Public English Presentations can be intimidating, even for those with a strong command of the language. The key lies not only in what you say but also in what you should avoid saying. In this article, I will highlight the words and phrases to steer clear of in English presentations, explain why they can affect your credibility, and suggest more professional and natural alternatives.
Why Is It Important to Choose Your Language Carefully in Presentations?
When delivering a presentation in English, especially in a professional setting, your expression can significantly impact how you are perceived. Using certain words and phrases can:
- Make you sound less professional
- Generate confusion
- Distract your audience
- Detract from the impact of your message
Thus, improving your business English includes learning to avoid expressions that are ineffective or sound unnatural.
Seven Phrases to Avoid for your next presentation in English
1❌ «Sorry for my English.»
This phrase is common, but it conveys insecurity. Instead of apologizing, concentrate on delivering your message.
✅ Instead say:
“Please let me know if I need to clarify anything.”
“Feel free to ask questions if anything isn’t clear.”
2❌ «Maybe this is wrong, but…» / «I’m not sure, but…»
Expressions of doubt undermine your authority as a presenter. Even when uncertainty exists, you can express ideas confidently.
✅ Try:
“From my perspective…”
“Based on the latest data…”
This communicates confidence and professionalism.
3❌ «As you can see on this slide…»
This statement adds no value, as the audience can already see the slide. Use it only to highlight something important.
✅ Alternatives:
“Let’s focus on this section of the chart…”
“This data reveals an important trend…”
These phrases help direct the audience’s attention more effectively.
4❌ «I’ll try to be quick.»
This phrase suggests that your presentation is a burden. Instead, aim to present content clearly and concisely.
✅ Rather say:
“Let’s dive straight into the key points.”
“I’ll keep this brief and focused.”
5❌ «That’s all» / «That’s it.»
These phrases sound too informal and abrupt when concluding a presentation. It’s crucial to end with a clear and professional conclusion.
✅ Effective closing sentences:
“To summarize…”
“In conclusion, I would like to highlight…”
“Thank you for your attention. I’m happy to take any questions.”
6❌ Constantly repeating «like,» «you know,» «so…»
These filler words are common in everyday speech but detract from clarity and professionalism in a presentation.
✅ Practice fluency with pauses instead of filling in with words.
In class, we focus on exercises to help you speak English confidently without relying on these verbal tics.
7❌ Using jargon or overly colloquial expressions.
Terms like “cool,” “stuff,” “guys,” or “kinda” can appear unprofessional in a formal meeting or presentation.
✅ Instead, opt for more neutral expressions:
“This is particularly useful.”
“The project includes several key components.”
How to Sound More Natural in English Without Losing Professionalism
Sounding less robotic or artificial while maintaining a professional tone can be achieved by projecting confidence, clarity, and connection with your audience. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
1. Use Transition Phrases
Incorporate phrases like “Let’s move on to…,” “This brings us to…,” and “Another key point is…” to guide your audience through your presentation.
2. Pause Briefly
Allow a brief pause between sections to give your audience time to process the information.
3. Practice with Real Examples
Use examples from actual presentations and consider videotaping yourself to identify unnecessary phrases or expressions.
Useful Phrases for Presentations
Here’s a short list of professional and effective phrases to use in your presentations:
Introduction
- “Good morning, everyone. I’m pleased to be here today.”
- “Let’s begin by looking at…”
Development
- “This highlights a significant change…”
- “We can clearly see that…”
- “Let me break this down…”
Closing
- “To wrap up…”
- “I’d like to leave you with this thought…”
These phrases help you organize your speech and maintain a clear structure, which is essential for confident public speaking in English.
How to Practice These Skills for English presentation
In my English classes for professionals, we focus not only on vocabulary and grammar but also on aspects such as:
- Correct pronunciation
- Fluency in presentations
- Structuring your ideas in English
- Presentation and meeting simulations
Improving your business English involves more than just knowing words; it’s about understanding how and when to use them effectively. Choose your words wisely to make a strong impression in your next presentation. Knowing which words to avoid is crucial for building a professional image, creating impact, and retaining your audience’s attention.
By replacing phrases that undermine your authority with clear and confident expressions, you will enhance your communication skills and boost your confidence.
If you’re looking to work on these skills in a personalized manner with feedback and real practice, I invite you to join my Business English classes. We conduct simulations, refine your expressions, and help you sound like a true global professional.
Ready for your next presentation in English? Contact me to join my classes!