Tips for presenting in English

Whether you’re a student or a professional, knowing how to deliver a great presentation is important for success. When you’re presenting in a language that’s not your native tongue, the task can seem like a nightmare. However, you can always improve this skill. Take our alumnus Adam Grof as an example. When he first started studying at University of New York in Prague, his English was at an intermediate level, and he didn’t have much confidence when it came to presenting. Now, he works as a Global Human Relations Services Advisor at Microsoft, which means he’s given many presentations in English. “At UNYP, I learned how to present in English with confidence and sell myself to my managers,” he told us. You can improve just like Adam. Here are our tips for how to feel more comfortable presenting in English.

Studying in English can help you with presentations

Prepare some common phrases

One of the best ways to help your presentation skills is to memorize some common expressions and phrases English speakers use when presenting. For example, we can begin a presentation with something like “To start off, I would like to talk about …” or “I’ll begin with …” When we change the topic or continue to the next point of the presentation, you could say “Moving on…”, or “Next, we’ll look at…” At the end, we can summarize by using “To recap …” or “In summary…” This expressions are simple, easy to memorize and will help give your presentation a good rhythm and professional touch.

If you need inspiration, you can watch our TEDxUNYP videos. Most of these presentations were done by non-native English speakers. Watch how they are able to transition between different ideas and engage their audience.

Practice with native English speakers

After you’ve prepared your slides and know what you’re going to say, the best idea way to make sure you’re not making any major mistakes is to practice your presentation several times with a native English speaker. This way you can figure out if there are any expressions or words you’re using incorrectly, which is a common problem with non-native speakers. Ask your listener to correct you on the spot, as opposed to at the end of your presentation. This will help you remember common mistakes you make when speaking.

Don’t know any speakers? Don’t worry. Prague is full of language exchange groups of international students and professionals looking to improve their language skills. You can easily find several meetups and Facebook groups that are meant for this exact purpose. University of New York in Prague is known for its diverse student body, with students from all over the world. So don’t be shy. Reach out to a native English speaker and start practicing.

Confidence is key

Speaking in front of people can be a daunting task, especially if it’s not in your native language. However, it is important to remember that many native speakers don’t speak in perfect English either. Minor mistakes are often overlooked when speaking, which is not the case when writing an essay or a proposal. So don’t fret if you aren’t sure you used the correct preposition or if you dropped an article. If you speak with confidence, most people won’t notice.