Giving Presentations in Chinese || Essential Phrases and Cultural Tips

Use These Phrases and Insights to Take Your Chinese Presentations to the Next Level

It could be nerve-racking to give a presentation in Chinese when you’re still learning the language.

Public speaking in China is a powerful way to build your reputation and develop your career or business. But don’t worry. We’ll guide you to be an effective public speaker to give powerful presentations.

In this blog post, we’ll introduce several essential phrases and effective cultural tips for giving a well-prepared presentation. You’re in good hands!👋🏻

Presentations and Public Speaking || Techniques for Delivering Effective Business Presentations

Presentations and Public Speaking || Phrases for Starting and Introducing Topics

Presentations and Public Speaking || Phrases for Explaining and Transitioning

Presentations and Public Speaking || Phrases for Concluding Topics

Presentations and Public Speaking || FAQs

Presentations and Public Speaking || Techniques for Delivering Effective Business Presentations

✅ Know Your Audience

It’s important to know who your presentation is for, especially the senior executives and their specific titles in Chinese to address them properly.

Get to know the history, industry, and cultural background of the company you’re presenting to and remember to be aware of the strict hierarchical structure that exists in Chinese companies.

🤵 Be aware that business attire in China is usually formal – and make sure to avoid green hats!

It also helps to be aware of Face Culture and the concept of building Play 关系 (guānxì; relationships), both of which emphasise harmony and respect. Maintaining ‘face’ also means you might want to go easy on self-deprecating jokes, sarcasm and criticism of others.

30+ Basic Business Chinese Vocabulary: Business Essentials

Do Business Like a Local || Commonly Used Business Chinese Vocabulary So, you have decided to do business in China. That’s great! However, you should be prepared to deal with locals who don’t speak English.  If you want to develop…

✅ Use Clear and Strong Language

Use simple sentences to convey your message. People don’t really appreciate complex jargon. Even though it was the case before, complex official jargon is outdated now in official business settings.

So practice simple phrases in Chinese that help you to set a strong presentation style.

✅ Practice (Including Your Body Language!)

Chinese value a smooth and authentic presentation. But don’t be too rigid and just recite your scripts.

Rehearse your presentation multiple times. Take some time to familiarize yourself with gestures that are considered rude in China

🚫 For instance, pointing with your index finger is a no-no. Instead, gesture towards something with an open palm.

And avoid those excessive hand movements during your presentation – to Chinese people that might come across as too dramatic or even impatient.

Other things to avoid in Chinese business presentations include winking, standing with your hands on your hips and prolonged eye contact, which may appear more aggressive than engaged.

Having an awareness of these cultural aspects will help the engagement during your presentation.

✅ Use Visual Aids

Use slides with charts, interesting images, and other visual aids to make your points more engaging. A sleek and captivating design is super helpful for presentations in China.

Also be aware that there is a certain level of censorship in China – avoid sensitive topics and if you think an image could be interpreted badly, just don’t use it.

👉 This also applies to using the Chinese flag, do not alter it in any way from its original form (e.g. don’t include a version of it in another shape or colour).

✅ Engage with the Audience

In Chinese culture, people often remain serious during presentations. Silence is their way to show respect for the presenter in a business setting.

They are not often used to raising questions or openly showing their reactions in public.

So, it becomes more essential to engage actively with the audience with nonverbal cues.

You could encourage participation with these phrases.

Play 大家有什么问题吗？

dà jiā yǒu shén me wèn tí ma?

Does anyone have any questions?

Presentations and Public Speaking || Phrases for Starting and Introducing Topics

It’s supremely important to have a strong opening for a business presentation. In China people usually stay serious before a presentation starts. But by using these phrases, you can set a positive vibe and catches the audience’s attention.

Play 大家好

dà jiā hǎo

Hello everyone

This is a typical phrase to use to address distinguished guests in a formal setting.

Play 尊敬的女士们，先生们

zūn jìng de nǚ shì men, xiān shēng men

Ladies and gentlemen

Use this phrase to introduce the topic of the presentation.

Play 今天我要谈的是…

jīn tiān wǒ yào tán de shì

Today I will talk about…

You could also start with an interesting fact or a question that provokes thoughts.

Use these phrases to catch everyone’s attention and provoke their curiosity. They sound very friendly and draw you closer to the audience.

A Simple Guide: How to Write Business Emails and WeChat Messages in Chinese

Essential Email and WeChat Phrases for Business 📨 PLUS Example Email in Chinese Writing a professional email can be daunting if you’re starting to learn Chinese. It’s not as simple as just translating the words. There are specific phrases composed…

Presentations and Public Speaking || Phrases for Explaining and Transitioning

There are several simple phrases to help keep your languages clean during the presentations. These are super easy to remember!

To further explain a point, use these phrases to set an example.

Play 比如…

bǐ rú

For example…

Play 举个例子

jǔ gè lì zi

To give you an example

Play 另一方面…

lìng yī fāng miàn

On the other hand…

Presentations and Public Speaking || Phrases for Concluding Topics

Now, as you approach the ending, use these phrases to properly grab the audience’s attention again. They are simple and set a firm tone to wrap up.

This phrase is more literal but a great one to use. It could showcase your Chinese skills.

Play 总而言之…

zǒng ér yán zhī

In conclusion…

Now it’d be helpful to recap the key takeaways for your audience. You could use these phrases.

As usual, never miss this phrase to show your gratitude to the public listening to you.

Play 谢谢大家！

xiè xiè dà jiā

Thank you all!

These phrases are a little more complex, but they are what Chinese people often use as a respectful ending. It shows modesty and offers opportunities to engage with your audience even off stage.

Now, you know better how to speak in public! Keep the tips in mind and practice. You’ll definitely shine in the room when doing a presentation in China.

Chinese Business Etiquette and Cultural Norms: Do’s and Don’ts

Gain a Deeper Understanding of Business Culture and Build Strong Business Relationships in China 💼 Cultural elements (and differences!) play a vital role in business. This is especially true if you come from a Western culture and want to develop…

Presentations and Public Speaking || FAQs

Stil have more questions ? Leave them here for us!

Want more from LTL?

We offer a 7 day free trial to all new students where you can study Mandarin 24/7. Come and check it out free of charge and see what you think.

We also offer immersive Chinese courses in China. You can learn more about those here.

Sign up below and become part of our ever-growing community.