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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