presentation signposting phrases

Signposts for Presentations

Signposts are words or phrases that guide the listener during a presentation. They let the listener know what has happened so far, and what is going to happen next. Below is a guide for using signposts during a presentation. It is divided into three sections: signposts for the introduction of a presentation, signposts for the middle of a presentation, and signposts for the conclusion of a presentation. The first column contains signposts for a formal presentation, and the second column contains signposts for an informal presentation.

Signposts for the Introduction of a Presentation

Signposts for the middle of a presentation, signposts for the conclusion of a presentation.

Ace the Presentation

Types of Signposting: 10 Examples of Signposts in Speech

Have you ever noticed that sometimes it feels like the presenter is guiding you on a journey with his or her speech? When considering a speech, a signpost is crucial as it helps to keep the audience’s attention and navigate them through the speech.

What is signposting in Speech? 

A signpost is a verbal statement or visual cue used by the speaker to guide or engage the audience while bringing them through the various stages of a speech or presentation.

Signposts can be displayed as a physical change of direction or a deliberate movement of the speaker. It is a speech technique that helps you connect what you’re about to say next with what you said previously.

In this article, you will learn more about the types of signposts and the examples of signposting for effective audience engagement.

Highly Recommended Articles:

Transitions in Speech: 69 Speech Transition Statements

The 7 Components of Public Speaking: 8 Tips for Effective Delivery

Types of Signposting in Speech

• Single Words Signposting
• Short Phrases Signposting
• Whole Sentence or Long Phrases Signposting

1. Single words signposting

You can use signpost during a speech with single words like; initially, however, furthermore, etc.

2. Short phrases signposting

Signposting can be achieved with short phrases such as; in conclusion, in contrast, an additional point is, etc.

3. Whole sentence/Long phrases signposting

Long phrases can also be used for signposting, and they include: having discussed the liability of the research, I want to leave you with the following thoughts, this report will next address its validity, etc.

4. Visual Cues Signposting

Visual images or text can be used when delivering presentations or speeches with supplementary visual aids. I can signal to the audience that it’s time for a Q&A without necessarily saying it, by just pausing and sharing the slide that says/shows it.

How to Effectively use Signposting in Public Speaking

Alex Lyon, Communication skills expert and coach, shares a ton of valuable insights and tips on youtube about how to become a better speaker and presenter. Here’s a video on how to more effectively use signposts in public speaking.

Examples of Signposts in Speech

• Moving to a new point

After concluding a point or an idea, and you are about to go onto the next point during a speech, the audience must know you are moving to a new point.

Examples to use while moving on to a new point:

“Now, let’s move on to point number 3, where we will be discussing…”

“Moving on to the next point”

“Now that we have discussed…, I would like to talk about…”

From these examples, you can see how indicative the language of movement is, taking the audience from one point to another.

Just like what most tour guide says “moving on” or “time to move on” when they are through in a particular area and needs to go to a new area. You can as well use it in speeches.

• Going into more details on a point

If you need to go into details on a point or about a topic, the use of signposts gives the audience the signal of expansion.

Examples to use:

“Let me talk more in-depth about…”

“By focusing on…in detail, …”

“To be more precise….”

“Expanding on that point…”

Using these signposts will enable the audience to know there is more information coming on a particular topic or area. It also makes the audience aware that the speaker is still on the same topic but will be discussing it in more details.

• Introducing an alternative or opposing view

When you make a point during a speech, you might want to give an alternative view of that point you made. With this, you give the audience the opportunity to evaluate both sides.

“Nonetheless/Nevertheless, …”

“Conversely, …”

“However, …”

“In contrast, …”

“Alternatively, …”

This signpost gives the audience a clearer idea of what the speaker is conveying.

• Changing a topic entirely

When trying to change a topic completely, it is of high importance that the audience are aware so that they can go along with you on the journey.

Examples are:

“Now, let us turn to something entirely different…”

• Talking off-topic for a moment

When giving a speech, it is often proper to go off tangent for a moment. The purpose of going off point is to express another crucial point that is loosely related to the main topic.

“As a side note…”

“Going off on a tangent, I would like to discuss…”

“Let me deviate…”

Going off on a tangent during a speech sometimes help get or bring back the audience’s attention.

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• Continuing a point with a related one

After making a point during a speech, you might want to add a related point to the one made already. By so doing you create a connection between both points.

“Similarly, …”

“To further understand the…”

“Moreover …”

“Besides, …”

• Repeating points stated earlier

A weighty technique used in a speech is repetition as it helps to pass across important messages to the audience.

“This is really important, therefore, I am going to say it again…”

“Recapping on the previous point I made about…”

“Let me repeat that…”

The use of repetition as a signpost during a speech is to attract audience-specific attention to a key message as well as to give it more emphasis.

• Going back to previous points of examples

Sometimes during a speech, there might be the need to tap from an earlier given example in order to make your points well understood by the audience.

“Remember when I said…”

“Let’s go back to the story where I…”

“Going back to the time when…”

This mostly occurs when you tell a story at the beginning of your speech. You may be able to draw a lot of learnings from that particular story.

So, all through your speech, you will continually need to refer to that very story by reminding the audience about the story. By so doing, the audience can have one or two things to learn from the story as you proceed with your speech.

• Summarizing the points

Summaries are quite important when giving a speech. You create a point, elaborate the point, and then summarize that very point.

Summarizing a speech gives the audience a better understanding of the information you have passed across to them in a nutshell.

Examples include:

“In summary, …”

“Summarizing what we talked about…”

“To summarize the report…”

A summarized signpost provides a way of generating relevant points for the audience in a simplified version.

• Concluding/Wrapping up

When rounding up a speech, it is of great importance to use a concluding signpost as it enables the audience to know you are about to end your speech.

“As I conclude…”

“In conclusion…”

“To close this off…”

“From this, it could be concluded that…”

“In closing, let me say…”

When the audience hears a concluding signpost, they often pay more attention because they can pick up somethings they must have missed during the main speech.

One of the Types of Signposting – Visual Signposts in Speech

It’s not just about what we say to connect to the next phase of our speech that is included in the different signposts we can use in a speech or presentation, but also what we show.

For instance, as you are closing your presentation and share your final remarks, you may go into a Q&A session and showcase an image saying that. (We shared this above)

After going through all the phases of delivery of your speech, you can also share a final THANK YOU slide, which will signal the END of your presentation for the audience.

During a speech, signposting is of high relevance as it is the verbal statement that can be used to engage the audience. It aims to draw in and maintain the audiences’ attention all through the speech.

A speech without a clear structure will fail to win the audience’s interest, whereas an effectively used signposting gives the audience confidence and helps them navigate their way through the speech.

References and Further Reading

A summarized PDF file from Hawaii.edu. Signposts in Speech

AcethePresentation. Transitions in Speech: 69 Speech Transition Statements

Ryan Mclean. What is Signpost in Public speaking? 9 Examples .

Speak for Success. Public Speaking Signposts: Verbal, visual, and Occupy Wall Streets signs

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• Presentations

Language for presentations Some formulaic phrases

On this page you will find some language for presentations, also known as 'signpost' phrases. Many of these are similar to (or the same as) the lecture cues a lecturer uses. They are another example of the formulaic language used in academic contexts. You do not need to learn all of these phrases. Your basic aim is to be able to use at least one phrase for each function (e.g. expressing purpose and showing the structure in the introduction , using transitions between sections, referring to visual aids , concluding ).

How many more you learn after this is up to you. Presentations usually have many visual aids and transitions, so it would be useful to learn two or three different phrases for these functions. On the other hand, you will only state the purpose once in a presentation, so one phrase is enough for life!

Introductions

The introduction is a crucial part of any presentation. There are many functions which you need to achieve:

• greet the audience
• express your purpose
• give the structure
• give the timing
• handle questions

Phrases for all of these are given in the box to the right.

 Greeting the audience

• Good morning/afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
• Good morning/afternoon, everyone.

 Expressing the purpose

• My purpose/objective/aim today is...
• What I want to do this morning/afternoon/today is...
• I'm here today to...

 Giving the structure

• This talk is divided into four main parts.
• To start with/Firstly, I'd like to look at...
• Then/Secondly, I'll be talking about...
• My fourth point will be about...
• Finally, I'll be looking at...

 Giving the timing

• My presentation/talk/lecture will take/last about 20 minutes.

 Handling questions

• At the end of my talk, there will be a chance to ask questions.
• I'll be happy to answer any questions you have at the end of my presentation.

Visual aids

It is important to be able to refer to your visual aids appropriately. Some useful phrases for visuals are shown to the right.

 Visual aids

• As you can see here...
• Here we can see...
• If we look at this slide...
• This slide shows...
• If you look at the screen, you'll see...
• This table/diagram/chart/slide shows...
• I'd like you to look at this...
• Let me show you...
• Let's (have a) look at...
• On the right/left you can see...

A vital part of any presentation is 'transitioning' (moving on) to a new section. Why is this so crucial? Mainly because of the difference between listening and reading. When you are reading, you can easily see where one section (or paragraph) ends, and another begins. This is not true when you are listening. To help with this, good academic speakers, whether in presentations or lectures , give cues to signal the end of a section. This helps the listener understand the structure and follow the main points.

Some useful transition phrases are shown to the right.

 Transitions

• Let's now move on to/turn to...
• I now want to go on to...
• This leads/brings me to my next point, which is...
• I'd now like to move on to/turn to...
• So far we have looked at... Now I'd like to...

Other phrases

There are some other phrases which are useful in a presentation. These include giving examples, summarising a point or section, and making a digression.

 Giving examples

• Let me give you an example...
• for instance...
• A good example of this is...

 Summarising

• What I'm trying to say is...
• Let me just try and sum that up before we move on to...
• So far, I've presented...

 Digressing

• I might just mention...
• Incidentally...

The conclusion, like the introduction, has several functions which you need to achieve:

• sum up the main points of the presentation
• conclude (by giving a 'take-away' message)
• close (by thanking the audience)
• invite questions

 Summing up

• Summing up...
• To summarise...
• So, to sum up...
• To recap...
• Let me now sum up.

 Concluding

• Let me end by saying...
• I'd like to finish by emphasising...
• In conclusion I'd like to say...
• Finally, may I say...
• Thank you for your attention/time.
• Thank you (for listening/very much).
• If you have any questions or comments, I'll be happy to answer them now.
• If there are any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
• Are there any more questions?

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Author: Sheldon Smith    ‖    Last modified: 10 January 2022.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

The language for presentations involves common 'signpost phrases' which help understand the structure.

The structure of a presentation is straightforward, with introduction, main body, conclusion, and Q&A.

Taking part in academic discussions increases your understanding and challenges your ideas, and may form part of your assessment.

Agreeing and disagreeing in academic discussions is always done politely, often using certain common phrases.

Asking for and giving opinions is important if you want to express your ideas and have a voice in discussions.

Visual aids such as PowerPoint and handouts, help your audience to follow your spoken presentation.

Essential Signposting Phrases for Presentations

Do you have to deliver presentations in English at work? Does anxiety about delivering your presentation keep you up at night? Do you worry about having the right vocabulary to keep your audience’s attention? You’d be surprised just how many students come to us with this very same problem. In today’s blog post, we’ll look at some useful signposting vocabulary and phrases for delivering presentations.

This blog post has been adapted from the Business English Presentations course in the Intrepid English Academy .

What is signposting?

When you present a topic you want your audience to understand your message. You should use simple and clear language, and try to avoid jargon and technical language. One of the easiest ways to make sure listeners take away as much information as possible is by structuring the talk logically and using signposting phrases.

You may be used to signposts from roads rather than presentations. When you drive you may see signposts that show you where you are or what the rules are in the area. When you use signposts in a presentation you are providing the same information to your audience. You can show your audience where in the presentation you are, and what is expected from them in terms of involvement.

You have a chance to orientate your audience right from the introduction. Make sure you mention the structure of your presentation and the main points you’re planning on talking about. Below you can find a simple skeleton for your introduction. Don’t forget to also include your name and the overall topic of the presentation at the start.

Let’s take a look at some essential signposting phrases for presentations.

Introduction signposting

I’ll start by […]. Then I’ll move on to […]. After that I’ll […]. Lastly, I […].

Example : I’ll start by reviewing the most popular products. Then I’ll move on to recipe and packaging changes in our best sellers and the feedback on it. After that, I’ll show you our summer 2021 line-up. Lastly, I’ll open the floor up for any questions.

By giving your audience a general roadmap at the beginning, they are aware of what to expect fromm your presentation, and know what’s coming next.

Useful Signposting Phrases

Below, you can find some suggested signposting phrases for different parts of a presentation.

Introducing the topic

My topic today is….. Today, I’d like to…

I’m going to divide this presentation into …. main parts….. Let’s begin by… Then / next / finally…

First and second points

First of all… Moving on to the second point…

So much for… Turning to…

Following points

The next area I would like to focus on is… I would now like to discuss…

Analysing and giving examples

Let’s consider this in more detail… A good example of this is… What does this mean for…? Where does that lead us? Why is this important? To illustrate this…

Summarising and concluding

Finally, let me just recap on the issues we have covered… Firstly…. Secondly… Thirdly… Finally…. Please feel free to ask me any questions…

Just to move away from the main subject for a moment… I will just take a moment to explain one key element… Now that we have briefly looked at this key point, I will return to the main subject…

Answering questions

Are there any questions at this stage? I’ll come back to this question later in my talk… That’s a very good question, let me explain that in closer detail… As I mentioned earlier… To put that another way… Maybe another member of the group would like to make a suggestion…

You can find all the phrases listed above in the Intrepid English Presentation Template, which is available in the Presentations course in the Intrepid English Academy.

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Ultimate Guide to Using Signposts in Speeches

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Using Signposts in Speeches! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of signposts in speeches, starting with the fundamental question: What is a signpost in speech?

What is a Signpost in speech?

A signpost in speech refers to a clear and concise verbal or visual cue used by speakers to signal key points, transitions, or shifts in their presentations. These signposts serve as guiding markers for the audience, helping them navigate through the speech’s content and structure with ease. Think of them as directional road signs, pointing the way and providing valuable context for the audience to follow the speaker’s message effectively.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what a signpost in speech entails, let’s delve deeper into the various types of signposts and how they can enhance the impact of your presentations.

Why are Signposts used in an effective speech?

Signposts are indispensable tools in the realm of public speaking, playing a pivotal role in guiding both speakers and audiences through the intricate journey of a speech . To appreciate their significance fully, let’s delve into the reasons why signposts are not just a valuable addition but a fundamental necessity in any effective speech.

1. Clarity and Structure:

Signposts are the architectural blueprints of a speech. They establish a clear and logical structure that ensures your audience doesn’t get lost in the labyrinth of your words. Think of them as road signs on a journey; they tell your listeners where they are and where they’re headed, making the path comprehensible and predictable.

2. Enhanced Comprehension:

In an age characterized by information overload, the ability to grasp and retain information is a precious commodity. Signposts act as cognitive guides, helping your audience understand the relationships between various parts of your speech. By doing so, they facilitate comprehension, making it easier for listeners to process and remember your message.

3. Engagement:

Imagine listening to a speech with no signposts – it’s akin to wandering in a featureless desert without a map. The absence of clear markers can lead to disengagement and confusion among your audience. Effective signposting, on the other hand, keeps your listeners actively engaged by providing a framework that allows them to anticipate, follow, and participate in your presentation.

4. Retention of Information:

Human memory has its quirks and limitations. Signposts offer a solution. By highlighting key points or summarizing the content you’ve covered, they serve as memory aids. Repetition, often employed in signposting, reinforces important takeaways, increasing the likelihood that your message will stick with your audience.

5. Professionalism:

Incorporating signposts into your speech demonstrates professionalism and meticulous planning. It sends a message that you’ve organized your content thoughtfully and are committed to delivering a coherent and structured presentation. This professionalism enhances your credibility as a speaker.

6. Smooth Transitions:

Transitions are the connective tissue of your speech. Navigating from one point to another can be a precarious endeavor, but signposts are your safety net. They ensure seamless transitions between different parts of your speech, maintaining the flow and preventing abrupt shifts that can confuse your audience.

7. Respect for Your Audience’s Time:

Signposts are a show of respect for your audience’s time. They help you steer clear of tangents and unnecessary digressions, sending a clear signal that you value your listeners’ time and are committed to delivering a concise and organized presentation.

8. Reduced Anxiety:

Public speaking often accompanies anxiety. It’s a natural response to standing before an audience. Signposts alleviate this anxiety by providing a mental roadmap when you know where you’re going and how you’ll get there, your confidence soars, leading to an improved overall delivery.

9. Active Listening:

Signposts encourage active listening. When your audience knows what to expect – whether it’s a new topic, a key point, or a transition – they become more engaged in the listening process. Active listening enhances comprehension and retention.

10. Adaptability:

Every speech is a live performance. Signposts offer flexibility. They allow you to gauge your audience’s reactions and adjust your speech accordingly. If you sense confusion or the need to emphasize a particular point, you can strategically use signposts to address these needs in real time.

In conclusion, signposts are the unsung heroes of effective public speaking. They provide clarity, enhance comprehension, boost engagement, and contribute to the overall success of your speech. Understanding and harnessing their power allows you to take your public speaking skills to new heights, captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impact.

How should you use Signpost? 

While understanding the significance of signposts is essential, knowing how to use them effectively is equally crucial. Here, we explore the art of incorporating signposts into your speech, ensuring that they serve as valuable guiding lights throughout your presentation.

1. Start with the Basics:

Begin by incorporating fundamental signposts that introduce the different sections or segments of your speech. These can include opening statements, section titles, and key takeaways. Such signposts set the stage for your audience, providing an initial framework for what to expect.

2. Strategic Placement:

Signposts should be strategically placed throughout your speech. They shouldn’t be confined solely to the beginning or end. Distribute them evenly to guide your audience through each part of your presentation. Consider using them at natural transition points, such as when you move from one idea to the next.

3. Be Concise:

Signposts are meant to be concise and to the point. They shouldn’t overshadow your content but rather enhance its accessibility. A lengthy signpost can confuse your audience instead of guiding them. Keep them brief and focused on the main message or theme of each section.

4. Utilize Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues:

Verbal signposts involve explicitly stating what comes next. For example, “Now, let’s move on to our second point,” serves as a clear verbal signpost. Non-verbal cues can include pausing briefly before introducing a new section, changing your tone of voice, or using gestures to emphasize a transition.

5. Summarize Key Points:

One effective way to use signposts is by summarizing the key points or takeaways of a section before diving into it. This primes your audience, ensuring they know what to look for and what information is essential. It also reinforces important concepts.

6. Maintain Consistency:

Consistency in your signposting style is crucial. If you use specific phrases or signals to introduce different sections, stick to them throughout your speech. This consistency helps your audience become familiar with your signposting patterns, making your speech more predictable and easier to follow.

7. Align with Your Audience’s Needs:

Consider your audience’s needs and expectations when using signposts. What will help them follow your presentation more effectively? Are there complex concepts that require extra explanation? Tailor your signposts to cater to your specific audience’s understanding and engagement.

8. Gauge Audience Reaction:

Stay attuned to your audience’s reactions. If you notice signs of confusion or disinterest, it may be time to revisit your signposting strategy. You can use signposts to redirect their attention, emphasize crucial points, or reframe information to regain their engagement.

9. Practice and Feedback:

Effective signposting requires practice. Rehearse your speech while paying attention to the timing and delivery of your signposts. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your technique. They can provide valuable insights into the clarity and effectiveness of your signposts.

10. Evolve with Experience:

As you gain experience in public speaking, your signposting skills will naturally evolve. Pay attention to what works well in your speeches and what doesn’t. Continuously refine your signposting approach based on audience feedback and your growth as a speaker.

Incorporating signposts into your speech is an art that, when mastered, can significantly enhance your effectiveness as a communicator. By following these guidelines and practicing consistently, you’ll be well on your way to guiding your audience seamlessly through your presentations, leaving a lasting impact.

What are the different types of Signposts?

There are various types of signposts that speakers can use in their speeches to guide their audience and make their message more effective. Signposts serve as roadmaps for the audience, helping them navigate through the speech and understand its structure and key points. Here are some different types of signposts:

1. Numerical Signposts:  

These signposts involve the use of numbers to indicate the order or sequence of points in a speech. For example, a speaker might say, “First, let’s discuss the causes of climate change. Second, we’ll explore its effects, and third, we’ll look at potential solutions.”

2. Time-Based Signposts:

 Time-based signposts refer to the use of time-related words or phrases to indicate when something occurred or will occur. For instance, a speaker might use words like “now,” “next,” “in the past,” or “in the future” to guide the audience’s understanding of the timeline of events.

3. Spatial Signposts:  

Spatial signposts involve using words or phrases related to space or location. These can help the audience visualize the physical arrangement or relationship between objects or ideas. For example, a speaker might say, “To the left of the screen, you’ll see a graph representing our sales data.”

4. Sequential Signposts:  

Sequential signposts indicate a step-by-step process or a chronological sequence of events. They help the audience follow along with a series of actions or developments. Phrases like “firstly,” “secondly,” “then,” and “finally” are commonly used for sequential signposting.

5. Comparative Signposts:  

Comparative signposts involve highlighting similarities or differences between ideas, concepts, or objects. They help the audience make connections and distinctions. A speaker might say, “In contrast to our competitors, our product offers unique features that set it apart.”

6. Causal Signposts:  

Causal signposts indicate cause-and-effect relationships between ideas or events. They help the audience understand why something happened or the consequences of certain actions. Phrases like “as a result,” “because of,” and “therefore” are used for causal signposting.

7. Summary Signposts:  

Summary signposts are used to recap or summarize key points made in the speech. They serve as reminders for the audience and reinforce important information. A speaker might say, “To sum up, we’ve discussed the main benefits of our new product: cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.”

8. Transition Signposts:  

Transition signposts are used to smoothly transition from one point or section of the speech to another. They help maintain the flow and coherence of the speech. Common transition words and phrases include “moving on,” “now let’s shift our focus to,” and “with that in mind.”

9. Questioning Signposts:  

Questioning signposts involve posing questions to the audience to stimulate their thinking or engagement. For example, a speaker might ask, “Have you ever wondered why this issue is so important?” This encourages the audience to reflect on the topic.

10. Quotation Signposts: 

Quotation signposts involve incorporating relevant quotes from experts, sources, or notable figures to support or emphasize a point. The speaker may introduce a quote with phrases like “According to,” “As stated by,” or “In the words of.”

11. Emphasis Signposts:  

Emphasis signposts are used to highlight specific words or phrases for emphasis or clarity. They can be achieved through changes in tone, volume, or pacing. For instance, a speaker might say, “This is the most crucial aspect of our strategy: teamwork.”

12. Contrast Signposts: 

Contrast signposts draw attention to differences between two or more elements. They help the audience discern distinctions and understand the significance of those differences. Phrases like “on the other hand” and “in contrast” are commonly used.

By incorporating these different types of signposts into their speeches, speakers can enhance the overall structure, coherence, and audience understanding of their message. Signposts act as valuable cues, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and follows the speaker’s narrative with ease.

Signpost in Speech Examples:

– using signposts such as first:  .

This signpost is commonly used at the beginning of a speech to introduce the initial point or topic of discussion. It serves as a clear indicator to the audience that a new idea is about to be presented. For instance, in a presentation about climate change, you might say, “Firstly, let’s address the importance of environmental conservation.” This signpost not only introduces the topic but also sets the stage for what’s to come, helping the audience mentally prepare for the upcoming information.

The “next” signpost is used to transition smoothly from one point or idea to the next one. It maintains the flow of the speech and lets the audience know that you’re moving on to a related topic. For example, in a speech about sustainable living, you could say, “Next, we’ll explore the various strategies for reducing our carbon footprint.” This signpost provides a logical sequence to your presentation, making it easier for the audience to follow your narrative.

-Furthermore:

“Furthermore” is employed to emphasize additional information or supporting details regarding a particular point. It signals to the audience that there’s more to consider on the topic at hand. In a speech on the benefits of recycling, you might say, “Furthermore, research has shown that reducing waste can significantly benefit the environment.” This signpost strengthens your argument by presenting supporting evidence or insights.

– In contrast:  

When you want to highlight a differing perspective or opposing viewpoint, “in contrast” is a valuable signpost. It helps you acknowledge alternative opinions or arguments while reinforcing your stance. For instance, in a debate about economic growth versus environmental conservation, you could say, “In contrast, some argue that economic growth should take precedence over environmental concerns.” This signpost encourages critical thinking by presenting contrasting viewpoints.

– As a result:  

This signpost is essential for indicating the consequence or outcome of a previous point or argument. It connects the dots for the audience, showing them the cause-and-effect relationship between ideas. In a discussion about pollution, you might say, “As a result, we can see that pollution levels have continued to rise.” This signpost adds depth to your speech by demonstrating the real-world implications of your points.

-In conclusion:  

When you’re nearing the end of your speech, “in conclusion” is a powerful signpost to use. It signals to the audience that you’re summarising key points and wrapping up your presentation. For instance, in a speech about environmental conservation, you could say, “In conclusion, our collective efforts are crucial in preserving our planet for future generations.” This signpost provides closure and reinforces the main takeaways of your speech.

These examples illustrate how signposts in speech enhance clarity, structure, and engagement, making your presentations more compelling and audience-friendly.

These signposts, in their simplicity and effectiveness, leave a lasting impression on your audience’s minds. They enhance comprehension, provoke thought, and foster inspiration—a testament to the power of effective communication. Your audience may forget individual words, but they will remember how your words made them feel.

Inspirations of a speech with Signposts in it: 

As we delve into this ultimate guide to using signposts in speeches, we embark on a transformative journey to master the art of communication. Signposts become our allies, helping us become more influential, persuasive, and compelling speakers. They empower us to find our unique voice—a voice that resonates with authenticity and purpose.

Much like Robert Frost , who pondered the divergent paths in a yellow wood and chose the one less traveled, we too make choices in our speeches. We use signposts to lead our audience down the path of our narrative, guiding them through the wilderness of ideas. Just as Frost’s words inspire contemplation and decision, our signposts inspire action and understanding.

In the spirit of Langston Hughes , who eloquently asked what happens to a dream deferred, we understand that unspoken ideas remain dormant until communicated effectively. Signposts act as the conduits for our dreams, transforming them into reality, and allowing our audience to grasp the essence of our aspirations.

And like Maya Angelou , whose words soared with courage and hope, we use signposts to uplift our audience, to help them rise above challenges, and to inspire them to embrace a brighter future.

Conclusion:

In the realm of public speaking, where every word holds the potential to captivate, persuade, and inspire, signposts emerge as guiding stars along your journey to connect with your audience. They serve as beacons of clarity, illuminating the path through the intricate terrain of your speech.

Signposts are like poetic lines in your speech, adding depth and meaning to your narrative. They guide you and your audience, much like the North Star guided sailors through uncharted waters. Just as poets choose their words with precision to convey profound emotions and ideas, speakers employ signposts to navigate through the rich tapestry of their messages.

In summary, by embracing the art of using signposts in our speeches, we open doors to a world of communication enriched by clarity, impact, and connection. Whether our goal is to inform, persuade, or inspire, signposts are the companions that ensure our words find their mark, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of public speaking. Let us harness the power of signposts and embark on our journey to become masterful orators who shape the future, one compelling speech at a time.

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When, Why and How To Use Signposts in Public Speaking

by Janice Tomich

• Presentation Planning & Public Speaking Skills

Signposts in public speaking are often missed or misunderstood.

You might know signposts by other names such as benchmarks or keypoints. No matter what you call them they are an integral piece to the framework of your speeches or presentations. If they’re not built in, you run the risk of losing your audience soon after you’ve spoken your first few words. As an executive communication coach , I know the value of signposts done well. Here’s what I teach my communication clients about using signposts effectively.

Table of Contents

What Is A Signpost In A Speech?

A signpost is a verbal or visual marker indicating the direction you are taking your speech/presentation or where you are presently at in order to help your audience move through different concepts, connect the dots, and help them stay engaged. Planning when you’ll use signposting is an essential element to  planning a well structured, well organized presentation . 

Why Are Signposts Important In Your Speech?

Even if you’ve invested multiple hours preparing your presentation your attendees won’t hang in there if you don’t guide them through the different stages you’re speaking about. What you’ll notice instead is eyes looking away and fingers tapping on phones because you’ve lost them. 

To compel your audience to keep listening there are many types of signposts to be aware of that you can embed in your next presentation.

Types of Speech or Presentation Signposts  

How to build signposts into your presentation opening .

You’ve likely heard many speeches or presentations begin with these typical statements:

•  Today, I’m going to talk about…
•  I’m going to cover…
• You will learn the following…

These types of statements can help your audience envision what you’ll be speaking about, however a word of caution here. 

Don’t start your presentation with signposts. You run the risk of losing your audience because your setup is frankly quite boring. It’s how ‘everyone’ opens their presentations. The folks at Ideo, who are masters of corporate storytelling , call starting a speech this way throat clearing (which no one wants to hear).

You need to entice and hook your audience in with your first words. Starting with signposts won’t accomplish that

Pro Tip: Begin your presentation with a hook. Engage your audience – pull them in. Then (and only then) speak to your signposts (using a light hand) to show your audience where you’ll be taking them. 

How To Use Signposts Throughout The Body Of Your Speech

You are the subject matter expert. It’s why you’ve been asked to speak. What you know is not what your audience knows. This is called ‘the curse of knowledge’ and with this often comes an outpouring of information with no structure. 

Structure is needed to help your audience stay engaged (and connect the dots to what you’re telling them) by using signposts. 

Use examples similar to these when you want your audience to be alerted to important concepts:

• It is  important you remember (or make note of)…
• If you take away one gold nugget today this is it…
• Turn to your partner and share what you know about…

When you want your audience to know you’re providing more depth of concept use a signpost similar to this: 

• Let’s take a deeper dive into this important idea…

To create a signpost to indicate you’re moving on to a new idea:

• Now that you have a good understanding of x let’s move on to…
• I’m going to do a complete about face now and talk about..

Pro Tip: Take your audience along your information path by dropping crumbs for them to follow so they can walk beside you.  

​​​​Sucheta Misra Associate VP Inclusion & Diversity and Social Impact Leader

How To Create Signposts In The Conclusion Of Your Presentation

How many times have you been to a presentation where you weren’t quite sure that it was over because the speaker rambled on and then fizzled out? I’ve experienced this so many times I’ve lost count. 

To demonstrate your communication expertise it’s important to finish powerfully and confidently so your audience is clear you’ve concluded your presentation: 

• These are the most important concepts to take away from today…
• We’ve gone from x to y today. I’ve spoken about…
• We’ve covered lots of information today. Please connect with me…

Pro Tip: A word of caution with your conclusion – do not finish your presentation with a Q & A because you’ll give the floor (and your power) to someone else, risking having delivered a  presentation that’s irrelevant. Instead speak to your signposts. 

Spoken Signposts vs Visual Signposts

As effective as spoken signposts can be, equally effective are visual signposts. Skilled presenters have moved beyond using reams of bullet points in their presentations and using images in their slidedecks instead. 

A carefully chosen image is a great signifier of the concept that will be spoken to next. The example below works well to signify loss of control or old school technology. 

If you’re lost and unsure about how to make your presentation compelling, I can help.

What Is The Difference Between A Signpost And A Transition?

A signpost is a marker indicating where you are in your speech/presentation or the direction that you are going. Think of road signs you pass on the highway. For example, a sign that lets you know you are now entering Vancouver. The sign also indicates that Whistler (where you are heading) is 120 km from Vancouver. This is a marker that indicates the direction you will be travelling.

A transition may seem similar, however it is different. It is the actual act of moving your audience from one concept to the next. For example Vancouver is a beautiful city with skiing close by on Grouse and Seymour Mountains, however Whistler is known as a ski town that provides a full skiing experience. This example provides insight into skiing and then carries you along to possibilities.

Can You Have Too Many Signposts?

Yes. Audiences are sophisticated and need a few elements of surprise. When your presentation is too structured you’ll bore them. 

The tired and misused recommendation ‘tell them, tell them again, and then one more time for good measure’ is outdated. No one wants to be talked down to or at every turn know what’s coming next. 

Gently guide but don’t coddle. It’s okay to highlight statements such as, ‘this is important to note/remember’, however if you say it more than a few times all of those ‘important’ concepts will blur together. 

By using signposts your audience will be able to stay with you and your carefully chosen thoughts and ideas. Help them stay on track by providing markers to guide them through your concepts so they will have tangible takeaways.

I help professionals master public speaking and communication skills. Reach out to  set up a quick call  to discuss how coaching can help you succeed as a speaker and position you as a leader.  

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Signposts in Speeches: A Guide to Fully Unlock the Power

Going from a blank page to a full speech can be an intimidating process; however, once you have your outline and key points in hand, you will want to ensure that your key points are expressed in a clear, concise, and logical way. This is where signposting can come in handy! Signposting is defined as, “the practice of using words, phrases, and pauses to direct listeners through a speech.” Signposting is a great way to make sure that your listeners are able to keep up with you and find a logical progression in your speech.

What Are Signposts in Speech?

Signposts are verbal clues and indications within a speech that connects the audience with the topic and structure of the overall presentation . In essence, signposts are like waypoints within your speech or presentation, connecting different topics and ideas as you guide your audience from point A to point B. These indicators articulate clear transitions between elements of your speech, highlighting both the beginning and end of each point, as well as the importance of any further detail you may wish to discuss. To illustrate this point further, imagine a speech about the many unique tourist attractions found in California. At the start of your talk , you may use a sign post such as “Today we will explore some of California’s most iconic locations” to clearly indicate both the start and main focus of your talk. As you progress through your presentation, you can also use signposts such as “Now let’s look at some famous beaches in California” to help make transitions more seamless and to keep the audience connected to their overall context. Finally, when it is time to wrap up your discussion, you might use a signpost such as “That was just a brief overview of some of California’s main attractions”. Signposting not only gives structure and clarity to any speech or presentation but also helps ensure that an audience can follow along easily with what is being discussed. Yet on the other hand, too much signposting can also be detrimental; if an audience feels like they are being pulled through a presentation too rigidly or excessively reminded about what is being discussed, then it may negatively affect their engagement with the material being presented. Therefore when using sign posts during a speech it is important to do so purposefully and strategically; they should be used judiciously and only when needed. This way they will help maintain focus while still allowing for natural conversational dialogue in order to create an enjoyable experience for both speaker and listener alike. With that in mind, this brings us to our next section which will explore how signposts can help guide the audience during presentations or speeches.

Signposts Help Guide the Audience

Signposts help guide the audience through a speech or piece of writing. They work like stoplights, creating visual markers that direct readers to the important points quickly and effectively. Signposts can be used as simple summaries of a speaker’s main points or as more detailed explanations of how each point logically follows from the one before it. Used correctly, they not only allow the audience to keep up with the flow of the argument but also give them clues about what is coming next. It has been suggested that signposting is essential to an effective speech because it helps both the speaker and their audience stay focused on the material being presented. This type of structure assists in ensuring that everyone remains engaged, as well as allowing them to better absorb and remember the information being conveyed. Signposting also helps ensure a smooth transition between various sections of a speech and prevents arguments from becoming disjointed or confusing. On the other hand, some argue that too much use of signposts can limit originality and may result in speeches lacking fluidity and creative expression . Furthermore, there are times in which it can be difficult for a speaker to identify when and how to use them appropriately within their delivery, resulting in their use feeling forced or interrupting the momentum of the argument. The best approach is therefore to strike a balance between providing the audience with enough information to assist in comprehending your message without overwhelming them with too many details or sudden shifts in direction. Signposting helps guide the audience through complex speeches and arguments by connecting ideas together and clearly signaling transitions between topics. As we move into our next section on “Connecting Your Ideas Through Signposts”, you will learn more about how to properly utilize this helpful communication tool within your own speeches and presentations.

Connecting Your Ideas Through Signposts

In order to effectively communicate a message, it is important to properly link the ideas in your speech together. This is where signpost language can be useful in helping an audience to perceive the message you are trying to convey. Signposts are verbal cues used to draw attention to a change in topic, or transition, between ideas in a speech. These transitions within the speech help audience members make sense of the message and can be critical for persuasion. When constructing signposts it is important to remain concise and articulate. Signpost language should not be overwhelming, rather they should act as simple cues that express what kind of message transition is taking place and subtly explain why they are necessary. It is also important to connect signpost language consistently with the overall flow of your speech – use words and phrases throughout your address that naturally encourage movement or transition between ideas. Using signpost language helps structure an argument by breaking the larger concepts into smaller components that build upon one another. This builds interest because listeners can follow the progression more easily, understanding how each idea relates back to the main story line. By looking at the big picture and then slowly working through all of its facets, listeners feel more engaged as you take them slowly on a journey from point A to point B. Furthermore, signpost language is beneficial for debates because it allows for support of your arguments before contradicting them; making sure both sides of an opinion are heard. Constructive criticism then has more context when presented and understood by those participating in the discussion. Overall, effective use of signpost language can vastly improve the clarity and persuasiveness of your speech by providing structure and cohesion between ideas. To conclude this section, let’s move on to discussing how referring to previous ideas often ties well into using signposts in order to create connections among ideas throughout a speech.

Referring to Previous Ideas

When you refer back to a previous idea in your speech, it helps remind the audience of what was previously discussed. This serves as an effective transition between topics and reminds people how one topic is connected to another. By referring back to previous ideas, you also demonstrate that you are speaking with knowledge and confidence about the subject. This type of signposting adds structure and clarity to your speech and can be used to link different points together. For example, if you are discussing the risks associated with investing in stocks, you can start by reminding the audience of the positive aspects discussed earlier. This allows you to smoothly transition from one topic to another while preserving continuity in the overall flow of your speech. On the other hand, over-referring to previous ideas can make your speech seem repetitive or even create confusion. If you reiterate something too many times, it may cause listeners to tune out or lose interest in what you are saying. It is therefore important to find a balance when referring back to previous ideas so that your speech stays interesting and engaging for the audience. The Benefits of Signposting is a valuable tool for any speaker because it helps keep ideas organized and structured. In order for signposting to be effective, speakers must learn understand how and when to refer back to their own ideas in order create a clear narrative for listeners.

The Benefits of Signposting

The benefits of signposting in your speech are numerous. By clearly outlining where the discussion is heading, you can help your audience grasp the main points more quickly and help structure your argument for better results. Signposting can also provide helpful reminders to help keep the conversation on track; it allows you to plan ahead and anticipate issues that may arise throughout the speech. Signposting helps guide the conversation organically and can be used to transition from one topic to another in a smooth and natural way. The use of signposts also gives your presentation a more professional feel, helping maintain an organized and efficient flow to your talk. Furthermore, research on public speaking shows that audiences prefer speeches with clear signposts as they make it easier for them to stay focused and follow the discussion. Moreover, signposting can assist you in delivering a polished final product by making sure the main points are covered while remaining clear and understandable. However, some may argue that too much signposting is distracting and takes away crucial time that could be used exploring each point in greater detail. In reality though, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach — it all depends on how you as the speaker choose to craft your presentation. Signposting ultimately serves as an essential tool for effectively communicating ideas during any convincing presentation or persuasive speech. It helps create focus while establishing contextual links between your various thoughts and assertions which in turn encourages engagement from the audience members. As such, if used correctly signposting can effectively unlock the power of persuasion within any speech. Now that we have discussed the benefits of using signposting when crafting your narrative, let’s take a look at how it can help focus your speech in the next section.

Help You Focus Your Speech

Signposting allows you to guide the flow of your speech, helping you to stay organized and focused. It provides structure and direction that keep you on track throughout the entire presentation. Using signposts helps you clearly articulate your message and ensure that your audience can follow the logical progression of your argument. There are two main ways to help focus your speech. First, use signposts to develop clear transitions between different points in your presentation, making it easier for audience members to follow along as you move from one idea to another. Second, use signposts to periodically reiterate the main point of your talk and how it relates to other points in the discussion. This will remind listeners of the overall scope of what you are discussing and help them remain focused on the big picture. Additionally, signposting allows you to anticipate potential areas where your audience might struggle with comprehension or begin drifting off topic, allowing you to address those issues before they become problematic. You can also use signposts to emphasize important ideas or points within your talk – by explicitly stating something like “this is an important concept” or “let’s take a look at this data”, you are guiding listeners’ attention directly to the point that needs clarifying or elaboration. These strategies will help ensure that your audience is following along with your discussion and open up more opportunities for engagement. By effectively incorporating these elements into your speech, you can make sure that everyone is hearing what you have to say and remaining focused on the content of your talk. By recognizing our ability to tailor our language and visual cues while presenting we can help our audience understand our arguments more fully and with greater clarity. This will give us more opportunity for meaningful dialogue and effective communication across all perspectives which can ultimately help us accomplish our objectives through persuasive dialogue and negotiation. With this key information in mind, let’s take a look at how we can use signposting to help our audience follow our dialogue.

Most Important Summary Points

Signposting is an effective way to guide the flow of your speech and provide structure that keeps you and your audience focused. It also helps to prevent confusion or misunderstanding by providing clear transitions between points and periodically reiterating main ideas. Signposting allows you to anticipate possible issues before they become problematic, highlight key concepts, and open up opportunities for more meaningful dialogue and engagement. This allows us to use persuasive dialogue and negotiation to more effectively accomplish our objectives.

Help Your Audience Follow Your Dialogue

The way you help your audience follow your dialogue is by providing signposts. Signposts are verbal markers such as statements, phrases and/or words that allow listeners to better understand the direction in which you are heading with your speech. They communicate important information so that audience members know where you’re going with your speech and how the various points connect to one another. Those opposed to the use of signposts may argue that they make speeches sound rigid and lacking in creativity. However, research suggests that signposting actually aids flow and transitions between points, making speeches more engaging for audiences. Others may also point out that using too many signposts causes speakers to sound repetitive and monotonous. While it is true to an extent, using signposts can actually help speakers demonstrate their audience’s main points more clearly without sounding redundant. When used effectively, signposting allows members of your audience to keep up with your arguments and stay on track throughout the duration of your presentation or talk, rather than getting bogged down in all of the details. Effectively using signposts helps listeners to have a much better grasp on what you’re talking about and allows them to draw connections between individual points, resulting in a more engaging experience overall. By providing helpful signposts in your talk or presentation, you can ensure that your audience understands precisely what you’re saying and can easily follow along with each point. Now, let’s move onto the next section about how to use signposts effectively!

How to Use Signposts Effectively

Signposting is an invaluable tool when giving a speech and can have a dramatic impact on the audience’s understanding and enjoyment of the material. As such, it is essential that speakers learn how to use signposts effectively, helping to provide structure and clarity to their presentation. There are a few key tips for effective signposting that speakers should take into account. Firstly, signposts should be used as often as necessary throughout a presentation in order to keep the audience engaged . Too few signposts can lead to confusion, whereas too many can sound tedious and detract from the content itself. Secondly, the language chosen for signposts should be kept simple and straightforward. The aim of signposting is to tell the audience where you are headed with your argument or ideas, not to confuse them further or introduce additional complexity. Finally, it is important to make sure that signposts fit naturally into the overall flow of a presentation. A succinct phrase is all that’s generally required, no more than 3-5 words if possible, so as not to detract from the content of the speech itself. That said, some would argue that rather than relying heavily on signposting each point in a speech with overly elaborate language, more attention should be paid to crafting powerful statements and stories around individual points. While there is value in this approach – ensuring that certain points stand out regardless of whether they have been prominently signposted or not – it should not come at the cost of clarity and structure entirely. Signposting can go a long way towards making sure that everyone is on the same page during a presentation and making sure the most important points are understood. With this in mind, it is crucial for speakers to ensure they properly highlight the most important points in their presentation through effective use of signposting. This will be discussed further in the next section.

Highlight the Most Important Points

When you are giving a speech, it is important to highlight the most crucial points. This can help ensure that your audience is understanding and retaining key concepts. One way to do this is by using signposting language. Signposting language is language used to shift the audience’s focus from one point to another in order to guide them through your spoken message. It also communicates which of your points are the most significant. For example, when providing background information on a particular topic, you can begin with phrases like “What’s most important is…” or “Most notably…” These phrases give clear indications of which parts of the story are essential and should be remembered to understand the overall concept. Similarly, when transitioning between arguments, use phrases like “Let’s turn our attention to…” or “Essential to consider…” in order to equip the audience with crucial details. On the other hand, some may choose to not signpost at all. They believe doing so takes away from their natural flow and would rather rely on making a few key points throughout their presentation that yield the same purpose as signposting for listeners. Proponents of this school of thought may prefer a conversational style or storytelling format because it tends to be more engaging for audiences. In either case, being aware of how you can highlight your main points is important for conveying your message effectively and allowing your listeners to apprehend vital concepts from your speech. Now that we have discussed how you can emphasize the main points within your speech, let’s move on to understanding presentation structure.

Understanding Presentation Structure

As a speaker or presenter, it is important to understand the structure of your presentation in order to master signposting effectively. The structure should be made clear from the beginning and should remain consistent throughout your speech. Signposting helps to make this transition between topics and ideas smooth for both the speaker and the audience. When constructing a presentation, consider both the logical flow of ideas and how much time you have allocated for each topic. Make sure that each part ties into an overall goal or conclusion by using signpost words or phrases that indicate when you are changing direction or moving towards a conclusion. This can help inform your audience about what will come next without overwhelming them with too much information. It may also be helpful to provide some sort of visual aid or introduction at the beginning of your presentation so that everyone can be on the same page regarding where you are going in the discussion. It may also be useful to include a summary slide or wrap up your talk with a quick review of what has been said during the course of your talk if you feel it would assist the audience in understanding its structure better. Signposting during your presentation is essential in providing clarity and ensuring that all members of the audience are engaged in what you are saying. Using signposts alerts your listeners that something new is coming and allows you to transition more easily between topics. By understanding how to effectively present a structured speech, speakers can make use of signposting as an effective tool for connecting with their audiences and furthering their messages. By mastering signposting techniques, speakers can ensure their message reaches even further and engage wider audiences more deeply than ever before. With this guide on using signposting in speech, you can now begin developing effective presentations that leave lasting impressions on listeners.

Examples of Singposts in Speeches

“First, I will give an overview of the issue we’re addressing. Then, I’ll outline some of the key challenges we face, and finally, I’ll propose some potential solutions.”

Let me begin by introducing our panelists for today’s discussion. After their opening remarks, we’ll move on to a Q&A session, and then wrap up with some closing thoughts.”

“To better understand the impact of this policy, I’d like to first provide some background information on the history of this issue. Then, I’ll examine the current state of affairs, and finally, I’ll offer some insights into the potential future implications.”

“Before we dive into the details, let me start by giving you an overview of the structure of my presentation. I’ll begin by discussing the problem we’re trying to solve, then I’ll move on to some potential solutions, and finally, I’ll offer some closing thoughts on how we can move forward.”

In the next few minutes , I’d like to share with you three key takeaways from my research. First, I’ll discuss the overall trends in the data. Second, I’ll explore some of the factors driving those trends. And finally, I’ll highlight some potential implications and opportunities for future research.”

Conclusion: Signpost in Speech

Signposting is an invaluable tool that can take your speeches to the next level. By providing clear direction and purpose, your audience can easily follow along and understand the main points of your speech. Ultimately, signposting allows you to fully capture and communicate your message to those listening. In closing, it’s important to note that while signposting can be beneficial, its importance should not be overstated. Too much signposting can often become distracting rather than reinforcing your point. It’s important to strike a balance between continuously informing your audience while also using natural pauses , body movements, and other forms of non-verbal communication to control the flow of your speech. Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to utilizing signposting in your speeches, being mindful of how you address transitions and emphasize key points can greatly enhance their impact. The more practice you give yourself with signposting techniques, the more comfortable you’ll become at delivering speeches or presentations with confidence and poise. Overall, signposting offers a powerful way for individuals to deliver engaging speeches that are memorable and effective. While mastering the art of signposting takes time, implementing these tips into each speech will undoubtedly improve both its delivery and reception from the audience.

Frequently Asked Questions and Responses

How can i properly structure signposting in a speech.

Structuring signposting in a speech is not overly complicated, but it does require some preparation. To begin, you should determine the overall structure of the speech, including the main points and any relevant background information. Once this is done, you can then insert signposts identifying the points and giving an indication as to what each point entails. At each major transition in your speech, you should use a signpost such as: “Now that we have discussed XYZ, let’s take a look at ABC…” Signposting not only serves to indicate where you are going in your speech, it also aids in keeping listeners interested by giving them clues about what is coming next. Additionally, it can serve to reinforce key points and transitions within the speech so that they remain clear to the listener long after the speech is over. Finally, signposts increase continuity of presentation by indicating a logical progression from one point to the next.

How can I effectively use signposting in my speech?

Signposting is a powerful technique to make your speech more organized and persuasive. It allows you to control the direction of your argument and give your audience a better sense of what you’re talking about, making it easier for them to follow your argument. To effectively use signposting in your speech: 1.Organize Your Ideas Before You Speak – Before delivering your speech, take some time to plan out the structure and main points of your arguments. This will help you focus on what’s important in terms of the message you want to convey, as well as allowing you to anticipate any questions or objections that might arise during your discussion. 2.Introduce Your Topic – Begin with a brief overview of the topic and state why it’s important or relevant. This will set the scene for the rest of your discussion and provide context for each point. 3.Use Signposts to Guide Your Audience – Introduce signposts throughout your speech, giving your listeners a sense of direction so they know what’s coming next and can follow along with ease. It may be helpful here to use phrases such as “firstly”, “secondly”, “in conclusion” etc., to ensure everyone is keeping up with where you are in the presentation/speech. 4.Repeat Key Points & Summarize – To ensure that all of your points have been taken onboard by your audience, repeat key points from time-to-time throughout the presentation/speech and at the conclusion, provide a summary of these points so they can be cemented into memory. By taking these steps when delivering a speech or presenting an argument, you can ensure that signposting is used effectively and efficiently, helping strengthen the overall message whilst ensuring continuity between each point made throughout the presentation/speech.

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Signposting & cohesion

On this page we'll take a look at a whole load of signposting examples.

A useful technique to achieve clarity and structure is the use of ' signposts '.

Signposts include specific words and phrases integrated into the text to direct the reader .

Signposting helps guide the reader through your argument. Whether introducing a new concept, highlighting a transition in your argument, or echoing a key concept, signposting will create and maintain direction and coherence in your writing.

Signposts can be categorised into two main groups : ' major signposting ' and ' linking words and phrases '.

Major signposting

Major signposting is generally used to signal the main elements of the work , such as the rationale/purpose of an academic text and its structure.

Here are some examples of major signposting:

• In conclusion…
• The aim/purpose of this study is to…
• This chapter reviews/discusses…

Linking words and phrases

Linking words and phrases establish coherence and provide the reader with guidance by signalling transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

Here are some examples of linking words and phrases:

• Firstly... . Secondly...
• For example…

Cohesive signposting (an example)

Cohesion is what ties your various points together and guides the reader through your argument. 

You can create cohesion using the signposting words and phrases on this page so as to show the relationships between your points.

Cohesive words and phrases are shown in bold in this example paragraph about how language background affects maths skills development :

The time taken to pronounce number words is another linguistic factor that  could affect children’s arithmetical development. If number words take longer to pronounce, fewer items can be held in working memory, which could affect the strategies used to solve arithmetic problems (Geary et al., 1993; Geary et al., 1996). In East Asian languages, number words are generally short, one-syllable words, while in English and other languages they can be much longer. The effect of this on working memory is seen in Chinese children’s longer digit span memory compared to their American peers (Geary et al., 1993). It also  seems to influence the choice of strategies used by the two groups to solve arithmetic problems, with Chinese children using faster processes than American children (Geary et al., 1996). This limitation of working memory may mean speakers of less transparent languages rely more on slow procedural strategies than speakers of a transparent language, extending even to adulthood (Campbell & Xue, 2001).

Examples of signposting Why not follow the link above to take a look at a whole load more examples of signposting words?

Here's some more signposting examples:

Highlighting or emphasising a point.

• Importantly, …
• Indeed, …
• In fact, …
• More importantly, …
• Furthermore, …
• Moreover, …
• It is also important to highlight … 

Providing more details on a point or rephrasing a point

• In particular, …
• Specifically, …
• Concentrating on …
• By focusing on … in more detail, it is possible to …
• To be more precise, …
• In other words, …
• To put it simply, …
• In relation to …
• More specifically, …
• With respect to …
• In terms of …
• Giving an example
• For example, …
• For instance, …
• This can be illustrated by …
• …, namely, …
• …, such as, …

Acknowledging something and moving to a different point

• Although …
• Even though …
• Despite …
• Despite the fact that …

Adding a related point to an argument

• To further understand the role of …
• In addition, …
• Similarly, …
• Again, …
• Also, …
• Likewise, …
• What is more, …
• Another issue regarding … is …
• Another line of thought on … is …

Reintroducing or revisiting a topic

• As discussed/explained earlier, …
• The earlier discussion on … can be developed further here, …
• As stated previously, …
• As noted above, …

Linking to a different point

• Having established …, it is possible to consider …
• … is one key issue; another of equal/similar importance/significance is …
• Also of importance is the issue of …

Introducing a new idea or point

• One aspect which illustrates … can be identified as …
• The current debate about … illustrates/identifies/highlights …
• With regard to…/ with respect to…
• Initially/secondly/finally, …

Introducing an opposing or alternative view

• However, …
• Conversely, …
• Rather, …
• In contrast, …
• Alternatively, …
• On one hand, …
• On the other hand, …
• In comparison, …
• Compared to, …
• Another point to consider is …
• Nevertheless/Nonetheless, …
• An alternative perspective is given by … who suggests/argues that …
• Despite this, …
• This conflicts with the view held by …

Reasoning or summarising the point

• Consequently/As a consequence, …
• Accordingly, …
• Therefore, …
• Subsequently, …
• Hence …
• As a result, …
• As a consequence, …
• To this end, … 
• It could be concluded that …
• The strength of such an approach is that …
• For this reason …
• In short …
• From this, it can be concluded/inferred/suggested that …
• The evidence highlights that …
• Evidently*, …
• Clearly/It is clear that, …*
• Naturally*, …
• It is clear that* …

*These indicate very strong arguments, so only use such phrases if you really are sure that your arguments cannot be challenged.

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What Is Signposting in English and Why Does It Matter?

Published on, july 1, 2022, november 15, 2022, this article may contain affiliate links.

Signposting is a simple and easy-to-learn technique that can improve your listening, writing and even presentation skills. In fact, once you know this technique, you will see it everywhere! Let us explain it to you with this step-by-step guide.

Table of contents

A presentation is very similar to a school essay, if you think about it. Both have an introduction. Both have a conclusion. Both have a certain number of main points. An essay is a structured way of writing. A presentation is a structured way of speaking.

But when you read an essay, you know exactly where you are - you can look at the page and see if you are near the beginning of the essay or near the end. You can see which main point you’re reading, by glancing at the paragraphs.

What about when listening to a presentation? Do you know “where” you are? With a good presenter, the answer is yes! Because a good presenter uses a technique called signposting.

So what exactly is signposting?

Just like a signpost by the road that tells you where you are going, signposting in a presentation tells the listener what is coming next.

Here is an example:

Now that we have looked at the causes of work-related stress, let’s examine the solutions.

The first solution that I would like to highlight is…

The language used here clearly signals that the speaker is moving on from talking about the causes of stress to talking about the solutions.

When we use language like this, the structure of our presentation is clear and transparent to everyone listening. Remember, listeners like to know “where” they are in a presentation.

At the sentence level, we can use signposting language to show what we are about to say. Here’s an example:

The best thing about Steve is that he is a trustworthy friend.

The simple signposting phrase in bold tells the listener what to expect next in the sentence. It may seem like a trivial thing, but this style of communication greatly improves understanding.

Signposting can help you with your listening

So far, we have looked at signposting from the speaker’s point of view. However, signposting is also something that can help you with your listening.

Imagine that you hear this sentence:

George is a conscientious guy.

Let’s assume that conscientious is a word that you don’t know. Is the speaker saying something good about George or something bad? Did they say ‘conscientious' or ‘contentious’?

As a listener, you’ll still be puzzling over the word ‘conscientious’ as the speaker continues, and you will lose the flow of the conversation.

But, in fact, we usually speak like this:

What I like about George is that he is a conscientious guy.

Now that we can recognise the signpost (in bold), we can at least understand that being conscientious is a positive trait (it describes a person who likes to do the correct thing) and we know that the speaker didn’t say ‘contentious’ (argumentative). We can move on with the rest of the conversation.

If you are attending a lecture or a talk, listening for signposting language will help you structure your notes. As soon as you hear, “I’m going to mention three methods to lose weight…”, you can prepare a space to write method one, method two and method three.

You should especially listen out for cues that the speaker is moving on to a new topic, giving an example or ending the talk.

You need to listen for phrases like these:

• My next point is…
• The next main point is…
• The next thing I wish to highlight is…
• Now that we have discussed…, let’s move on to…
• For example…
• For instance…
• Here’s an example…
• To conclude…
• In conclusion…
• To conclude this talk, I would like to…

Signposting can help you with your writing

The main difference between writing and speaking is structure. When speaking, you simply say the first thing that comes to mind. But when writing, you take time to plan out what to say. You plan the order of your paragraphs and you plan the structure of your paragraphs (or at least, you should!).

However, simply planning out your structure is not enough. You need to make an effort to show the structure to the reader. We do this through signposting.

Imagine that you need to write a short essay or an article comparing large and small companies. The first paragraph might look like this:

Have you ever wondered whether it is best to work at a small or large company? This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of both in order to help you make that decision.

Here are excerpts from the following paragraphs:

The benefits of working in a large company are … For example … On the other hand, large companies can be … An example is … A small company is good for … For instance … However, many small companies … A good example is … In conclusion …

Can you see how the signposting phrases make the structure clear to the reader? We can already see that the article will be easy to understand, no matter what the points are.

In the modern world, a large number of people skim and scan articles to get information quickly. The use of signposting makes it especially easy to do this.

Hence, if you use signposting, the speed readers of the world will thank you for it!

Signposting can help you with presentations

Remember how I said that a presentation is similar to an essay?

Look again at the signposting phrases that I suggested for an essay:

These same signposting phrases can be used in a presentation, too!

But let’s look at the introduction to a presentation. This is the part of a presentation where you lay out the structure of what is to come . Again, signposting phrases can help you do this.

Take a look at this introduction to a presentation on mental health issues at the workplace:

Have you ever felt stressed, neglected, alone or overwhelmed at the workplace? For some of us, these negative emotions can develop into serious mental health issues. As a workplace psychologist, I see this every day.

In my talk today, I’m going to discuss five different mental health issues. After that, I will walk you through ways to deal with each one. ‍ I will end my talk with a Q&A session where I’ll be glad to field any questions you may have.

After this simple introduction, the audience knows exactly what to expect. They will hear about five issues, followed by five solutions. They also know to expect a Q&A session. They’re now ready to begin the talk.

Signposting can help you in day-to-day communication

Casual, day-to-day conversation is not structured, like an essay or a presentation. Nevertheless, simple signposting at the sentence level can help us in daily communication.

Paula: Do you think this hat looks nice on me? Pablo: I don’t want to sound rude, but it looks quite silly.

Can you see what Pablo is doing here? He is afraid that he might upset Paula, so he leads in with a signposting phrase. This alerts Paula that he is going to say something sensitive and he wants her not to be upset. It also softens the harsh comment; we generally soften comments by saying them indirectly.

Here is a second example:

Pierre: There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. Pietro: Oh no! Am I in trouble? Pierre: Not exactly, but I have been receiving complaints from your coworkers…

Notice how Pierre doesn’t mention complaints at the beginning of the conversation. Instead, he uses the signposting phrase in bold.This phrase indicates that the topic of discussion will be serious, and that is why Pietro wonders if he is in trouble.

Pierre uses this technique to set the tone and expectations for the conversation.

Note how the two examples shown here are quite subtle . Understanding subtle and indirect meanings is an advanced language skill. This means that it is something you should look out for as you move up from intermediate to advanced level English.

My advice is to listen out for more examples of this kind of signposting, and write them down in your notebook when you hear them. Your ultimate goal is to use them yourself.

Signposting can help you with the IELTS test

The concept of signposting is used throughout IELTS exams .

IELTS listening passages are carefully scripted to include signposts to help you. In IELTS reading, the signposting phrases help give context when you need to guess the meaning of a word or phrase.

You will also be expected to use signposting language when you write and speak, and the examiner will look for examples. If you use signposting language correctly, you will score marks for ‘coherence and cohesion’ (the logical flow and connection of your writing/speaking).

In the writing section of the IELTS, coherence and cohesion provide 25% of the total marks.

If you are able to use signposting phrases, but do not always use them correctly, that indicates a band 6 score. At band 7, signposting phrases are used correctly and appropriately. At band 8+, use of signposting approaches the skill level of a native speaker.

Some examples of signposting

Here is a list of example signposting language to get you started. Remember, there are many more than we can list here.

Introducing a topic

• The topic of today’s talk is…
• Today, I would like to discuss…
• What I wish to talk about today is…

Developing a point

• Additionally…
• Furthermore…

Contrasting…

• Nevertheless…
• Even though…

Emphasising a point

• The important thing is…
• It is important to note that…
• The vital thing to understand about this is…
• To summarise what we have discussed…
• In conclusion, what I would like to say is…

Embrace signposting as a major feature of English

Perhaps you had never heard of signposting before reading this article.

If so, then I hope this article has opened the door to a major feature of the English language. The more you know about signposting, the more you will see and hear it everywhere.

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Writing academically: Signposting

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“Do not expect your reader to make the connections in your ideas ... make those connections explicit” Andy Gillet, Angela Hammond and Mary Martala, Successful Academic Writing

Signposting words and phrases are essential elements of academic writing - they make your writing flow. By making explicit how points are connected to each other you make it easier for your reader to follow your arguments . The reader is, after all, your marker and you don't want to make their job too hard. This page gives you a selection of common phrases that you can use to link together your paragraphs and so make logical connections between your ideas.

Signposts to introduce something new

One aspect which illustrates … can be identified as …

The current debate about … illustrates/identifies/highlights …

With regard to…/ with respect to…

Initially/secondly/finally, …

Continuing an argument with a related point

Furthermore, …

To further understand the role of …

In addition, …

Similarly, …

Likewise, …

What is more, …

Moreover, …

Another issue regarding … is …

Another line of thought on … is …

Going into more detail on a point/rephrasing

In particular, …

Specifically, …

Concentrating on …

By focusing on … in more detail, it is possible to …

To be more precise, …

In other words, …

To put simply … /To simplify, ...

Linking to a different point 

Having established …, it is possible to consider …

… is one key issue; another of equal/ similar importance/significance is …

Also of importance is the issue of …

Reintroducing a topic

As discussed/explained earlier, …

The earlier discussion on … can be developed further here, …

As stated previously, …

As noted above, …

Introducing an opposing/alternative view

However, …

Conversely, …

In contrast, …

Alternatively, …

Nevertheless/Nonetheless, …

An alternative perspective is given by … who suggests/argues that …

Despite this, …

This conflicts with the view held by …

Reasoning/summarising the point

Consequently/As a consequence, …

Accordingly, …

Therefore, …

What this means/suggests is...

It could be concluded that …

The strength of such an approach is that …

For this reason …

Evidently*, …

Clearly/It is clear that, …*

Naturally*, …

It is clear that* …

In short, …

From this, it can be concluded/inferred/suggested that …

The evidence highlights that …

------ *Only use such phrases if you really are sure that your arguments cannot be challenged.

These are just a selection of the phrases you can you to make your writing flow and to keep the reader with you and following your line of argument. Academics often complain about a lack of this in assignments they mark so make sure you use them in your writing.

Don't overdo it . Only use signposts when they add clarity to your work. Some students try to put a signposting word into every sentence which can actually obscure meaning.

Be precise . The signposting words have very specific meanings. Only use a word like 'consequently' if you really mean that the following sentence is a true consequence of the previous one!

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Academic writing skills guide: signposting, transitions & linking words/phrases.

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Explore different ways of guiding the reader through your assignment.

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Signposting language can help you guide the reader through your writing and make sure the order is clear and flows well. These are small words or phrases that help the reader follow your argument, understand the relationship between your ideas and anticipate what’s going to come next.

These words may not seem important, but they’re really the glue that holds a piece of writing together. Without signposting language, writing can lose direction, become confused and read like a series of unrelated points. Try reading the paragraph without them and see how it changes the meaning.

Signposting words are useful in the introduction to signal your structure, and echoed in the first lines of paragraphs to indicate how the paragraphs relate to each other. They are also useful at sentence level to make the links between them clear. There are different kinds of links and relationships, so you need to choose a signposting word that does the right job.

Signposting of order

You can use these kinds of signposting words to direct the reader through your writing, provide a ‘roadmap’ for the order in which you’re going to talk about things, help them keep on track throughout and remind them of key information or anticipate questions. This kind of signposting can be especially useful for introductions, conclusions and when transitioning from one big idea to another or talking about methods and procedures.

Informs readers of the writing’s overall structure.

• First/Firstly,…
• To begin with…
• Second/Secondly,…
• Afterwards,…
• Following this…
• To conclude,…

Helps readers anticipate content that’ll appear later in the writing.

• In the following section…
• As we shall see,…
• As explored below,…
• As will be explained later,…

Reminds readers of important information mentioned earlier.

• In the previous section,…
• As we have seen,…
• As demonstrated above,…
• As indicated earlier,…
• As discussed previously,…
• Prior to this,…
• Initially,…

Helps readers identify where they are in the writing’s overall structure.

• Turning now to…
• Moving on to…
• Having considered…we will now consider…
• It is now necessary to…
• This section identifies…

Signposting of relations

You can use these kinds of signposting words to show that you are constructing logical steps in your argument, show the relationship between ideas and make it clear to the reader where you’re identifying similarities and differences, cause and effect, summaries, examples or particularly important pieces of information.

Tells the reader that this point builds on the previous.

• As well as,…
• In addition…
• Additionally,…
• What is more…
• To elaborate,…

Tells the reader that this point is a further example of the previous.

• Similarly,…
• Just as…, so too…
• In the same way,…
• Correspondingly,…
• Complementary to this…

Prepares the reader for an example.

• For example,…
• For instance,…
• To illustrate,…
• In particular,
• …including…
• …as can be seen in…
• …as demonstrated by…
• …exemplifies…

Tells the reader that this point is in opposition to the previous.

• In contrast,…
• In comparison,…
• Conversely,…
• On the other hand,…
• Otherwise,…
• Alternatively,…
• Despite this,…
• Nonetheless,…
• Nevertheless,…
• That aside,…
• While this may be true…
• Notwithstanding…
• Then again,…
• On the contrary,…

Tells the reader that this point is a result of the previous.

• Therefore,…
• Consequently,…
• Accordingly,…
• As a result,…
• This means that…
• This causes…
• For this reason…
• Because of this…
• In view of this,…
• With this in mind…
• It can be seen that…
• Resulting from this…
• This suggests that…
• Subsequently,…

Prepares the reader for a summary of previous points.

• In summary,…
• Altogether,…
• On the whole,…
• To review,…

Provides the reader with another way of saying the same thing.

• In other words,…
• Better still,…
• Stated otherwise,…
• That is to say,…
• Put simply...
• To look at this another way....

Helps the reader identify key information.

• In particular,…
• Especially…
• Importantly,…
• Furthermore,…

Tips for using signposting language

Choose wisely.

Signposting words aren’t interchangeable and can be really confusing for the reader if used inappropriately. So make sure you choose the right word to reflect the relationship you’re trying to communicate.

Use deliberately

You don’t need to use a signposting word in every sentence, so before you do ask yourself if it helps make the meaning clearer, or just bogs down the writing.

Edit carefully

When you want to get the wordcount down, you might be tempted to get rid of signposting words first so you can keep more of the information. This might not be as useful as it seems, though, because lots of information without any signposting can make it really difficult for the reader to understand what you’re trying to say.

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Introduction to academic speaking

by AEUK | Oct 22, 2023 | Speaking

Introduction to Academic Speaking

Introduction.

This webpage offers three introductory lessons to academic speaking skills: seminars, presentations and debates. Each lesson includes key information on the speaking skill as well as interactive speaking activities and listening worksheets.

Seminars                                                                        

An academic seminar is a small discussion on a specific topic among a group of students. At university it can be a central part of the learning process, which is often connected to pre-reading texts or post-lecture discussions. Commonly, at university English language centres, seminars have become a feature of testing English speaking through fluency, conversational skills and ability to discuss complex subjects.  

What is a seminar?

• The Process
• Seminar Criteria

Generally, it is a small discussion on a specific topic among a group of students. At university it can be a central part of the learning process, which is often connected to pre-reading texts or post-lecture discussions. Commonly, at university English language centres, seminars have become a feature of testing English speaking through fluency, conversational skills and ability to discuss complex subjects.

Why have seminars?

• Explore topics in more depth.
• Share ideas in a way that will advance your thinking.
• Learn from other people’s experiences and background knowledge.
• Improve transferable skills for career development.

Pre-seminar procedures

Students are often given pre-texts and pre-listenings before the seminar to prepare. Students are expected to read and listen to texts carefully by making detailed notes and coming to the seminar fully prepared.

A seminar test 

• Students work together in groups of 4-6.
• Teachers provide a set of questions.
• Students discuss for 25-30 minutes (approx. 5 mins per person).  
• Students summarise the key points in the last 5 mins.
• Students CAN refer to the texts and their notes.
• Teachers monitor and give feedback at the end.

 The seminar process

• The group are called into a room, and they sit around a table.
• The questions are given ou t and students have 2 minutes to read and prepare by taking notes.
• The seminar begins with an opening statement: We’re here today to discuss…
• The students then begin to discuss the first question.
• Each student should make a contribution by referring to their notes / texts.
• The seminar should flow with students adding to what was previously said.
• Once everyone agrees the question has been addressed in full, they then move onto the next question.
• Important:   Not all the questions have to be answered but they should be discussed in order.
• Once the students begin to approach 25 minutes, they should bring it to an end by each one summarising a main point raised.

key points to a seminar

• It should be a flowing conversation with everyone involved and contributing.
• The teacher / tutor should not intervene if it goes quiet but let the students manage the discussion.
• Students have to show confidence and demonstrate thorough awareness of the texts.
• Dominant students are penalised for excluding others.
• Students are penalised for just reading notes.
• Key debate phrases should be used to show conversation skills – agreeing, disagreeing, interrupting, etc…

Seminar Speaking Criteria x 2 (updated 2023)

This includes one basic seminar speaking criteria to assess seminar speaking skills and contains four key criteria: Language Accuracy ( 20% ), Language Range ( 20% ), Pronunciation ( 20% ) & Communicative Effectiveness ( 40% ), and one seminar criteria that includes ‘reference to materials’.   Level: ** *** [B1/B2/C1] Example  /   Level: ** *** [B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP

An Introduction to Seminars (new 2023)

This lesson is designed to introduce students to seminars. It contains information on what is a seminar, the seminar procedure, seminar phrases, and academic seminar practice using two short academic texts (reading & lecture). Example. Level: ** *** [B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP  / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Seminar Phrases Sheet: A Range of Standard English Phrases 

Suitable phrases to use for opinions, facts, examples, adding information, interrupting, summarising and  concluding .

Presentations

Academic presentations are an integral part of university study and assessment. The key difference between an academic presentation and a general presentation is that it is usually quite formal and includes academic research to evidence the ideas presented. The presentation will include references to credible sources and will demonstrate clearly your knowledge and familiarity of the topic.

• Good Presentations
• Structure / organisation
• Signposting Language

Giving a good academic presentation

• Think about the aim of your presentation and what you want to achieve.
• Concentrate on your audience: who   they are and  what   they (want to) know.
• Choose the topic that interests you: involvement and motivation are key to confidence.
• Give your presentation a  clear   and  logical   organization so that everyone can follow.
• Present information  visually : this adds interest to your talk and makes it easier to follow.
• Practise giving your presentation until you are familiar with the key points; this way you may discover any potential problems and check the timing. Besides, practice will also make you feel more confident.

Basic outline / structure

• Introduction: introduce the topic, some basic background, thesis (your stance or argument).
• Outline: provide basic bullet points on the key parts of the presentation.
• Main body: divide the main body into sections.
• Evaluation: always include evaluation. This can be a separate section or part of the main body.
• Conclusion: summarise key points, restate the thesis and make a recommendation / suggestion / prediction.
• Reference list: create one slide with all your sources.
• Questions : be prepared to answer questions.
• Cope with nerves: breathe deeply; it calms you down and stops you from talking too quickly.
• Control your voice: speak clearly and try to sound interesting by changing intonation and rhythm.
• Watch your body language: try to give the impression that you are relaxed and confident.
• Maintain eye contact with your audience: it keeps them interested in what you are saying. For this reason, you should not read.
• Provide visual information, but do not give too many facts at a time. Give your audience enough time to take them in.
• Keep attention by asking rhetorical questions.

 Advanced Signposting Language –

key language phrases for presentation

Presentation Speaking Criteria

This i s a basic criteria to assess presentation speaking skills. It has three key criteria: Language accuracy & language range,  fluency &  pronunciation, and   presentation & engagement.    Example  /   Level: ** *** [B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP

Introduction to Presentations (new 2023)

This lesson is designed to introduce students to academic presentations. It contains information on how to plan, structure, and deliver an academic presentation. It includes a listening worksheet, presentation signposting phrases and a mini-presentation activity. Example . Level: ** * ** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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  Presentation Phrases Sheet :  A Range of Standard English Phrases 

Suitable phrases to use for greeting, structuring, examples, transitions summarising and  concluding .

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Debates A debate is, basically, a for or against argument. You have to debate why your position is correct and why your opponents’ are wrong. You are allocated a time to present your arguments and add rebuttals to the opposing points. You need to support your ideas with evidence such as facts, figures, stats and sources. 

• What is a debate?

What is a debate

A debate is, basically, a for or against argument. You have to debate why your position is correct and why your opponents’ are wrong. You are allocated a time to present your arguments and add rebuttals to the opposing points. You need to support your ideas with evidence such as facts, figures, stats and sources.

The topic                                                                                     

The topic is often current issues of public importance (‘Climate change should be taken more seriously’) or about general philosophies or ideas (‘beauty is better than brains’). The team that agrees with the topic is called the AFFIRMATIVE and the team that disagrees with the topic is called the NEGATIVE (or the opposition). 

A Seminar Test 

Usually, the debate consists of two teams of three speakers. There should be a time-keeper and a judge(s) (sometimes this is the audience). Each presenter has a specific time (4 minutes) to present ideas and their rebuttals and after each presenter has spoken, the judge(s) evaluates the debate on the basis of the content, style and strategy of speeches.

Introduction to Debates (new 2023)

This lesson is designed to introduce students to debating. It contains information on debate procedures, a ‘top tips’ listening worksheet, debate signposting phrases and a range of debate questions. Example . Level: ** * ** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Debate Phrases Sheet: A Range of Standard English Phrases 

Suitable phrases to use when opening, building a case, summarising, rebuttals, rejecting, accepting and finishing statements.

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More speaking lessons

Seminar lessons, seminar speaking cards.

This lesson has twelve seminar topics on a variety of topics. Put students into groups of four/five. Give out a card and students have 1 minute to plan what they will say. Students then discuss the question for 10 minutes [ webpage ]. Use the seminar assessment criteria here   Level: ** *** [B1/B2/C1]   TEACHER MEMBERSHIP  / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Speaking Tasks – Analysis & Evaluation

This lessons includes six speaking task cards (halls of residence, speaking english, greener university, plagiarism, congestion, homelessness). in small groups students discuss the situation, analyse the key issues/areas and evaluate which are the most effective (see example ).   level *** ** [b2/c1] teacher membership  / institutional membership  .

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• Teacher's Notes - how to teach the lesson

Seminar Listening Worksheet 1 [5 minute seminar]

This listening worksheet is four different nationalities discussing ‘american values’. students listen and take notes on what the different nationalities (indian, ethiopian, japanese, american) say about american values and then answer the question sheet. (see example ).   level *** ** [b1/b2/c1]  / video (start 0:40 – 4:40) / mp3 teacher membership  / institutional membership.

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Teacher’s Notes:   Seminar Listening Worksheet 1

• Explain the seminar is four different nationalities discussing ‘American Values’.
• The different nationalities are an Indian man, Ethiopian woman, Japanese woman and an American woman.
• Play the sound only (not the visual video) two times – students take notes.
• Give out question worksheet – allow 5-10 minutes to answer.
• Video (start 0:40 – 4:40)

Seminar Listening Worksheet 2   [3 minute seminar]

This listening worksheet is four teachers discussing whether it is better to learn english online or in a regular classroom. each teacher provider an opinion and a justification for their choice (see example ).   level *** ** [b1/b2]  / video (seminar: 1.11 – 4.44) / mp3 teacher membership  / institutional membership, teacher’s notes:   seminar listening worksheet 2.

• Explain the seminar is four teachers discussing ‘whether it is better to learn English online or in a classroom’.
• Show the picture of the four teachers with their names (Ronnie, Alex, James, Adam)
• Play the video two times – students take notes.

Seminar Listening Worksheet 3   [5 minute seminar]

This listening worksheet is three teachers discussing their views on the ted talk lecture: the happy planet index by nic marks (see example ).   level *** ** [b1/b2]  / video (5.00) / mp3 teacher membership  / institutional membership.

• Students watch the TED Talk LectureThe Happy Planet Index’ by Nic Marks – go here
• Explain the seminar is three teachers discussing parts of the TED Talk Lecture.
• Show the picture of video and highlight its one woman, a Scottish man and another man.

Speaking Tests / Practice x5  [new 2022]

These academic speaking tests are similar to the cambridge b2 first (fce) speaking exam but follow a university-based narrative. these tests (or lessons) are designed for lower-level students (a2, b1, b2 level) to provide valuable speaking practice around the social english aspect of university life and study. each test is divided into four parts; general topics, photograph comparison, a task and opinion based questions  (see example ).   level ** * ** [ a2/b1/b2 ]   teacher membership  / institutional membership.

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Self-Assessment Questionnaires  [new 2022]

These academic english self-assessment questionnaires focus on the four key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. each questionnaire focuses on the individual elements of each skill and students rank their confidence level accordingly. these questionnaires help students evaluate and assess their learning and encourage learner autonomy. questionnaire worksheet example .   level *** ** [ b1/b2/c1/c2 ]   teacher membership  / institutional membership.

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Presentation lessons

This i s a basic criteria to assess & grade presentation speaking skills. It has three key criteria: Language accuracy & language range,  fluency &  pronunciation, and   presentation & engagement.    Example  /   Level: ** *** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP  / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Improve your Presentation PowerPoint Slides

These are PPT slides from the above video or  go here . It’s a great way to explain how to present effective slides by using the correct fonts, focusing on key points and using animation to help audience engagement. The slides can be adapted to sort your style and method of teaching.   Video  [12:00]   Level *** ** [B1/B2/C1]  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Create PPT slides people will remember – Duarte Inc [CEO]

Harvard Business Review: How to plan an informed presentation and what is needed to create really effective slides that keep an audience engaged. More HBR listening worksheets are   Example   Video  [03:08]   Level: ** * * * [B2/C1]  / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP  / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Describing graphs: analysis and evaluation (updated 2023)

This lesson begins with describing basic graphs and suggesting what they could represent. it then provides the language necessary for describing, analysing and evaluating. this is followed by students researching and analysing graphs/charts/tables from the office of national statistics (ons) and giving a short presentation on their findings. example.   level: ** * ** [b1/b2/c1] teacher membership  / institutional membership, more blog articles….

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