English Learning for Beginners: Public Speaking

Dialogue

Current Situation

Public speaking means talking in front of a group of people. It can be for work, school, or even a special event like a wedding. Many people feel nervous about it – their heart beats fast, their hands shake, or they forget what to say. This is very normal! But public speaking is an important skill. It helps you share your ideas, influence others, and build confidence. With practice, deep breaths, and a little preparation, anyone can become a better public speaker.

Key Phrases

• have a big presentation: To have an important talk to a group of people.

  Example: I have a big presentation next week.

• My stomach is doing a dance: A funny way to say you feel very nervous or anxious.

  Example: Before my first piano recital, my stomach was doing a dance.

• Don’t worry: Used to tell someone not to be anxious or afraid.

  Example: Don’t worry, everything will be fine.

• shaking hands: When your hands tremble, often due to nervousness or cold.

  Example: My hands are shaking a little before I go on stage.

• Take deep breaths: To breathe in and out slowly and deeply, often to calm down.

  Example: When you feel nervous, remember to take deep breaths.

• forget everything: To lose all memory of what you intended to say or do.

  Example: I’m scared I will forget everything I want to say.

• You’ve got this!: An encouraging phrase meaning “You can do it!” or “You are capable!”

  Example: Go for it! You’ve got this!

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple (for habits, facts, and scheduled events)

We use the Present Simple to talk about things that are generally true, happen regularly, or are scheduled for the near future.

• Form: Base verb (for I/you/we/they) or verb + -s/-es (for he/she/it).
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “My stomach is doing a dance.” (describes a current feeling/fact)
  • “Cats are tough critics.” (general truth)
  • “She just yawned.” (Past simple, but similar structure for habitual actions)
• Your examples:
  • I have a presentation.
  • She feels nervous.

2. Imperative Sentences (for commands, advice, or suggestions)

Imperative sentences tell someone what to do or not to do. They usually start with the base form of a verb.

• Form: Base verb (positive) or Don’t + base verb (negative).
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “Don’t worry!“
  • “Just imagine everyone…”
  • “Remember to breathe.”
  • “Write notes!”
• Your examples:
  • Listen carefully.
  • Don’t forget your books.

3. Modal Verb: “will” (for future predictions or simple future)

“Will” is used to talk about future events or to make predictions about what will happen.

• Form: Subject + will + base verb.
• Examples from dialogue:
  • “My voice will sound like a tiny mouse!”
  • “My boss will be there!”
  • “This won’t be so bad.” (won’t = will not)
• Your examples:
  • I will practice my speech tonight.
  • He will help you.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (Key Phrases)

Complete the sentences with the correct key phrase from the list above.

1. I ______ a ______ presentation tomorrow.
2. My stomach is ______ a ______ before the speech.
3. ______ worry, you will be fine!
4. When I’m scared, my ______ are ______.
5. Before you speak, ______ ______ ______.

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Word (Grammar – Present Simple & Will)

Circle or choose the correct verb form in each sentence.

1. She (feels / feel) nervous about public speaking.
2. I (will / am) practice my speech tonight.
3. He (is / be) a great public speaker.
4. They (will / are) arrive at 9 AM tomorrow.
5. My cat always (yawn / yawns) when I talk to it.

Exercise 3: Make it an Imperative (Give Advice)

Change these sentences into advice using the imperative form.

1. You should remember to smile. → __________________________.
2. You should not speak too fast. → __________________________.
3. You should write some notes. → __________________________.

Answers