Video summary

How to give a presentation in English

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main Ideas / Lessons

  • Giving presentations in English is challenging but beneficial: It can be difficult when English isn’t your native language, but it’s also an effective way to improve your English and increase your professional confidence.

  • Use a “DOs vs DON’Ts” framework:

    • DO use communication and preparation strategies that improve clarity and professionalism.
    • DON’T use language habits that reduce clarity or sound unprofessional.

Methodology / Instructions

DO (what you should do)

  • Use simple language

    • Avoid overly complicated words.
    • If you’re unsure of a word’s meaning, don’t use it.
    • Aim for clear, simple communication.

  • Speak slowly

    • Everyone has an accent, but speaking too fast makes comprehension harder for non-native audiences.
    • Slow down even more than you think you need to.

  • Ensure visuals are professionally edited

    • Have a native English speaker/editor check visuals for:
      • grammar errors
      • spelling errors
    • Visual mistakes reduce the perceived professionalism of the presentation.

  • Use more verbs than nouns

    • Noun-heavy phrasing can sound heavier and be harder to understand.
    • Prefer constructions like:
      • “The post office delivered the package…”
      • instead of “The delivery of the package took place…”

  • Use active verbs instead of passive verbs

    • Prefer direct, clear agency statements:
      • “ABC Housing rented 5000 apartments…”
    • Avoid passive structures:
      • “5000 apartments were rented by ABC Housing…”

  • Work with a professional trainer/coach if possible

    • Get feedback on:
      • mistakes
      • strengths and weaknesses
    • A presentations coach or English trainer can help improve delivery and skill.

  • Use transition words

    • Help your audience follow your logic and direction.
    • Examples include:
      • “furthermore”
      • “nevertheless”
      • “on the contrary”

  • Write down important numbers

    • Don’t rely only on how numbers are spoken, because numbering terms differ by region.
    • Example:
      • “one hundred thousand” vs “one lakh” (India)
    • Writing the number makes it 100% clear to international audiences.

DON’T (what you should avoid)

  • Don’t use abbreviations, acronyms, or short forms

    • Avoid organization names or local references that others may not recognize.
    • Use the full name first, then the abbreviation afterward (once explained).

  • Avoid jargon

    • Jargon = specialized field language that only insiders understand.
    • For general audiences, use plain English and explain clearly.

  • Avoid slang

    • Even if native speakers use slang, it’s safer not to—especially if you’re not confident using it correctly.

  • Avoid crutch words / crutch sounds

    • Crutch words/sounds include filler noises or hesitant words like:
      • “mm, ah, uh, like, yeah”
    • They typically appear when you’re unsure what to say next.
    • Silence is okay while thinking—keep your mouth closed instead of using filler sounds.

Additional Skills to Master

  • Learn strategies to overcome fear of presenting in a non-native language (mental/psychological/physical strategies).
  • Improve body language appropriately for an international context (since meanings vary across cultures).
  • Structure the presentation for greater clarity.
  • Handle the Q&A session effectively, especially if the presentation goes well (stay in command during questions).
  • Use presentation templates for future presentations.

Sources / Speakers

  • Rebecca (speaker; described as a corporate trainer)
  • Website: www.presentationprep.com

Original video