• Read. Now read the examples of two ways of opening presentations. As you read, try to find in the conversation expressions from “Useful phrases” list above.

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1. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming along here today. I hope my presentation isn’t going to take too long and that you will find it interesting. The purpose of today’s presentation is to discuss how we can improve internal communications within our company.

Now let me begin by explaining that I’d like to talk about the business case for better communication; secondly, I want to cover different styles and methods; and finally I would like to finish off by talking about some of the basics we need to have in place to deliver good quality, consistent communications across the company. I’d be very happy to invite you to ask questions at the end of the session and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time for us to discuss some of the points that have been raised.”

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2. “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for finding the time to come and join me for this presentation this afternoon. My name is Tim Mason, I‘m a retail consultant, and many of you will have seen me shadowing you in your jobs and looking through the accounts and so on in the company over the last week.

I’ve invited you here today to have a look at my findings. First, I’d like to have a look at the performance of the company, the sales of the company over the last three years; then I’d like to have a look at our market share in the womenswear market and look at our competitors; and thirdly, I’d like to suggest some improvements in our range of womenswear. At the end I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.”

• Practice. Finish the sentence with the correct word or phrase.

1. Which sentence might you hear at the beginning of a presentation?

A Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for arriving today.

B Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for appearing today .

C Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today.

D Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for showing your faces today.

2. The _________ of today’s presentation is to discuss my findings.

A purpose B reason C cause D points

3. Now, __________ begin by introducing myself.

A allow me B let me C I D presentation

4. I’d be very happy to __________ you to ask questions at the end of the session.

A tell B invite C order D request

• Put in order. Put the sentences from a presentation opening into the correct order.

_____ And I’ll finish off with an outlook on the company’s future plans.

_____ I’d like to inform you on the latest developments in the field of electronic communications.

_____ Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m delighted to be here today as a guestspeaker at the annual customer meeting of Miller Communications Incorporated.

_____ Then I’ll brief you on our company’s sales figures.

_____ If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them after my presentation.

_____ I’ll begin with an overview of our latest projects.

_____ Let me briefly introduce myself, I’m Gerhard Horst, head of the research and development department of Hirsch in Germany.

II. Presentations: body

• Introduction. The body is the 'real' presentation. If the introduction was well prepared and delivered, you will now be 'in control'. You will be relaxed and confident.

The body should be well structured, divided up logically, with plenty of carefully spaced visuals.

Remember these key points while delivering the body of your presentation:

• do not hurry

• be enthusiastic

• give time on visuals

• maintain eye contact

• modulate your voice

• look friendly

• keep to your structure

• use your notes

• signpost throughout

• remain polite when dealing with difficult questions

After you have greeted your guests, you will begin to go through the main body of your presentation. It's very useful to have some visual aids - some slides, pictures or graphs that help explain what you are saying. Sometimes they can also help to keep your audience interested in your presentation!