presentations public speaking

Move from one presentation point to the next without sounding abrupt

When you present in English, the difficult part is often not the main idea. It is connecting ideas clearly, without translating directly from Arabic or filling the silence with 'so' and 'okay'.

What you need to do at this point in your presentation

When you transition between points in a presentation, your goal is to guide the audience. You are telling them that one idea is complete, explaining how the next idea is connected, and keeping the structure easy to follow. Your audience expects clear signposting. They should not have to guess whether you are adding detail, changing topic, comparing options, or moving towards a recommendation. A good transition in English is short, calm, and purposeful.

Key phrases for moving between sections

“That covers the main update on timeline.”

Use this when you have finished a section and want to signal completion.

“The key message from this section is that we are still on track.”

Use this to summarise before moving to a new point.

“Let me now move on to the next point.”

A simple, professional phrase for a clear section change.

“I will now turn to the budget impact.”

Use this when introducing a specific next topic.

“This leads directly to our next decision.”

Use this when the next point follows logically from the previous one.

“Linked to that, we also need to consider customer adoption.”

Use this when the next topic is related, but not exactly the same.

“Before we look at the risks, let me briefly explain the current status.”

Use this when you need to adjust the order without confusing the audience.

“I would like to shift focus now from delivery to commercial impact.”

Use this in senior or formal presentations when moving to a different theme.

Example: transitioning in a project update presentation to senior stakeholders

Example answer

“That covers the current delivery status. The key point is that the main technical work is complete, but testing still needs close attention. Let me now move on to the next area, which is risk. This is important because the remaining risks are not about development, they are mainly about user acceptance and timing. I will focus on the two risks that need a decision from this group today.”

Weak vs strong transitions

Weak version

“”

The weak version sounds abrupt and informal. The strong version closes the first point and clearly names the next section.

Strong version

“”

The weak version sounds abrupt and informal. The strong version closes the first point and clearly names the next section.

Dos and don'ts for presentation transitions

Do

  • ✓Do pause briefly before the transition phrase so the audience hears the structure.
  • ✓Do name the next section clearly, for example timeline, cost, risk, decision, or recommendation.
  • ✓Do use linking words such as 'linked to that', 'as a result', and 'this leads to' when ideas are connected.
  • ✓Do prepare your transition phrases in advance, especially before important slides.

Don't

  • ✗Don't apologise every time you move to a new slide, unless there is a real issue.
  • ✗Don't rely only on 'okay', 'so', or 'now' for every transition.
  • ✗Don't rush the transition because you feel nervous speaking in English.
  • ✗Don't go off-script into a long explanation before the audience knows the next point.

A simple framework for moving between points

  1. 1

    Close

    Briefly show that the previous point is complete, for example 'That covers the delivery update.'

  2. 2

    Summarise

    Give one short takeaway if the point was important, for example 'The key message is that we remain on schedule.'

  3. 3

    Connect

    Explain the relationship between ideas, for example 'This leads directly to the budget discussion.'

  4. 4

    Introduce

    Name the next section clearly, for example 'Let me now move on to the risk plan.'

Frequently asked questions

How do I transition between points in a presentation in English?▾
Use a short structure: close the previous point, summarise the message if needed, connect it to the next idea, then name the next section. For example: 'That covers the timeline. This leads directly to the budget impact, which I will explain next.'
What can I say instead of repeating 'so' and 'okay'?▾
Use phrases such as 'Let me now move on to', 'This leads to', 'Linked to that', 'I will now turn to', or 'Before we discuss the risks'. These sound more organised in a professional English presentation.
What should Arabic speakers avoid when moving between presentation sections?▾
Avoid over-apologising, translating long Arabic linking expressions directly, speaking too quickly, and using vague phrases such as 'another thing'. Clear English transitions are usually shorter and more direct.
How can I make my whole English presentation flow better?▾
Prepare the transitions before you practise the full presentation. Many professionals prepare only the main content, but the audience also needs clear signposting between the opening, main points, recommendation, closing, and Q&A.

Practise moving between your presentation points in English

Record a short section of your presentation and practise the transition from one point to the next. Nabraty gives AI feedback on clarity, confidence, pacing, and the phrases you use.

Record a practice transition

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