Useful Language Signposts Presentation
Sequence
To begin
First
Then
Next
Next Topic
Let’s move on to talk about our options.
Now let’s look at some possible reasons.
This leads us to the next part of our presentation, our options.
Moving on to the results of our study, here is some data.
The next thing we’re going to look at is reasons for the problem.
Explanations
So, why does this happen?
So, what can we do about this?
You may be wondering when/why/how…
Let’s look at this in a little more detail.
Let’s examine some reasons for this.
Showing Significance or Effects
What’s the significance of this?
What impact does this have on the process?
Why is this important?
This is important because it shows the risks in the procedure.
This step is important to prevent later problems.
Referring Back
As I mentioned before/earlier …
As you saw in the last slide…
Going Back
Let’s go back a bit here.
Let me go back a minute.
Going back up a minute, …
Promising More Later
I’ll come back to this later.
We’ll discuss this in more detail in a few minutes.
Details
There are two important things/factors/issues/reasons to consider:
First, / The first one/thing is cost.
One reason is cost. The other reason is time.
Examples
Let me give you an example.
To give you an example, …
Here’s an example.
Let’s look at an example.
For example, let’s look at fuel costs.
Rephrasing
To put it another way, …
In other words, it’s too expensive.
What I mean is that everyone can use it, not just tech people.
What I’m saying is that this plan won’t work 100% of the time.
Changing Speakers
Now I’m going to turn it over to Paul.
And now, Paul is going to talk about possible solutions to the problem.
Next in our presentation is the budget projection. Paul?
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Useful Language Signposts Presentation
Conclusions
So, to recap…
To close, I’d like to summarize my main points.
To end,
In conclusion, let me just suggest…
I’d like to close by (verb+ing)
Finally,
Conclusions
Thank you.
Thank you for your attention.
Questions
Feel free to stop me anytime with your questions.
I’d be happy to answer questions at the end of my talk.
We’ll have time for questions at the end.
Postponing to the end
I’d be happy to answer that question at the end.
Let’s talk about that at the end (in a few minutes).
Would you mind waiting to ask that question?
Postponing to Later
Good question. I’ll come to that in a few minutes.
Yes, I’m just about to talk about that.
Asking for Questions
So, does anyone have any questions?
Any questions or comments?
I’m happy to answer any questions.
What questions do you have?
Repeating
Let me repeat the question.
Let me repeat that.
Unclear Questions
I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.
Could you repeat that, please?
I’m sorry. Are you asking how long it will take to launch this?
Do you mean why can’t we get it done faster?
Difficult Questions
That’s a great question.
Yes, good question.
I don’t know the answer to that
off the top of my head
right here
I’d like to think about that / talk to you about that in the break.
Interesting question, but that’s not something I looked at.
That’s a good question, but I don’t know the answer.
Challenges
I understand how you must feel.
I understand that you have a different point of view.
I’m sorry that you disagree.
It’s true that not everyone agrees about this.
I don’t believe you’re right about that.
I don’t think that’s true.
Let’s not get into that discussion right now. Thank you everyone.
Source: University of Pennsylvania
