Giving
​Presentations
Oral Language Features
Beginning a presentation
  • Brief jiko-shoukai and opening sentence.
Even a relatively informal presentation requires a proper self-introduction and a formulaic opening sentence stating the topic of the presentation or speech.
  • Formal self-introduction.
​みなさん、こんにちは。私は、<NAME> と  もうします。
  • ​​​Hello everybody. My name is ...

​どうぞ  よろしく  おねがい  します。
  • This is a formulaic expression that doesn't exist in English. The purpose is to invite good will from the listener.
  • Stating the topic of the presentation or speech.
​きょう、＜TOPIC＞ について　はなしたい　と おもいます。
  • ​​​Today, I would like to talk about ...​
きょう、日本の きゅうしょくについて  はなしたい  とおもいます。
  • Today, I'd like to talk about Japanese school lunches.
きょう、日本の まつりについて  はなしたい  とおもいます。
  • Today, I'd like to talk about Japanese festivals.
Ending the presentation
  • Closing remark
Memorise this formulaic closing remark.
みなさん、きいて  いただいて  ありがとうございます。
  • Thank you for listening.​
Culturally appropriate body language
At the beginning of your presentation, bow as you say どうぞよろしくおねがいします.
At the end of your presentation, bow as you say ありがとうございます.
Having your arms folded or hands in pockets while you speak (or listen!) creates a bad impression.
Once you've finished, congratulate yourself! You will have just given a speech in a foreign language!