Public Speaking
English for Presentations: How to Hold a Room in Your Second Language
Presenting in English terrifies many strong professionals. The secret is that great presentations rely on structure and signposting, not perfect vocabulary. Master a few frameworks and you can command the room at B2 level.
Structure carries you
Tell them what you will say, say it, tell them what you said. This classic three-part frame means you never get lost — and neither does your audience, even if your English wobbles.
Signposting phrases
Learn transitions: 'Let me start with…', 'Moving on to…', 'This brings me to…', 'To sum up…'. These guide the audience and buy you thinking time between ideas.
Handling questions without panic
Q&A scares non-natives most. Buy time honestly: 'That's a great question, let me think…', 'If I understand correctly, you're asking…'. Rephrasing the question doubles your thinking time.
Rehearse out loud, not in your head
Silent rehearsal builds false confidence. Speak it aloud, ideally to a coach who can flag unclear phrasing before the real audience does. Out-loud reps are what make delivery smooth.
Rehearse your next presentation with Katsiaryna. First session is free.
Book free session