Exercise 1. Mix and match

Effective Public Speaking Skills

Stating your purpose

It is important to state your purpose clearly at the beginning of your talk. Here are some ways to do this:

talk about = to speak about a subject

· Today I'd like to talk about our plans for the new site.

· I'm going to be talking to you about the results of our survey.

report on = to tell you about what has been done.

· I'm going to be reporting on our results last quarter.

· Today I will be reporting on the progress we have made since our last meeting.

take a look at = to examine

· First, let's take a look at what we have achieved so far.

· Before we go on to the figures, I'd like to take a look at the changes we have made.

tell you about = to speak to someone to give them information or instructions

· First, I will tell you about the present situation, then go onto what we are going to do.

· When I have finished, Jack will then tell you about what is happening in Europe.

show = to explain something by doing it or by giving instructions.

· The object of this morning's talk is to show you how to put the theory into practice.

· Today I'm going to show you how to get the most out of the new software.

outline = to give the main facts or information about something.

· I'd like to outline the new policy and give you some practical examples.

· I will only give you a brief outline and explain how it affects you.

fill you in on = to give some extra or missing information

· I'd like to quickly fill you in on what has happened.

· When I have finished outlining the policy, Jerry will fill you in on what we want you to do.

give an overview of = to give a short description with general information but no details.

· Firstly, I would like to give you a brief overview of the situation.

· I'll give you an overview of our objectives and then hand over to Peter for more details.

highlight = draw attention to or emphasize the important fact or facts.

· The results highlight our strengths and our weaknesses.

· I'd now like to go on to highlight some of the advantages that these changes will bring.

discuss = to talk about ideas or opinions on a subject in more detail.

o I'm now going to go on to discuss our options in more detail.

o After a brief overview of the results, I'd like to discuss the implications in more detail.

Exercise 1. Mix and match

how to put the theory into practice. and our weaknesses.

you about the present situation, then go onto what we are going to do.

overview of the situation. at what we have achieved so far.

in on what has happened.

about our plans for the new site. on our results last quarter.

our options in more detail.

policy and give you some practical examples.