Do you ever find you have a lot to say about something, but can't find the right words to give your presentation, report or email some structure?
Often by using sequencing words we can help both ourselves and our audience understand the topic much more clearly. This avoids us having to repeat information we think we have already made clear.
As we all know a good presentation or email has a beginning, a middle and an end.
The following sections aim to provide you with some useful words and phrases to give clear structure to the beginning, middle and end of a presentation or email.
Beginning:
First/Firstly
First of all
To begin
First, let me start with a review of the minutes from our last meeting.
Firstly, I want to say thank you to Bob for arranging the buffet for today's lunch.
First of all, thank you for inviting me to speak to you on this topic today.
To begin, I'd like to share this diagram that my team has prepared to help illustrate the complexity of the process.
Middle:
Second/Secondly
Third/Thirdly
Then
After that
In addition
Also
After
Next
Furthermore
Subsequently
Moreover
Another
The second point I would like to make about the proposed changes is...
Secondly, I would like to mention that the orders for stationary need to be on my desk by Wednesday.
The third reason for the adjustment to the schedule this week is...
Thirdly, I would like you all to prepare a presentation to give in the team meeting next week.
Then, the proposals will be taken to the board for further consideration.
After that, you will hear back from me as to whether your proposal has been accepted.
In addition to the presentations you will also need to prepare for a question and answer session.
Also, please remember that this will be your only opportunity to put a proposal forward.
After the winning proposal has been selected work will start on implementation.
Next, I would like to talk about our recent sales figures.
Furthermore, we should remember that the board will be comparing advertising revenue to sales figures.
Subsequently, some departments may merge together to create savings.
Moreover, we need to make sure we are clear in our objectives.
Another reason for this is to allow greater transparency across the department.
End:
Finally
In conclusion
To summarise
Finally, I would like to thank you again for your attendance and co-operation today.
In conclusion, the proposals will determine the path forward.
To summarise, you will need to prepare a presentation and be ready for a question and answer session.
