Giving a presentation in English can feel challenging, especially when you need to sound confident and professional from the very beginning. This lesson focuses on useful expressions for opening and closing a presentation. Each section includes examples, short practice tasks, and memory tips to help learners understand the vocabulary and keep it in their long-term memory.
Why strong openings and closings matter
A clear beginning helps your audience understand the purpose of your talk and pay attention from the start. A good ending helps them remember your key message and leaves a positive impression.
This lesson teaches simple but effective Business English phrases that you can use immediately in real meetings, classes, or online presentations.
Useful vocabulary and phrases for starting a presentation
1. Greeting the audience
These expressions help you start with confidence:
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Good morning everyone, thank you for being here today.
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Hello everyone, it’s great to see you.
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Thank you for joining my presentation.
Example
Good afternoon everyone, thank you for taking the time to attend this session.
Memory tip:
Group greetings by time of day (morning, afternoon, evening). Practice them aloud three times each.
2. Introducing yourself
Learners often forget that short and simple is best.
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My name is… and I’m the…
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I work as a… at…
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I’m responsible for…
Example
My name is Anna, and I’m the project manager at BrightTech.
Memory tip:
Write your own introduction and record yourself saying it. Listen twice a day for better recall.
3. Stating the purpose
These phrases explain what your presentation is about.
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Today I’d like to talk about…
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The purpose of this presentation is to…
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I’m here to explain…
Example
Today I’d like to talk about our new customer service strategy.
Memory tip:
Connect the phrase with a real situation in your life (school project, company update, research topic).
4. Outlining the structure
A simple structure builds trust with your audience.
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First, we’ll look at…
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Then I’ll explain…
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Finally, we’ll discuss…
Example
First, we’ll look at the current data. Then I’ll share our plan. Finally, we’ll discuss the next steps.
Memory tip:
Visual learners can draw a three-box diagram labeled “First – Then – Finally.”
Useful vocabulary and phrases for finishing a presentation
1. Summarizing key points
Closing with a summary helps the audience remember your message.
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To summarize, we covered…
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In short, we discussed…
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Let me quickly recap…
Example
To summarize, we reviewed last quarter’s results and our action plan for improvement.
Memory tip:
Link the summary phrase to the hand gesture of counting on your fingers.
2. Inviting questions
This part signals that your talk is finished and opens a discussion.
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If you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
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Feel free to ask any questions.
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Does anyone have a question?
Example
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Memory tip:
Practice the phrase by using it at the end of study-group meetings or presentations in class.
3. Giving a polite closing
End with a positive and professional tone.
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Thank you for your time.
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Thank you for listening.
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I appreciate your attention today.
Example
Thank you for your attention today. I hope you found the information useful.
Memory tip:
Choose one closing phrase and make it your personal “signature ending.” Repeating the same phrase helps it stick.
Mini practice session
Try the short exercises below:
Exercise 1: Build your introduction
Fill in the blanks.
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Good morning everyone, my name is ______ and I’m the ______ at ______.
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Today I’d like to talk about ______.
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First, we’ll look at ______, then ______, and finally ______.
Exercise 2: Complete the closing
Choose the best expression:
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To summarize / First of all, we discussed our marketing plan.
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Thank you for your time / My name is, I’m happy to answer questions.
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Feel free to ask any questions / Good morning, everyone.
Exercise 3: Remember the vocabulary
Match the function to the phrase:
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Inviting questions → Does anyone have a question?
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Greeting the audience → Hello everyone, thank you for being here.
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Stating the purpose → I’m here to explain our new policy.
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