How to effectively present in English in the 21st Century

One of the best ways to get audiences to feel they are taking part in your presentation is to ask rhetorical questions. A rhetorical question is a question you ask, but expect no answer to. In effect you answer your own question.

For example:

“English language education is important in today’s world, but we have a problem don’t we?”

Here we see a statement, followed by a question. The question is not expected to be answered by the audience, instead the presenter answers his or her own question. Your presentation continues like this:

“English language education is important in today’s world, but we have a problem don’t we? We have a problem because ….”

When we use rhetorical questions in our presentation, it makes your audience feel they are participating, and unconsciously it brings you closer to your audience. It is a win win situation.

So, try using a few rhetorical questions in your next presentation and see the difference in your audience’s reactions.