might you use if you need to summarize?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 39
Match the phrases to their functions. Some functions may match more than one
phrase.
part 11/11
What phrase might you use if you need to indicate the end of the
presentation?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 40
Let’s check the answers.
part 11/11
What phrase might you use if you need to indicate the end of the
presentation?
A. My goal is to give you a full breakdown
of the statistics in this area.
B. In a nutshell, this idea is worth a shot.
C. So, I’ll begin by filling you in on the
background to the story.
D. Let me start by saying just a few words
about my own background.
E. And then, I’ll go on to highlight what I
see as the main points of this topic.
F. Let me expand on this point.
G. The purpose is to bring you up to date on/with the
main tendencies.
H. Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
I. Let me just run over/through the main takeaway
again.
J. Since we are pushed for time, let’s move on to the
results.
K. Let’s kick off by discussing the influence of this
trend.
L. Sorry, I got carried away a little.
M. This ties in with our next slide.
ESL Brains 41
Read the sentences and rephrase the underlined parts using the phrases from
here.
A. I’d like to start/ kick off by telling you about our approach.
B. My main goal is to give you the recent news regarding/ bring you up to date
about/on the application of blockchain in healthcare.
C. Before we finish, I’d like to mention/ run through the key points again.
D. To sum up/ In a nutshell, I believe this service is going to hit it out of the park for the
youth and their wellbeing.
E. Well, this is the end/ this brings me to the end of my presentation.
F. Before we move on to the main topic, I’d like to give you/ fill you in on some
background to it.
part 1/2
ESL Brains 42
Let’s check the answers.
A. I’d like to start by telling you about our approach.
I’d like to kick off by telling you about our approach.
B. My main goal is to give you the recent news regarding the application of blockchain in
healthcare.
My main goal is to bring you up to date on the application of blockchain in healthcare.
C. Before we finish, I’d like to mention the key points again.
Before we finish, I’d like to run through the key points again.
D. To sum up, I believe this service is going to hit a home run among youth.
In a nutshell, I believe this service is going to hit a home run among youth.
E. Well, this is the end of my presentation.
Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation.
F. Before we move on to the main topic, I’d like to give you some background to it.
Before we move on to the main topic, I’d like to fill you in on some background to it.
part 1/2
ESL Brains 43
Read the sentences and rephrase the underlined parts using the phrases from
here.
G. At first, I’d like to say/ Let me start by saying a couple of words about our company.
H. Sorry, I got distracted/ got carried away (a bit). It’s outside the scope of my
presentation. Sorry, I zoned out (for a moment/ for a bit) = you were distracted.
I. This graph represents the analysis/ breakdown of all the costs. = detailed
investigation. "Let me give you a breakdown of this spreadsheet." = presenting
something/ data in a small series of steps (in a linear fashion)/ nitty gritty/nooks
and crannies.
J. This is the issue I’d like to talk more about/ expand on.
K. This point relates to/ ties in with what I’m going to say next.
part 2/2
ESL Brains 44
Let’s check the answers.
G. At first, I’d like to say a couple of words about our company.
Let me start by saying a couple of words about our company.
H. Sorry, I got distracted a bit. It’s outside the scope of my presentation.
Sorry, I got carried away a bit. It’s outside the scope of my presentation.
I. This graph represents the analysis of all the costs.
This graph represents the breakdown of all the costs.
J. This is the issue I’d like to talk more about.
This is the issue I’d like to expand on.
K. This point relates to what I’m going to say next.
This point ties in with what I’m going to say next.
part 2/2
ESL Brains
Now, we’ll put it into practice!
ESL Brains
Prepare a part of a presentation according to the task you receive. Be as creative
as possible but make sure to use the relevant phrases from here.
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11
46
ESL Brains
Let’s talk about starting
your presentation!
ESL Brains 48
Look at the ways to start a presentation effectively. Discuss what each of them
means.
● a problem
● amazing facts
● a story
ESL Brains 49
Let’s check the answers.
Hook your audience by giving them a real or imaginary
problem to think about.
Start with an interesting fact or surprising statistics to
make audience engaged.
Connect with your audience by telling them a story or
sharing personal experience.
● a problem
● amazing facts
● a story
ESL Brains 50
Look at the phrases below and match them to the techniques.
A. Have you ever wondered why it is that...? A problem
B. You may have heard about… A problem
C. According to a new study… Amazing facts
D. I read somewhere the other day that... Amazing facts
E. Have you ever been in a situation where...? I remember when...A problem
F. How many of you have ever...? Do you think it’s possible? A story
G. Did you know that…? Amazing facts.
a problem amazing facts a story
ESL Brains 51
Let’s check the answers.
A. Have you ever wondered why it is that...?
B. You may have heard about...
C. According to a new study...
D. I read somewhere the other day that...
E. Have you ever been in a situation where...? I remember when...
F. How many of you have ever...? Do you think it’s possible?
G. Did you know that…?
a problem amazing facts a story
a problem
a problem
amazing facts
amazing facts
a story
a story
amazing facts
ESL Brains 52
Work in groups. Think of an effective start for each situation.
● a smart watch presentation: A story (personal anecdote)
● a sales pitch for a time-management app: A problem (frustration)
● the annual report of the company that manufactures ergonomic chairs: Amazing facts
● an elevator pitch at a tech conference (you would like to present your pet project related
to home security): A story
● a motivational talk about developing good habits Amazing facts
● presenting a new email service to the team: Amazing facts
ESL Brains 53
Work in groups. Think of an effective start for each situation.
● a smart watch presentation: A story (personal anecdote)
Possible answer:
 Have you ever been in a situation where your phone was going off with
notifications, but you had your hands too busy to check them and just kept
worrying you were missing something important? I remember that happened to
me while I was riding a bike and my phone kept buzzing in my backpack. I hit a
red light and there was some time to check those messages but too little time
to retrieve the phone from the bag. I wished I’d had it closer at hand.
ESL Brains 54
Work in groups. Think of an effective start for each situation.
● a sales pitch for a time-management app: A problem (frustration)
Possible answer:
Have you ever wondered why it is that you have a lot of time to watch the
stories of your friends on social media but never quite enough time to finally
learn that foreign language?
ESL Brains 55
Work in groups. Think of an effective start for each situation.
● the annual report of the company that manufactures ergonomic chairs: Amazing facts
Did you know that the average person spends eight to ten hours sitting a day?
And with remote working on the rise, people get to decide where they sit. They
are concerned about their health and their comfort takes top priority, too. And I
think you can now guess what that means for our company.
ESL Brains 56
Work in groups. Think of an effective start for each situation.
● an elevator pitch at a tech conference (you would like to present your pet project (a
personal side-project) related to home security): A story
Possible answer:
Hi, my name is [Mark]. You may have heard that there are areas in this city that
are not quite safe? Well, that’s exactly what inspired me to devote my pet
project to home security system.
ESL Brains 57
Work in groups. Think of an effective start for each situation.
● a motivational talk about developing good habits Amazing facts
Possible answer:
How many of you have ever tried to develop a habit in about 21 days? Do you
think it’s possible? What if I tell you that it is, and you don’t need that much
time?
ESL Brains 58
Work in groups. Think of an effective start for each situation.
● presenting a new email service to the team: Amazing facts
Possible answer:
I read somewhere the other day that on average employees spend about two
hours looking through and prioritizing their emails. Just sorting and not even
answering them. That made me think about all that time and that there had to
be a better way.
ESL Brains
THANKS!""