Lesson

Giving a formal presentation (starting, developing theme, concluding, etc.)

Structure and deliver presentations

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Giving a formal presentation

This lesson covers useful expressions and strategies for starting, developing, and concluding a formal presentation. You'll learn polite openings, clear signposting to guide your audience through the structure, ways to develop your theme with transitions and examples, and professional closing phrases.

  • Open politely and state the purpose
  • Use signposting language to move between sections
  • Develop ideas with clear links and examples
  • Conclude with a concise summary and invitation for questions

Table

Presentation Phrases: Openings → Transitions → Conclusions

Function Phrase Example
Opening Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining today's meeting.
Opening (purpose) I'm here to present the Q3 performance review. I'm here to present the Q3 performance review and our next steps.
Overview First, I'll give a brief overview of the agenda. First, I'll give a brief overview of the agenda for today's session.
Transition (to next section) Now I'd like to move on to the market analysis. Now I'd like to move on to the market analysis and share our findings.
Linking ideas This leads us to the main challenge we face. This leads us to the main challenge we face with supply shortages.
Giving examples For example, last quarter we reduced costs by 10%. For example, last quarter we reduced costs by 10% through supplier renegotiation.
Summarising To summarise, we have three main priorities. To summarise, we have three main priorities for the next quarter.
Conclusion / Call to action In conclusion, I recommend we approve the proposed budget. In conclusion, I recommend we approve the proposed budget to support growth.
Invitation to Q&A I'd be happy to take any questions. I'd be happy to take any questions you may have now.

Tip

Key rule: Use clear signposting

Signposting helps your audience follow your structure and stay engaged. Use simple, explicit phrases to announce each part of your talk.

  • Start: Greet + state purpose (e.g., 'Good morning. I'm here to...')
  • Preview: Outline the agenda (e.g., 'First, then, finally')
  • Transitions: Use linking phrases (e.g., 'This leads us to...')
  • Conclusion: Summarise + call to action (e.g., 'In conclusion...')

Think of signposting as a roadmap for your listeners.

Example

Examples in context

Good afternoon. Thank you for coming. Today I'll present our Q2 marketing results.

First, I'll give a brief overview of sales trends; then I'll discuss proposed actions.

This leads us to the main opportunity: expanding into the online channel.

In conclusion, approving this plan will increase revenue and customer retention.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Be aware of common, universal errors that reduce clarity or professionalism during a presentation.

  • Using overly long sentences without clear signposts — it confuses listeners
  • Skipping an agenda or overview — audience loses the thread
  • Using casual or colloquial language in a formal context
  • Failing to summarise key points at the end
  • Neglecting to link ideas with transitions (e.g., 'however', 'therefore')

Focus on clarity, structure, and register to maintain professionalism.

Quiz

Choose the most appropriate opening sentence for a formal business presentation:

Hint: Look for a polite greeting and a professional tone.

Quiz

Complete: _____ the sales figures, we can plan the next quarter.

Hint: Think about a phrase that shows one action follows another.

Quiz

Choose the best concluding sentence for a formal presentation:

Hint: Look for a concise summary of main points with a formal tone.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

signposting

noun CEFR B2 //ˈsaɪnˌpəʊstɪŋ//

Language used to guide listeners through the structure of a talk (e.g., 'first', 'next', 'in conclusion').

Effective signposting makes presentations easier to follow.

Vocabulary

transition

noun CEFR B1 //trænˈzɪʃən//

A word or phrase that connects ideas (e.g., 'however', 'therefore').

Use transitions to link each main point.

Vocabulary

overview

noun CEFR B1 //ˈəʊvəvjuː//

A brief summary of the main points or agenda.

I'll start with a quick overview of our objectives.

Expression

handover

noun/verb CEFR B2 //ˈhændˌəʊvə(r)//

The act of transferring speaking duties to another presenter (e.g., 'I'll hand over to Maria').

At the end of my section, I'll hand over to the finance team.

Expression

in conclusion

expression CEFR B1 //ɪn kənˈkluːʒən//

A phrase used to introduce the final summary of a presentation.

In conclusion, the proposal meets our goals and budget constraints.

Expression

Q&A invitation

noun CEFR B2 //ˌkjuː ən ˈeɪ ɪnvɪˈteɪʃən//

A polite phrase inviting questions from the audience (e.g., 'I'd be happy to take any questions').

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them now.