Speaking in a foreign language can be a challenge in and of itself—giving a presentation in a foreign language makes that challenge even more…. well, challenging. Whether you’re presenting to your classmates, your co-workers, or your community, you’ll want to practice a little harder than normal. These tips will help you perfect your presentation, leaving minds blown rather than tongues tied.

1. MUST KNOW TIPS
for Giving a
Presentation

2. Yes.
This is a
presentation
about how to give a
presentation.

3. Yes.
This is a
presentation
about how to give a
presentation.

4. Because giving a presentation is
intimidating.
And speaking in a foreign language is
challenging.

5. Doing both at once can
feel like running a
marathon...
Image © Tobyotter | flickr

6. Doing both at once can
feel like running a
marathon...
BACKWARDS
Image © Tobyotter | flickr

7. Start stretching those vocal chords.
We’ve got six tips
to help you make it to the finish line.

8. Don’t script
yourself.1
Image © nk.thillai | flickr

9. Memorizing a script won’t make
for a very natural presentation.
Not to mention how freaked out
you’ll be if you can’t remember
part of your script, right?
Image © gerri23 | flickr

10. Learn the specific words and phrases you’ll need.
Use what you already know to put the pieces together.
Image © Alex Ristea

11. Prepare
notes.2
Image © nk.thillai | flickr

12. Image © plindberg | flickr
Writing out a full script of every word you
want to say? Bad.
Writing brief note cards with key words,
quotes, or stats? Good.

13. Do NOT read from your notes like a book.
Image © aafromaa | flickr

14. The placebo effect
of notecards is powerful.
Just knowing you have a
difficult phrase written
down in front of you should
make you less nervous to
forget it.
(Just in case you do forget it, voila,
there it is.)
Image © e-magineart.com

15. Practice
speaking.3
Image © nk.thillai | flickr

16. Speak to yourself out loud as much as you can.
Every time you pass a mirror, spend one minute in front of it
speaking the language.
Image © bcmom | flickr

17. While cooking, taking a shower, or driving to work, speak about whatever you want.
Get comfortable speaking in the language in general.
Image © Dean McCoy Photography

18. Keep it
simple.4
Image © nk.thillai | flickr

19. Don’t try to sound too sophisticated.

20. Stay within reach of your language level. Use
familiar words and short sentences. Explain concepts
more literally than you might in your native language.
Image © stuartpilbow | flickr

21. Keep slides or visual aids as
simple as your speech. Do not
compensate for your speaking
skills by overusing text.

22. Giving a good presentation in
a foreign language is
impressive enough.
Keep it simple and
avoid confusing
your audience.
Image © B Tal | flickr

23. Giving a good presentation in
a foreign language is
impressive enough.
Keep it simple and
avoid confusing
your audience.
Image © B Tal | flickr

24. Do not
apologize.5
Image © nk.thillai | flickr

25. Sorry, you’re
not sorry.
Image © butupa | flickr

26. An apology for your language skills
sounds more like an excuse.
Confront your language-related
shortcomings head on.
Image © muffet | flickr

27. If you have a thick
accent or mumble
your words, channel
your inner sloth and
proceed slowly.
If you mispronounce
a difficult word,
say it again.
Can’t think of a
critical word?
Ask for help
from the audience!
Image © marissa_strniste | flickr

28. Be culturally
appropriate.6
Image © nk.thillai | flickr

29. Image © kNic.L | flickr
If you’re presenting in a
foreign language, chances
are you’re abroad. Research
the culture of your audience
to avoid anything offensive.

30. If you’re presenting in a
foreign language, chances
are you’re abroad. Research
the culture of your audience
to avoid anything offensive.
Image © kNic.L | flickr

31. Practice giving your
presentation to a
native speaker who is
familiar with the culture.

32. Ask about appropriate:
dress
gestures
expressions
humor
visual aids
Image © meddygarnet | flickr

33. Bonne chance!
Удачи!
Veel geluk!
Alles Gute!
ขอให้โชคดี!
Good luck!
Boa suerte!
Lycka till!
!‫بالتوفيق‬
¡Buena suerte!

34. Practice makes perfect.
Practice your speaking skills on your own, choose from
100+ languages in Transparent Language Online.
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