MUST KNOW TIPS for Giving a Presentation
Yes. This is a
presentation about how to give a
presentation.
Yes. This is a
presentation about how to give a
presentation.
Because giving a presentation is
intimidating. And speaking in a foreign language is
challenging.
Doing both at once can
feel like running a
marathon...
Image © Tobyotter | flickr
Doing both at once can
feel like running a
marathon...
BACKWARDS
Image © Tobyotter | flickr
Start stretching those vocal chords.
We’ve got six tips to help you make it to the finish line.
Don’t script
yourself. 1 Image © nk.thillai | flickr
Memorizing a script won’t make
for a very natural presentation.
Not to mention how freaked out
you’ll be if you can’t remember
part of your script, right?
Image © gerri23 | flickr
Learn the specific words and phrases you’ll need.
Use what you already know to put the pieces together.
Image © Alex Ristea
Prepare
notes. 2 Image © nk.thillai | flickr
Image © plindberg | flickr
Writing out a full script of every word you
want to say? Bad.
Writing brief note cards with key words,
quotes, or stats? Good.
Do NOT read from your notes like a book.
Image © aafromaa | flickr
The placebo effect
of notecards is powerful.
Just knowing you have a
difficult phrase written
down in front of you should
make you less nervous to
forget it.
(Just in case you do forget it, voila,
there it is.)
Image © e-magineart.com
Practice
speaking. 3 Image © nk.thillai | flickr
Speak to yourself out loud as much as you can.
Every time you pass a mirror, spend one minute in front of it
speaking the language.
Image © bcmom | flickr
While cooking, taking a shower, or driving to work, speak about whatever you want.
Get comfortable speaking in the language in general.
Image © Dean McCoy Photography
Keep it
simple. 4 Image © nk.thillai | flickr
Don’t try to sound too sophisticated.
Stay within reach of your language level. Use
familiar words and short sentences. Explain concepts
more literally than you might in your native language.
Image © stuartpilbow | flickr
Keep slides or visual aids as
simple as your speech. Do not
compensate for your speaking
skills by overusing text.
Giving a good presentation in
a foreign language is
impressive enough.
Keep it simple and
avoid confusing
your audience.
Image © B Tal | flickr
Giving a good presentation in
a foreign language is
impressive enough.
Keep it simple and
avoid confusing
your audience.
Image © B Tal | flickr
Do not
apologize. 5
Image © nk.thillai | flickr
Sorry, you’re
not sorry.
Image © butupa | flickr
An apology for your language skills
sounds more like an excuse.
Confront your language-related
shortcomings head on.
Image © muffet | flickr
If you have a thick
accent or mumble
your words, channel
your inner sloth and proceed slowly.
If you mispronounce
a difficult word, say it again.
Can’t think of a
critical word? Ask for help
from the audience!
Image © marissa_strniste | flickr
Be culturally
appropriate. 6 Image © nk.thillai | flickr
Image © kNic.L | flickr
If you’re presenting in a
foreign language, chances
are you’re abroad. Research
the culture of your audience
to avoid anything offensive.
If you’re presenting in a
foreign language, chances
are you’re abroad. Research
the culture of your audience
to avoid anything offensive.
Image © kNic.L | flickr
Practice giving your
presentation to a
native speaker who is
familiar with the culture.
Ask about appropriate:
dress
gestures
expressions
humor
visual aids
Image © meddygarnet | flickr
Bonne chance! Удачи!
Veel geluk! Alles Gute!
ขอให้โชคด!ี Good luck!
Boa suerte! Lycka till!
! بالتوفيق ¡Buena suerte!
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