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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 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.

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✅ 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 Even though it was the case before, complex official jargon is outdated now in official business settings.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.

首先,我们来看一下…
shǒu xiān, wǒ men lái kàn yī xià
First, let’s take a look at…
其次…
qí cì
Secondly…
最后…
zuì hòu
At last…

✅ 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.

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.

大家好

dà jiā hǎo

Hello everyone

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

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.

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.

大家知不知道

dà jiā zhī bù zhī dào

Does everyone know

首先,我问大家一个问题

shǒu xiān, wǒ wèn dà jiā yī gè wèn tí

First, I will ask everyone a question

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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!

其次…

qí cì

Secondly…

接下来…

jiē xià lái

Next…

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

比如…

bǐ rú

For example…

举个例子

jǔ gè lì zi

To give you an example

另一方面…

lìng yī fāng miàn

On the other hand…

If you were interrupted by a question or some random hiccups, use these phrases to get back to your agenda.

我们继续…

wǒ men jì xù

Let’s continue…

让我们回到

ràng wǒ men huí dào

Let’s get back to…

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.

总结一下…

zǒng jié yī xià

To summarize…

最后…

zuì hòu

Finally…

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

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.

我们已经讨论了…

wǒ men yǐ jīng tǎo lùn le

We have discussed…

今天的重点是…

jīn tiān de zhòng diǎn shì

The main points today are…

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

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.

希望这些信息对您有帮助
xī wàng zhè xiē xìn xī duì nín yǒu bāng zhù
I hope this information is helpful to you
有任何问题,随时问我
yǒu rèn hé wèn tí, suí shí wèn wǒ
If you have any questions, feel free to ask me
期待进一步的讨论
qī dài jìn yī bù de tǎo lùn
Looking forward to further discussion

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.

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Presentations and Public Speaking || FAQs

How should I start my business presentation in Chinese?

You can begin with a greeting like 大家好 (dà jiā hǎo). In a formal setting, you should address the audience with 尊敬的女士们,先生们 (zūn jìng de nǚ shì men, xiān shēng men), which means “Ladies and Gentlemen”.

What are some useful phrases for explaining and transitioning between points in a Chinese presentation?

You could say phrases like 首先,我们来看一下… (shǒu xiān, wǒ men lái kàn yī xià) to introduce your first topic.  其次… (qí cì) means “Secondly”. 接下来… (jiē xià lái) means “Next” which is very common to use.

How can I engage the audience during my presentation in China?

You can start with a question like 大家有什么问题吗? (dà jiā yǒu shén me wèn tí ma?)  to encourage the audience to engage with you.

What are some key phrases for conclusion in presentations in Chinese?

To summarize your points, you could use phrases like 最后 (zuì hòu) and 总结一下 (zǒng jié yī xià). Then, use the official thank you phrase 谢谢大家!(xiè xiè dà jiā) to wrap up your presentation.

How do I handle interruptions or questions during a presentation in Chinese?

You can always use我们继续… (wǒ men jì xù), which means “Let’s continue,” and 让我们回到 (ràng wǒ men huí dào), which means “Let’s get back to” to smoothly transition back to your original presentation.

Stil have more questions ? Leave them here for us!

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