# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Signposting language is the words and phrases that people use in order to guide the listener coherently through what is being said.

It is used to make clear what has just happened, and what is going to happen next. So in other words, it acts as a guide so the listener can follow what you are saying.

Why is Signposting Language Important for IELTS?

In section 4 of the listening you have to listen to a talk in an academic setting, such as a university.

It is usually a lecture by a professor, a presentation by a student, or a talk by a university staff member. So it is possible that signposting will be used within this.

This lesson is designed to help you with Section 4 IELTS listenings that are a lecture, though the language for a presentation or talk may be the same or similar.

If you know the type of language that is used to guide you, it will help you to follow the lecture.

This is particuarly important if your listening skills are weaker than they should be because you will easily get lost if you don't know where you are.

Also, the lecture may be split into two parts (see for example the section 4 of this lecture).

It may be the case that these two sections follow the sections that the speaker divides their talk into i.e. two parts. Knowing then the lecture structure and the language the speaker uses to tell you they are moving onto the second section will help you to follow where you are.

The signposting language we'll look at in this lesson is the words and phrases that introduce the topics and subsections of the lecture.

Examples of Lecture Signposting Language

This list sets out some of the key language that guides you on the overall topic and content of the lecture, and when different sections of the lecture are being discussed.

The table includes the signposting language to signal the end of the talk. However you are every unlikly to hear this used in IELTS because as section 4 of the listening is only around 4-5 minutes, you only usually hear the first part of the lecture or presentation.

Remember there are lots of different ways to say these things, so what you hear could be phrased slightly differently.

Practice

Have a listen to the start of this lecture. What is the signposting language used?

So you need to listen and identify the phrases or words you here such as "What I'm going to be talking about today is...", "I'm going to divide this talk into three parts", "To begin,..." etc.

Write it in the box below.

Your browser does not enable you to play the audio file. Please update to continue.

1. Phrase or word used to Introduce the topic:

2. Phrase or word used to introduce the first section:

Your browser does not enable you to play the audio file. Please update to continue.

1. Phrase or word used to Introduce the topic:

2. Phrase or word used to explain the lecture strucure:

Practice Three

Your browser does not enable you to play the audio file. Please update to continue.

1. Phrase or word used to Introduce the topic:

2 & 3. Two phrases or words used to explain the lecture strucure:

More IELTS Listening Lessons:

Comments

Any comments or questions about this page or about IELTS? Post them here. Your email will not be published or shared.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"
Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Using Signposting Language to Follow a Lecture

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Signposting language refers to the words and phrases that people use in order to guide the listener coherently through what is being said.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Podcast is loading. Problems? Too slow? You can also access the Podcast by clicking here.

This message will disappear when then podcast has fully loaded.

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).

For another look at the same content, check out the language for presentations infographic ".

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:

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...

Thirdly...

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...

Transitions

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 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
Concluding

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

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

Closing

Thank you for your attention/time.

Thank you (for listening/very much).

Questions

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?

Like the website? Try the book. Enter your email to receive a free sample from EAP Foundation: Academic Presentations.

Checklist

Below is a checklist for presentation language. Use it to help you prepare. You can download a copy of the checklist from the speaking resources page.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Language phrases for presentations, also known as 'signpost' phrases, are another example of the formulaic language used in academic contexts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I have been coaching an online client on her Business English writing skills recently and we've now turned to presentation skills. During our discussion, she asked me if we could go over some expressions she could use to steer her audience through her presentation.

These expressions are collectively known as "signposts" . They give structure to your presentation and inform your audience of what to expect keeping them engaged at all times. After all, you don't want an inattentive audience looking at their phones, answering emails or worst still, asleep!

The following expressions provide a framework that you can use for your next presentation. Let's explore.

Can everyone see? Well, good morning ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming.
Before we start I'd like to introduce myself. My name is.....and I am the....(position) of.....(company)
I am here today to talk about....

I'm going to look at three main areas.
First, I'll talk about .....
Then I'll cover ....
And finally .......

My presentation will take around 10 minutes. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them at the end of my talk.

Main presentation
First of all, I'd like to look at ...

Any questions so far?

Secondly, .....
I must emphasize that ....
The question is ....

Explaining images, graphs or data
I'd like you to look at....You will see from this chart that.....
As you can see from the graph,...
The figures show that.....

Basic signposts
If I can side-track/digress for a moment ....
As I mentioned earlier ....
I'll come back to that in a moment ...
Now let's move on to the question of ........
I'd now like to turn to...
Let me expand on this point...
Let me elaborate on that ....
Let's recap on those last points

This brings me to my last point, which is ....
As you know,...
In general,...
On the other hand,...
Finally,....

Conclusion
In conclusion, let me briefly go through the main points again. First I talked about....., then I described ....., and finally I ....

Right, I think that's everything. Let me finish by thanking you very much for your attention. And now, if there are any questions, I'll be happy to try and answer them.

Dealing with questions
Could you be a little more specific?
Can I just check what you're asking?

You've raised an important point there. Could I ask what your own view is?
Anyone like to comment on that?
Jane, this is your area. Would you like to make a comment?

We only have a few minutes left. Is there one last question?

Having this framework will help you structure your presentation and give you some simple expressions to use during your talk. Try it out and good luck!

If you found this post helpful and think that other learners could benefit, please share it. And don't forget to subscribe to my blog if you don't want to miss out on my weekly posts.

Ciao for now

Shanthi

Source: Business Builder, Teacher's Resource Series Modules 7-9, Paul Emmerson (1999) Macmillan
WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH FOR SUCCESS IN BUSINESS?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Presentation Skills: How to use signpost language to structure your presentation. | English with a Twist

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I have been coaching an online client on her Business English writing skills recently and we've now turned to presentation skills. During our discussion, she asked me if we could go over some expressions she could use to steer her audience through her presentation. These expressions are collectively known as "signposts" .