Do you want your presentation to put people to sleep?

Then write out your speech word by word and read it out.

Which means your voice will sound flatter than usual.

Flat intonation in English means boring, boring, boring.

Making it easier for your listeners to tune out.

You could also read aloud long paragraphs on your slides.

While you’re still saying line 4, the audience has already finished reading the text themselves.

And you’ve lost their attention.

So, how can you keep your listeners focused?

Talk, don’t read.

When you speak freely, your voice rises and falls, making you sound more natural and interesting. 
I know presenting like this can be hard enough in your first language, let alone in English.

But don’t be daunted – it all comes down to preparation.

Let’s say you’re a nutritionist giving a seminar on intermittent fasting.

You’ve decided on your 3 main points with examples plus your introduction and conclusion.

Write down your key words and phrases on a flow chart or mindmap or cue cards.

Don’t practise the entire speech – yet.

Instead, rehearse the first section and record it. Listen and keep repeating that part until you’re comfortable with it.

Now, go on to the next segment and practise that several times.

And continue like that.

Once all the sections feel familiar, you can run through the entire talk and you’ll notice how smoothly it flows.

You’re ready to give a stimulating speech and hold your audience’s attention.

Even if you sometimes stumble during your presentation, no problem. That’s better than sounding monotonous.

Don’t drone on and your listeners won’t switch off.

If you'd like support in getting your professional English unstuck, I can help you.

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