Balkh University

Faculty of Languages and Literature

Department of English

Improve Your English Speaking Skills

Prepared by: Asst. Prof. M. Hussain Akbary

2022
 Table of Contents
a. Common Problems of Communication ................................................................................................................ 5

1. Thoughts not translating to words ........................................................................................................................ 5

2. Words lacking impact ........................................................................................................................................... 5

3. Vocabulary not good enough ................................................................................................................................ 5

b. 10 Strategies to improve your English speaking skills ......................................................................................... 5

1. Don’t be ashamed to make mistakes..................................................................................................................... 6

2. Embrace pauses .................................................................................................................................................... 6

3. Keep a mental count of filler words...................................................................................................................... 7

4. Speak at a pace you are comfortable with ............................................................................................................ 7

5. Keep a scoreboard................................................................................................................................................. 8

6. Write down what you did well .............................................................................................................................. 8

7. Write down the mistakes you did ......................................................................................................................... 8

8. Make a swipe list .................................................................................................................................................. 9

9. Read the book how to talk to anyone .................................................................................................................... 9

10. Learn a new word every day ............................................................................................................................... 9

c. 10 Tips for Active Listening ............................................................................................................................... 11

1. Face the speaker and have eye contact ............................................................................................................... 11

2. “Listen” to non-verbal cues too .......................................................................................................................... 11

3. Don’t interrupt .................................................................................................................................................... 11

4. Listen without judging, or jumping to conclusions ............................................................................................ 12

5. Don’t start planning what to say next ................................................................................................................. 12

7. Don’t impose your opinions or solutions ............................................................................................................ 12

8. Stay focused ........................................................................................................................................................ 12

9. Ask questions ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

10. Paraphrase and summarize................................................................................................................................ 13

And remember….practice makes perfect ............................................................................................................... 13

d. 7 Practical Tips on How to Start a Conversation ................................................................................................ 14

1. Note that you’re “in this together.” ..................................................................................................................... 14

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 2. Notice something nice. ....................................................................................................................................... 14

3. Pay a compliment. .............................................................................................................................................. 14

4. Ask an opinion. ................................................................................................................................................... 15

5. Offer help ............................................................................................................................................................ 15

6. Look for common ground. .................................................................................................................................. 15

7. Ask for help or information. ............................................................................................................................... 15

e. 6 Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary ................................................................................................................. 17

1. Develop a reading habit .................................................................................................................................. 17

2. Use the dictionary and thesaurus .................................................................................................................... 17

3. Play word games. ............................................................................................................................................ 17

4. Use flashcards ................................................................................................................................................. 17

5. Use mnemonics ............................................................................................................................................... 17

6. Practice using new words in conversation ...................................................................................................... 18

How To Start a Presentation (With Tips and Examples) ............................................................................................ 19

What is the importance of knowing how to start a presentation? ........................................................................... 19

How to start a presentation ......................................................................................................................................... 19

1. Tell your audience who you are .......................................................................................................................... 19

2. Share what you are presenting ............................................................................................................................ 19

3. Let them know why it is relevant........................................................................................................................ 19

4. Tell a story .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

5. Make an interesting statement ............................................................................................................................ 20

6. Ask for audience participation ............................................................................................................................ 20

How to Do a Presentation in Class ............................................................................................................................. 22

Part 1 - Planning the Presentation ............................................................................................................................... 22

1. Write note cards on index cards. ......................................................................................................................... 22

2. Practice. .............................................................................................................................................................. 22

3. Do your research. ................................................................................................................................................ 23

Part 2 - Delivering the Presentation ............................................................................................................................ 23

1. Smile at your audience.................................................................................................................................... 23

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 2. Feel confident about your presentation. .............................................................................................................. 23

3. Make eye contact. ............................................................................................................................................... 24

4. Be sure to have inflection in your voice. ............................................................................................................ 24

5. Use hand motions. .............................................................................................................................................. 24

6. Have a good conclusion. ..................................................................................................................................... 24

7. Walk back to your seat with a smile. .................................................................................................................. 25

10 Tips for Public Speaking: ...................................................................................................................................... 26

1. Nervousness Is Normal. Practice and Prepare! ................................................................................................... 26

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose. ............................................... 26

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It. .................................................................................................................. 26

5. Let Your Personality Come Through. ................................................................................................................. 26

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language. ..................................................................................... 26

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline. .................................................................................. 27

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures. ..................................................................... 27

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End. .................................................................... 27

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely. .......................................................................................................................... 27

Practice Does Not Make Perfect ............................................................................................................................. 27

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 a. Common Problems of Communication
Though people have different problems when they converse, they fall under three major buckets.

1. Thoughts not translating to words

You have good things to state in your head, but when you have to utter them as words, you find
yourself scrambling and looking for a decent enough sentence. Sometimes you miss sentences, sometimes
you miss words, sometimes you miss the grammar and sometimes you miss the thought itself. Because
you struggle to use the right words, you fail to convey the message with clarity. Sometimes, the wrong choice
of words leads to an incorrect message altogether.

2. Words lacking impact

You want to persuade, motivate or build rapport but your words do not make enough impact. Your
normal flow of words and the way you state them makes your message as bland as white bread.
The sentence sounds powerful in your head but comes across as plain vanilla when spoken. You wonder,
“Wait a minute, it sounded awesome in my head.”

3. Vocabulary not good enough

When a fluent speaker talks using above-average vocabulary, you fail to understand what the words mean.
You know the words used weren’t that complex but you do not know what exactly they mean. Sometimes
you think you know the meaning of a specific word but you aren’t sure.

b. 10 Strategies to improve your English speaking skills

To turn into a better communicator, you need to spend time. You will not notice changes overnight, but if
you keep working step by step, you will develop significant skills. Like Dave Brails ford dominated world
cycling by using the marginal gains technique, you should approach your progress as a daily improvement.

Here are some tips which help you improve your English speaking skills.

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1. Don’t be ashamed to make mistakes
One of the biggest reasons why people struggle to speak fluent English without hesitation is because they feel
conscious of their words. If your native language isn’t English, you prefer speaking as little as possible to
avoid any mistakes. You worry about others judging you and as a result, you keep your lips sealed.
Unfortunately, you will have a hard time improving your English speaking skills unless you try. Without
attempting to speak, you cannot improve your communication.

Expecting to improve your speech by speaking as little as possible is like trying to learn swimming without
stepping into the water. You have to get wet to learn and water will seep into your nostrils when you are
learning. People might turn around to look but do not let that bother you much.
I had the same insecurity when I had trouble speaking in a flow. I used to try to wrap up my sentences in quick
bursts. But little by little, I stepped out of my comfort zone.
During the process, I framed some terrible sentences and used the most stupid words for the context, but I got
better. I am not an amazing conversationalist even today, but when I look back at how hesitant I was many
years back, I feel happy to know how far I have come.
If you do not want to talk because you fear making mistakes, read no further because the rest of the
tips will be of no use.

2. Embrace pauses
The biggest fear of a person with weak communication skills is a pause. The sound of silence between a
sentences makes them feel like they are under the gun of judgment.

The truth is, pauses add more value to your speech when you use them right. All good speakers use pauses
for the best effect. If you need an extra moment to gather your words, just pause, even if you are in between
a sentence. Sometimes you might pause at awkward points but you will realize the difference between the
good and bad pauses yourself.

A little silence works better than an incorrect usage of words. Also, a pause makes you appear more
thoughtful. Do not fear pauses, embrace them.

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3. Keep a mental count of filler words
The most common flaw in conversations is the overuse of filler words like “errr, like, umm, you know”. When
you gather your thoughts to grab the right words, you feel the necessity to fill in the silence with a sound or
words.
As mentioned in the previous tip, pause instead of using a filler word. Now, it is easier said than done
because your subconscious mind prompts you to use those words without your knowledge.
But if you pay enough attention to your words, you will notice your mistake as soon as you do it. You
may not detect it quick enough to stop using the filler word, but you do have a moment where you feel, “damn,
I used ‘like’ again.”
When you keep telling yourself you made the mistake, the message feeds into your subconscious. So
mentally tell your brain that you messed up and your mind will learn to correct itself. Again, do not expect
results overnight, but if you do this many times in a day, you will notice a significant cutback in your usage
of filler words in a month.
I used tons of filler words. Like, err, umm, you know. You name it and I have had that habit of using
it. Telling myself I made a mistake was one of the most powerful techniques which helped me get over them.
Today I feel so comfortable using a pause instead of a filler word and so does the listener.

4. Speak at a pace you are comfortable with

If you have trouble speaking in a flow, you tend to rush through the sentences because of insecurity.
But speaking at a faster pace makes it all the more difficult for you to gather the right words.
Try to calm down and slow down your pace. You will feel your brain undergoing stress when you
speak slower than your usual talking speed, but it will get better.
I had a habit of speaking fast no matter what language it is. Slowing that down took a toll on my brain.
But I kept trying to, even though it was hard. In about two weeks, I started feeling a little comfortable lowering
my pace.
During those weeks, I would slip back into my quick speaking habits half the time. Even then, the
habit of lowering my pace half the time served as enough practice.
Even today I speak like a bullet train sometimes but my average talking speed has reduced over the
years. Lowering your pace of speech will help you turn into a better speaker.

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5. Keep a scoreboard
Each day rate yourself on how you did that day. Choose a scale of 1-10 and evaluate yourself. It does
not matter if you do not rate accurately. Keeping a scoreboard helps you focus and work on it.
The best way to keep a scoreboard is to put up a chart on the wall and write down the daily figure.
Using an excel sheet or a notepad to keep track works too.
Do not be afraid to use decimal points like 5.5, 6.3 and so on. When you maintain scores and work
hard to do better than the previous week, you will improve over time.
The technique applies to learn or grow in any area and not only communication.

6. Write down what you did well

At the end of each day write down what did you do well which helped your communication? You
might have attempted to talk more, you might have used a new word in your speech or you might have tried
to change the tone of your voice. It does not matter how big or small the improvement is. If you put an effort
to advance, write it down.

When you note down what you did well, you get a dopamine rush. The more dopamine you get from
your improvement, the more you feel like going at it. The behavior turns into a routine and you cultivate
strong habits that become second nature after a few weeks.

7. Write down the mistakes you did

As human beings, we are forgetful creatures. When you make a mistake, you will not always
remember to correct it the next time unless the consequences were catastrophic. For example, if you used
filler words such as like, umm, you know, you will keep repeating the same mistake unless you remind
yourself to change.
Everyday note down what went wrong and how could you have done better. Your notes serve as a
reminder for your brain. When you write down your mistakes, your brain slowly learns not to repeat the same
error. You might still repeat the same misstep, but you will notice yourself overcoming your flaws.
Jotting down your mistakes is powerful. Try it for a week and know the results for yourself. You will
find your English speaking skills improving little by little.

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 8. Make a swipe list
Writers have a habit of maintaining a list of good usage of words that they like. Learning from them,
I maintain a list of good metaphors I encounter whenever I am talking to a person or reading a book. Here are
some from my swipe file:
 like eating soup with a fork
 like a dog chasing cars
 like playing in a chemistry lab without reading any instructions
Likewise, you must keep a list of good words or sentences that you heard or read which you
would like to use. Do not try to get into usage which is much above your skill level. For example, if you have
trouble framing sentences without making a grammatical error, do not try to use metaphors or analogies. You
will end up frustrated and disappointed.
Aim to make progress at a pace you can handle. Trying to go faster is like trying to run a marathon
at a sprinting pace. You might gain an early lead when you take off but you will run out of steam soon after.

9. Read the book how to talk to anyone

If you have trouble with communication, you turn anxious when talking to a person. Due to that fear,
you worry about the topic to talk about as well.
You find yourself in between the devil and the deep blue sea where at one end you worry about your
vocabulary and sentences, while on the other you worry about what to talk about. As a result, you refrain from
talking and you do not get a chance to practice enough.
The book How to talk to anyone by Leil Lowndes helps you with… well, doesn’t the title tell the
story? Yes, it helps you talk to anyone and hold a conversation. You will understand several tips to
communicate better.
You might find some easy to apply and some impossible, but the book will help every single person
no matter what your level of language is at the moment.
Grab a copy now and you will not regret it. Thank me later.

10. Learn a new word every day

Do you know that the difference in vocabulary between a great communicator and an average
one is 50 extra words? Because most good speakers do not use complicated words in their speech.
When you hear the words of a speaker you admire, turn a close ear to his words. You will notice that
you know all the words. You just have trouble using them in sentences.

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 To improve your bag of words, try learning a new word every day and attempt to use it in a
sentence at least once. Again, do not go overboard and try to use sophisticated words like multifarious or
exacerbated. People will know you are attempting something stupid.
Instead, use a simple word in your speech which you otherwise don’t. For example:

Regular Usage Improved Usage

He is clever He is a sharp guy

Can you explain a little more? Can you elaborate more?

I am very tired I am totally exhausted

If you see, none of the changes are excessive. All the alternatives are simple words but add a little more punch
to the sentence.

Reference:
www.productiveclub.com/how-to-improve-English-communication-skills/

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 c. 10 Tips for Active Listening
Listening is an important skill in all areas of life, whether you’re supporting a loved one through health
problems, dealing with colleagues or in family relationships. But most of us aren’t as good at listening as we’d
like to think.
When we show we’re really listening, it’s much more rewarding for the person talking to you, and
you’ll get more out of it too. This is called active listening, and it can help avoid misunderstanding and reduce
the potential for conflict.
Here are 10 easy ways to make your communication more effective and make the other person feel
more valued.
1. Face the speaker and have eye contact
Eye contact is an important part of face to face conversation. Too much eye contact can be
intimidating, though, so adapt this to the situation you’re in. Try breaking eye contact every five seconds or
so, or to show you’re listening attentively, look at one eye for five seconds, then another eye for five seconds,
then switch to looking at their mouth. When you look away, looking to the side or up is better than looking
down, which can seem like you want to close the conversation.
Check your posture and make sure it’s open – avoid crossed arms or crossed legs, which can make
you look ‘closed’ or defensive. Leaning slightly forward or sideways whilst sitting can show that you’re
listening – as can a slight tilt of your head or resting your head on your hand.

2. “Listen” to non-verbal cues too

Pay attention to what the other person is saying with their body language
Facial expressions, tone of voice and gestures can tell you just as much as what is being said in words.
Pay attention to what the other person is saying with their body language - are they smiling, for example, or
are their arms crossed defensively, or are they rubbing their eyes as if they're tired or upset. Even on the phone,
you can learn a lot from the other person’s voice, which might sound subdued or upbeat.

3. Don’t interrupt
Being interrupted is frustrating for the other person – it gives the impression that you think you’re
more important, or that you don’t have time for what they have to say. If you are naturally a quicker thinker
or speaker, force yourself to slow down so that the other person can express themselves. Remember, a pause
or a few seconds of silence doesn’t mean that you have to jump in. Letting the other person speak will make
it easier for you to understand their message, too.

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 Even interruptions that respond to something that they’ve said can be distracting if it means the
conversation gets sidetracked from what they were trying to tell you about. If this does happen, steer the
conversation back to “So, you were telling me about…”

4. Listen without judging, or jumping to conclusions

If you start reacting emotionally to what’s being said, then it can get in the way of listening to what is
said next. Try to focus on listening. Equally, don’t assume that you know what’s going to be said next.

5. Don’t start planning what to say next

You can’t listen and prepare at the same time.

Active listening between family6. Show that you’re listening

Nod your head, smile and make small noises like “yes” and “uh huh”, to show that you’re listening
and encourage the speaker to continue. Don’t look at your watch, fidget or play with your hair or fingernails.

7. Don’t impose your opinions or solutions

It’s not always easy, but lending a listening, supportive ear can be much more rewarding than telling
someone what they should do. When a loved one has health problems is a time when they probably want to
tell you how they’re feeling, and get things off their chest, rather than have lots of advice about what they
should be doing.
In other areas of life too, most people prefer to come to their own solutions. If you really must share
your brilliant solution, ask first if they want to hear it – say something like “Would you like to hear my
suggestions?”

8. Stay focused
If you're finding it difficult to focus on what someone is saying, try repeating their words in your head
as they say them – this will reinforce what they’re saying and help you to concentrate. Try to shut out
distractions like other conversations going on in the room. And definitely don’t look at your phone.

9. Ask questions
Asking relevant questions can show that you’ve been listening and help clarify what has been said.
If you’re not sure if you’ve understood correctly, wait until the speaker pauses and then say something
like “Did you mean that x…” Or “I’m not sure if I understood what you were saying about…”

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You should also use open questions where you can, like “How did that make you feel?” “What did you do
next?”

10. Paraphrase and summarize

Repeating what has been said really shows you’ve been paying attention, and allows the speaker to
correct you if you haven’t understood
Sometimes called reflecting, this is repeating what has been said to show that you understand it. This
may seem awkward at first, but really shows you’ve been paying attention, and allows the speaker to correct
you if you haven’t understood correctly.
If you’re not sure how to do this, try starting a sentence with: "Sounds like you are saying…”

And remember….practice makes perfect

Old habits are hard to break, so you’ll need to make a conscious effort to become an active listener. Try
spending a week in which you summarize the main points or outcomes at the end of each conversation or
meeting. This will help you get into the habit.

Reference:
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/how-to-talk-about-health-
problems/active-listening

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 d. 7 Practical Tips on How to Start a Conversation

1. Note that you’re “in this together.”

When circumstances aren’t ideal, acknowledging a shared experience can soften the edge and get a
conversation going. It’s likely you use this approach all the time without realizing it. At the grocery store,
you comment to the person in front of you that the lines always seem to be longest when you’re on your
lunch break. From there, a brief conversation flows naturally.

The same technique works when the stakes are higher, too—networking at a party, for instance, where
everybody’s a little anxious about making a good impression.

“These parties are always so awkward, aren’t they? Everybody’s supposed to network—no pressure!”
Be careful using this technique. Do your best to remain neutral. A comment like “These networking events
are such a bore!” could end up working against you if it turns out the person you’re talking to planned the
event or is friends with the person who did.

2. Notice something nice.

The opposite of the “we’re in this together” conversation starter is noticing something pleasant. A positive
approach can get a conversation off to the right start. We tend to like upbeat people who draw our attention
to good things.

“That was a productive meeting! I feel like we generated some solid ideas.”
“Did you go to the social media workshop? It was great!”

3. Pay a compliment.
This technique can be a great ice-breaker. Who doesn’t like hearing a sincere compliment? You don’t have
to fawn over the other party to make an impact, either—succeeding is as simple as noticing something you
like and mentioning it.

“That’s a nice shirt. The color looks good on you!”

“You did an awesome job with the presentation. I like how you laid everything out so it was easy to
understand.”

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One caveat—with the possible exception of hairstyles, don’t comment on physical things. Complimenting a
new haircut is one thing, but saying “You have such clear skin” is taking a hard detour into creepy territory.

4. Ask an opinion.
We all want to feel like our opinions matter. Asking for someone’s opinion shows that you’re interested in
them and their thoughts.

“What did you think of the keynote presentation?”

“I was thinking of going to the next session of this workshop. Would you recommend it?”
Stick to topics that are immediately relevant. It’s a little weird to walk up to someone and ask, “So, what do
you think of the current U.S. political climate?” Not to mention the fact that you may not want to go down
that particular rabbit hole with a stranger.

5. Offer help.
There’s no better way to show that you’re a nice, approachable person than to be helpful. If you find
yourself in a situation where you can lend a hand, go ahead and do it.

“You seem a little lost. Can I help you find something?”

“Looks like you have a lot to carry. Do you need a hand?”

6. Look for common ground.

This one’s easiest if you know you’re at a function where everyone’s likely to have a similar background.
When you bring up what you have in common, you make an instant connection that will lead to more things
to talk about.

“When did you attend school here?”

“How long have you been in the marketing business?
7. Ask for help or information.
Much like asking an opinion, asking for a little help or guidance can be a great way to make someone feel
useful. Just make sure whatever you’re asking for is something the other party will be able to offer without
putting themselves out.

“Do you know where I could pick up a workshop schedule?”

“Do you know if this hotel has an airport shuttle?”

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Excellent! Now that you’ve got the conversation started, follow the rules of small talk 101 to keep it flowing
for a while. Just remember to be interested in the other person, find common ground, and ask follow-up
questions.

But please don’t do what chatty Lisa did and make assumptions. Last night, when my friend managed to get
a word in edgewise, he mentioned that he knew Mindy through the psychology program at a local
university. The one follow-up question Lisa chose to ask was, “Oh, so was your rehab successful?”

He’d done his internship there.

Reference:
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation/

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 e. 6 Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary
Most of us have not spent much time learning new vocabulary since we were high school or college students.
Thankfully you can always pick up where you left off. Here are some tips to help you start learning new
vocabulary words:

1. Develop a reading habit

Vocabulary building is easiest when you encounter words in context. Seeing words appear in a novel or a
newspaper article can be far more helpful than seeing them appear on vocabulary lists. Not only do you gain
exposure to unfamiliar words; you also see how they’re used.

2. Use the dictionary and thesaurus

Online dictionaries and thesauruses are helpful resources if used properly. They can jog your memory about
synonyms that would actually be better words in the context of what you’re writing. A full dictionary
definition can also educate you about antonyms, root words, and related words, which is another way to learn
vocabulary.

3. Play word games.

Classic games like Scrabble and Boggle can function as a fun way to expand your English vocabulary.
Crossword puzzles can as well. If you really want to be efficient, follow up rounds of these word games with
a little note-taking. Keep a list of the different words you learned while playing the game, and then study that
list from time to time.

4. Use flashcards
A quick way to build a large vocabulary is to study a number of words via flashcards. In today’s digital age,
a wide array of smartphone apps make flashcards convenient and easy to organize. Aiming for one new word
a day is reasonable. You can always go for more, but it may not be reasonable to assimilate dozens of English
words every single day.

5. Use mnemonics
A mnemonic device is a form of word association that helps you remember words’ definitions and proper
uses. For instance think of the word obsequious which means “attempting to win favor from influential people
by flattery.” Break down that word into components: “obse” is the beginning of “obsessed,” “qui” sounds like

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the French word for “yes” (oui), and “us” is like the word “us.” So you can think of that big word obsequious
as “obsessed with saying yes to us”—which is kind of what it means!

6. Practice using new words in conversation

It’s possible to amass a huge vocabulary without actually knowing how to use words. This means you have
to take it upon yourself to put your personal dictionary into use. If you come across an interesting word in
your reading, make a point of using it in conversation. By experimenting in low-stakes situations, you can
practice the art of word choice and, with a little bit of trial and error, hone in on the right word for a particular
context.

Reference:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-vocabulary#7-ways-to-improve-your-
vocabulary

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 How to Start a Presentation (With Tips and Examples)

What is the importance of knowing how to start a presentation?

Knowing how to start a presentation is an essential part of giving an effective speech or discussion. By
coming up with an engaging start to your presentation, you can capture your audience's interest and help
them focus on what you are going to share. Your introduction can help audience members understand the
purpose of your presentation. When presenting in front of an unfamiliar audience, it also is your opportunity
to introduce yourself as a speaker, helping you make a connection with your audience.

How to start a presentation

Follow these steps to start a presentation effectively:

1. Tell your audience who you are

Start your presentation by introducing yourself. Along with sharing your name, give your audience some
information about your background. Choose details that are relevant to your presentation and help establish
you as an expert in your chosen topic.

Example: ”Good morning. My name is Ramesh Kumar, and I am here today to talk to you about how Target
Reach Plus software is changing the way businesses manage data for their customers and products.”

2. Share what you are presenting

Tell your audience what you are going to be talking about in a succinct, organised matter. Think about your
content and find several key points you hope to explain fully by the time you are finished.

Example: “I am here today to talk to you about why Target Reach Plus was created, who is benefiting from
it already and how you can implement this kind of technology in your stores.”

3. Let them know why it is relevant

Your audience needs to know that what you are presenting is important. Consider pulling in data or statistics
to help deliver the importance of your message. You could also share how this presentation might enrich
their lives or help them develop a new skill.

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Example: “Did you know that 30% of India's retailers rely on CustomMax Pro for customer management?
By 2030, that number is expected to spike by 15%. 45% of those same retailers today using this platform to
track sales and marketing efforts still experience slow connection speeds and platform crashes. This is why I
urge you to consider adopting Target Reach Plus for your customer management, which already boasts a
much lower percentage rates of crashing and sluggishness.”

4. Tell a story
Before you start with the slide presentation you organised, consider telling a short, relevant story, as it can
help build rapport with the audience. Your story can be humorous, idealistic or thought-provoking, but make
it 30 seconds to a minute of relevant information. A personal touch to your story can help too. For example,
you might have experienced something personal regarding the main point of your presentation. Let your
audience in on that experience.

Example: “When I went shopping a few weeks ago with a couple of good friends, I immediately noticed
how there are now robots roaming the store and taking orders.”

5. Make an interesting statement

If you do not have a personal story to share with the audience, consider sharing a thought-provoking fact
about your presentation's relevance. If you decide to go forward with this approach, make sure to deliver
your statement with confident body language and verbal tone.

Stand up straight and keep your hands out of your pockets. It might help to think about delivering this as if
you were telling your coworkers or peers about the news you just learned that affects them. You want your
audience to know what you are saying is both truthful and interesting.

6. Ask for audience participation

If you do not plan to make a bold statement or tell a story, ask your audience to participate. The best way to
do this is by asking an open-ended question that requires them to either raise a hand or stand up to answer. If
it is early in the morning, try asking them to stand up when they answer your question. This tactic works
best in more intimate to small-scale audiences.

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If you are unsure of what attention-grabbing tactic may work best, use a friend, coworker or family member
to practice. They can give you feedback on things like your body language, dress attire and, ultimately, what
tactic works best with your presentation's main idea.

Reference
https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-start-presentation

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 How to Do a Presentation in Class

Part 1 - Planning the Presentation

1. Write note cards on index cards.

Write main ideas on your index cards. Don't write details, or be stuck with the fate of looking down, staring at your
note cards while reading. Put in some fun facts, interactive questions, and other interactive activities on the cards to
share with the class.

 Write down keywords or main ideas. If you need to consult your index cards, you're only going to
want to scan the index card for information, not read every last word.
 Most of the time, the act of putting information down on your index cards will help you remember
the information. So, while you might not strictly need the note cards, it's a nice security blanket to
have if you happen to forget what you were going to say.

2. Practice.
In most presentations, it is pretty obvious who has practiced and who hasn't. Work on what you're going to
say and how you're going to say it. You'll feel a lot more confident when you do the real thing and you'll
eliminate the "likes" and "ums" unlike those who try to "wing it."[2]
 Practice in front of your family or friends, or in front of the mirror, when you rehearse your
presentation. It's probably better to do it in front of friends who you may not know well, as this will
help you replicate the feeling of being in front of the class.
 Ask your friends for feedback after you finish your presentation. Was the presentation long enough?
How was your eye contact? Did you stammer at all? Were all the points clearly made?
 Make a critique of your practice performance. Challenge yourself to work on all the things that you
believe you can improve during the real presentation. When it comes time to deliver the real deal,
you'll feel confident knowing that you've worked extra hard on what was toughest for you.

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3. Do your research.
In order to give an engaging presentation, you need to know what you're talking about. You don't have to
become an expert, or read every book or website ever written about your topic, but you should be able to
answer any questions your teacher or classmates might give you.[3]
 Get quotes from reliable sources. Good quotes make a good presentation great. Taking what smart
people have said and putting it into your presentation not only makes you look smart, it shows the
teacher that you spent time thinking about what other people said.
 Make sure your sources are trustworthy. There's nothing that can quite break your confidence like a
fact that turns out to not be a fact. Don't always trust the information you get off the Internet.

Part 2 - Delivering the Presentation

1. Smile at your audience.

When it comes time to present, there's nothing that draws your audience into your presentation than a good
old fashioned smile. Be happy; you're about to teach your entire class something they didn't know before.
 Studies have shown that smiles are infectious; that means that once you smile, it's hard for everyone
else not to smile. So if you want your presentation to go off without a hitch, force yourself to smile.
That'll make everyone smile; and maybe those smiles will make you actually smile.

2. Feel confident about your presentation.

When you give your class a presentation, your teacher is essentially having you take over their job for a
little while. It's your job to make sure everyone understands what you're trying to tell them. Make sure you
pay attention to how your teacher does this before your presentation, because teachers are expert presenters.
 Visualize success before, during, and after your presentation. Be humble about what you do — no
need for cockiness — but imagine a successful presentation at all times. Don't let the thought of
failure creep into your mind.
 In many ways, your confidence is just as important as the information you're delivering. You don't
want to spread misinformation, or skimp on doing your research, but a lot of what you'll be graded
on — and what the other students come away with — is going to be your level of confidence.
Also if you are confident, you will have a better time exchanging ideas with the class.
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  If you need a confidence boost, think big picture. After 10 or 15 minutes, your presentation will be
over. What will your presentation matter in the long run? Probably not very much. Try to do the
best you can, but if you're getting nervous, remind yourself that there are much more important
moments in your life to come.

3. Make eye contact.

Nothing is more boring than listening to a presenter who looks at the floor or at note-cards. Relax. Your
audience is made up of your friends and you talk to them all the time; talk the same way now.
 Have the goal of looking at every person in the classroom at least once. That way, everyone will feel
like you've engaged with them. Plus, you'll look like you know what you're talking about.

4. Be sure to have inflection in your voice.

Your goal is to engage your audience, not put them to sleep. Be animated about your topic. Talk about it as
if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Your classmates will thank you for it.
 Inflection is the kind of movement that radio DJs put into their voice; it's the ramped-up pitch in
your voice when it gets excited. You don't want to sound like you've just seen a lion, but you also
don't want to sound like you've just seen a squirrel, either. Vary it up to make the presentation more
interesting.

5. Use hand motions.

Move your hands along as you talk, using them to emphasize points and keep the audience interested. It will also
channel your nervous energy into a better place.

6. Have a good conclusion.

You've probably heard the presentations that end in something like "um... yeah," Your conclusion is your
final impression on your audience, including your teacher. Make it exciting by introducing a final statistic,
or come up with something creative to do at the end. Your conclusion can be anything so long as your
audience knows you're finished.[8]
 Tell a story, maybe one with a personal note. Stories are great for history or English presentations.
Maybe you can tie your presentation into a little anecdote about a famous historical person?
 Ask a provocative question. Ending with a question is a good way of getting your audience to think
about your presentation in an interesting way. Is there a certain conclusion you want them to come
to?
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 7. Walk back to your seat with a smile.
Know that you just aced your report and that you just did something that many people would never be able to do.
Don't be disappointed if you don't get applause. Just stay confident.

Reference
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Presentation-in-Class

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 10 Tips for Public Speaking:
1. Nervousness Is Normal. Practice and Prepare!
All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate
these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good.
The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best
performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over
your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice—a lot. Videotape
yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about
your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information,
organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.
Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea,
and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a
canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head—in any type of communication. You will establish better
credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can
see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention.
Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.
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7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.
Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the
audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory
and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but
instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t.
Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a
summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or
clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the
requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves
entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

Reference
https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/

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 Tips on speaking English fluently and confidently

1. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Your goal is to deliver a message, not speak perfect English, with the right grammar and vocabulary. Even
native English speakers make mistakes!

2. Practice, practice, practice

Practice makes perfect. Constantly look for opportunities to test out your spoken English. Busuu's online
English classes, for instance, are interactive, 45-minute group lessons, guided by a professional teacher.
They are a great way to practice speaking English and learn faster in a fun, safe environment.

3. Listen
The more you hear, the easier it will be for you to speak better English. You’ll start speaking more fluently
and confidently in English conversations, learning how to give your opinions in English with new
expressions and idioms.

4. Celebrate success
Every time you talk to someone in English is an achievement. Every single interaction you have, no matter
how small, will help you improve your skills over time. Be proud of your progress.

These first four tips help provide the best way to start speaking English with ease. The following three steps
will help take your English speaking skills to the next level...

5. Think in English
Go from speaking good English to great English by thinking in the language. You’ll find it difficult at first,
but after some time you’ll learn how to switch between speaking English and your first language.

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6. Talk to yourself
It will look funny, but by talking to yourself in English in front of the mirror for each day, you'll learn to
pronounce every letter in the English alphabet, plus when and how to use different expressions. You’ll also
learn where you make most of the mistakes.

7. Tongue twisters
Tongue twisters help improve your diction teach you how to speak quickly. Practice with tricky sayings like
this: “The thirty-three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday".

Reference
https://www.busuu.com/en/languages/speak-english-fluently

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