English Speaking and Presentations

You will learn how to speak English in oral examinations, interviews, and presentations. Communication skills have been emphasized in recent university entrance examinations and AO admissions.

Basic Rules

Basic Speaking Structure (an application of the PREP method):
1. Opening: Clearly state the topic: “I'd like to talk about ...”
2. Point: State your claim in one sentence: “My main argument is ...”
3. Reasons & Examples: Give reasons and specific examples: “First, ... For example, ... Second, ...”
4. Conclusion: State the conclusion: “In conclusion / To summarize, ...”
Linking Expressions (fillers / discourse markers):
- While thinking: “Let me see / Well / You know” (to avoid silence)
- Emphasizing importance: “The key point is / What's important is”
- Giving examples: “For instance / To give an example”
- Concluding: “So / In short / To wrap up”
- Connecting with the listener: “You know what I mean? / Don't you think?”
How to Answer Questions:
- Yes/No questions: “Yes, I do, because ...” “No, not really. The reason is ...” (always give a reason)
- Wh-questions: Answer the first word of the question (What → a thing or matter, Why → a reason, How → a method)
- When you do not know: “That's a good question. Let me think.” (to gain time)
Presentation Structure:
- Self-introduction (30 seconds) → explanation of the topic (1 minute) → main discussion (3 minutes) → question-and-answer session
- Slides: one slide = one point; use them only as visual aids

Points to Note

① Balance between grammatical accuracy and fluency: Continuing to speak even with some mistakes receives a better evaluation than becoming silent while trying to use perfect grammar.
② Technique for asking someone to repeat a question: “Could you repeat the question?” “I'm sorry, could you say that again?” — Use these when you cannot understand what was said.
③ Eye contact and gestures: Unlike in Japanese, in an English presentation, look at the audience and use hand gestures.
④ Adjusting speed: Japanese speakers tend to speak quickly. A suitable speed for an English speech is 120–140 wpm. Try to speak a little more slowly than in Japanese.
⑤ Practice method: Record your voice → listen again and check your pronunciation and fluency. Shadowing (speaking while imitating audio) is also effective.

Practice

1. Write in English what you would say in 30 seconds in response to “What do you do in your free time?” using the PREP structure.
2. Name three expressions you can use when you could not hear or understand something.
3. Name three linking expressions that show you are thinking during a presentation.