When giving a presentation at a business meeting, reaching your listeners so that they understand and accept your message is one of your main goals. When using a secondary language, you need to make sure you are using the correct words and expressions to achieve the desired results. It’s similar to having to use the correct combination code in order to unlock a door. In this case, you are trying to open up your listener’s attention and interest, so you need to make your wording more compelling. Studies have shown that certain “trigger” phrases assist in drawing people’s attention and convincing them that what you are saying is worth their interest. Let’s have a look at a few key phrases that can be used during a presentation.
To introduce your topic
Grabbing their attention during your introduction is essential. After welcoming everyone and introducing your topic or agenda, you can draw them in by using a phrase such as “picture this” and then bring your audience into a specific scenario. Why is this effective? We are hardwired to “picture” things in our minds and imagine possibilities. When you say the words “picture this” and then describe a scene or a situation, you will activate your audience’s imagination, and they will pay all the more attention in order to complete the picture in their minds.
Another phrase that will add weight to your words is “it’s commonly known.” This phrase triggers their interest because it immediately implies that there is knowledge out there that everyone else may know, but perhaps they don’t. As a result, those in your audience would want to confirm that they are not missing out on information or are the last ones to be informed about it.
To make a point
When you want to bring out a critical point during your presentation, you can use specific phrases that indicate that your words have value. You could start a sentence with “evidence shows” or “according to this study” and then proceed to convey the information. By using this kind of wording, you show that your words don’t have to be taken just at face value, but there is factual evidence that supports them.
Another effective phrase is “I reached this conclusion after finding.” It’s a compelling set of words because they reveal that you have spent time and effort researching a matter, and now you have a firm result. In addition, it shows that you are confident in what you are about to say and that it is based on the results of a process, not just an opinion or hearsay.
To end your case
If you have started strong and maintained an interest in your topic, you would naturally want to finish with an effective conclusion and follow-through using attention-grabbing phrases. As you wrap up your presentation, you can start your closing remarks by using a phrase like “as you must understand by now.” This wording will let your audience know that they should have followed and understood the knowledge you shared up to this point. They will most likely quickly reflect on the presentation and call to mind key points. Basically, this phrase prompts them to think about your presentation and consider its value.
As with most presentations where you are trying to get your audience to take action based on the information, you need to use a ‘call to action phrase.’ If applicable, you could tell them, “try it for yourself.” This will quickly make them realize that they shouldn’t soon forget what you presented, and perhaps you’ll see them take a moment to imagine themselves attempting to carry out what you proposed. It’s an excellent method to get them involved before leaving the meeting and transitioning to another task.
As you must have understood by now, the evidence shows that this is all common knowledge among true experts, so don’t delay learning! Instead, picture yourself in a presentation using these phrases. Review them and then try them for yourself, or you might just soon forget them. After using such phrases myself for many years, I have come to the conclusion that they really do work!
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