Presentations in English: part 1

Using the correct technical language and adequate pronunciation.

Most professionals already know the technical language or English "jargon" relevant to their particular field. However, many may be more proficient with reading technical terminology and could be less familiar with pronouncing the expressions correctly in English.

How to handle the difficult words in your presentation

If the words you need to know are long or complicated to pronounce, you could practise them before giving the presentation in English. One way to do this is by using a free Text to Speech programme (TTS). Insert sentences into the box which include the technical words and select a British English or American English voice if possible. Do not worry that the voice is machine generated. For pronunciation practice of individual words the quality is usually adequate.* You can often download an Mp3 version to keep.

Practice makes perfect

If you want your audience to understand you correctly during the presentation, practise your own pronunciation of technical vocabulary by copying the TTS extracts as mp3 files and then recording and listening to your own voice and comparing the two versions. Keep the TTS extracts on your laptop or mobile device for listening practice on the day the presentation starts, if possible.

Part 2 - Planning your presentation

*Machine generated TTS software often has problems with intonation (rising or falling voice in questions or stressing particular words etc.) but if you use it only for practice of how to pronounce particular words in English, you should find it very useful.