Speech Transitions:Magical Words and PhrasesbyAndrew DluganUpdated: Aug 26th, 2013

When listening to a speech, have you ever: wondered how doesthisrelate tothat? felt the speaker jumped randomly from one point to the next? gotten totally lost?If youve experienced this, theres a very good chance that the speakerfailedto use appropriate speech transitions.In this article, wedefine speech transitionsand learn why they are so critical. In addition, we provide dozens ofspeech transition examplesthat you can incorporate into your speech.What are speech transitions?Speech transitions are magical words and phrases thathelp your argument flow smoothly. Theyoften consist of a single transition word or a short transition phrase, but occasionally form an entire sentence. In a written speech, speech transitions are generally found at the start of paragraphs.Speech transitions smooth over the boundary between two ideas, andreveal the relationshipbetween the words just spoken and those about to be spoken. In this way, speech transitionshelp your audience understandyour message.Types of Speech TransitionsThere are many types of speech transitions. Each type highlights a different verbal relationship. For example, one type of transition highlights the contrast between two different ideas.Each of these types is cataloged below. For each type, we list just a few of the possible words and phrases. Can you think of others?1. Transition between Similar Ideas or Points Likewise Similarly This is just like In a similar way We see the same thing if we consider Speech transitions smooth over the boundary between two ideas, and reveal the relationship between the words just spoken and those about to be spoken.2. Transition between Contrasting Ideas or Points However Conversely On the contrary On the other side On the other hand If we flip that around Yet, we cannot ignore The opposing argument If we examine the opposite side, we see 3. Transition to elaborate upon an idea Also Moreover In addition Furthermore In other words Not only that, but 4. Transition to Numbered Ideas or Points (or Process Steps) First (The first step is ) Second (The second step is ) Third (The third step is ) Last (The last step is )5. Transition to show Cause-Effect Relationship Therefore As a result Consequently For that reason This is important because 6. Transition to a Supporting Example For instance For example As an example To illustrate this Whats an example of this? But does this happen in real life? Yes 7. Transition to a Supporting Demonstration Now that weve covered the theory, lets see it in action To reinforce what weve learned, lets see a demonstration Ive prepared a demonstration to show how this works. Lets see a demonstration which applies what weve learned.When executed well, speech transitions help make a speech understandable.When executed poorly, speech transitions can obscure meaning and frustrate audiences.8. Transition to a Supporting Quotation Xsaid: In 1968, X said: This idea was expressed clearly byXwho said 9. Transition from Introduction into Speech Body Lets begin To get started, lets examine Lets get started talking about Now that weve given an overview, lets start with 10. Transition from Speech Body into ConclusionFor a short speech, you might conclude with a single statement: In short In summary In conclusion In a longer presentation, your conclusion might include a review of a the key points: Lets summarize the key lessons Lets recap what weve covered today 11. Transition to Another SpeakerIn a team presentation, it is necessary to transfer control between speakers.Theabrupt wayto do this is to simply have one person stop talking, and then have the other person start talking. It is much smoother, however, to pass the verbal baton to the next speaker (X): To talk about our next topic, we haveX Ill pass the microphone toXwho will describe To guide us through a demonstration of this, we haveXWant to learn more?For more on mastering team presentations, readHow to Deliver Group Presentations: The Unified Team Approach.12. Transition Back to an Earlier PointThere are many occasions when you need to jump back to an earlier idea to add additional information. e.g. after a break, following an exercise, or returning from an unplanned interruption Lets return Lets revisit Lets go back to We introducedXearlier; lets explore that further now.Avoid Faulty TransitionsWhen executed well, speech transitions help make a speech understandable.When executed poorly, speech transitions can obscure meaning and frustrate audiences.Beware these three types of faulty transitions:1. Miscount TransitionThis faulty transition occurs when a speaker begins counting main points, but does not do so consistently. (e.g. First, Second, Next, Next, Third, Third, ) Faulty counting can also occur when a speaker tries to number both the main points and the sub-points and gets mixed up.2. Incompatible TransitionThis faulty transition occurs when a speaker uses a transition word or phrase which doesnt match the relationship. (e.g. they start with the word however, but they follow it with an example)3. Tangential TransitionTransitional phrases like That reminds me, Ironically, or As an aside are dangerous because they often lead to an off-topic diversion which blurs the focus of the speech and wastes time for you and your audience. Just. Dont. Do. It.