In this unit, we present  phrases or expressions that you can use at the beginning of an oral presentation. You should not, of course, use all these items in one single presentation. Just make sure you can use at least one from each section.

Getting the audience’s attention

• Good/Right/Well.
• Shall/ Can we start?

Saying Hello

• Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
• Good afternoon everyone.
• Good afternoon fellow colleagues

Expressing purpose

• My purpose/objective/aim today is …..
• What I would like to do this morning is ……
• I’m here today to …
• The subject of my presentation is …
• The theme of my talk is …

Signposting

• This talk is divided into four parts: firstly, … etc.
• Let me begin with/To start with/Firstly, I’d like to look at ….
• Then/Secondly, I’ll be talking about …
• Thirdly, ….
• My fourth point will be about ….
• Finally, I’ll be looking at ….

Inviting questions

• If anyone has any questions, please feel free to interrupt me at any time.
• If you have any questions, please stop me at any time, and I will be happy to answer them.
• Please stop me at any time if you have any questions.

Discouraging questions

• At the end of my talk, there will be a question and answer session. I would  appreciate it if you could keep your questions until then.
• I’d ask you to save your questions for the end.
• I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have at the end of my presentation.