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Unit12

Could give me some pointers on how to

emphasize key ideas in the presentation?

Alex: Hello Jona! I’m making a presentation right now for the seminar series next week. May I
request your help on this?
Jona: I would gladly help you.
Alex: Could give me some pointers on how to emphasize key ideas in the presentation?
Jona: Sure, can you show me the particular parts in your presentation you want to emphasize?
Alex: For instance, in this slide, I want to make the figures “25%, 39% and 60%” stand out.
Jona: You can try changing the font color. You can also make the figures bold.
Alex: Is underlining them not an option?
Jona: Well, underlining is a way of emphasizing. However, in presentations, we try to limit under-
lining to web addresses. It can create confusion.
Alex: Oh, I see. I didn’t think about that.
Jona: Most people don’t realize that. What else?
Alex: I have this slide with three pictures but I want each picture to be emphasized.
Jona: Do you want all pictures to be present at the same time? Well, you can make them appear
only when you’re going to explain them.
Alex: I’d prefer if they were all there simultaneously.
Jona: Well, you could make the one you’re explaining appear clearer than the other two. You
can make the others fade when you’re not referring to them.
Alex: I see. That would be good!
Jona: Oh, I’m sorry Alex but I have to go now. I have a meeting in about fifteen minutes.
Alex: That’s perfectly alright! I’m sorry for taking up your time. Thanks very much!
Jona: It’s no trouble! If there’s anything else, just ask! Good luck with the presentation!

1. When do you practice emphasizing and highlighting?

Sample answer:
I stress the points that are most important whenever I have to leave reminders and
orders to my staff. I also emphasize some ideas when I’m having non-business con-
versations. In business, I make sure to keep a list of the things I need to do. I number or
highlight top priorities, so I may be able to emphasize to anyone how important the
tasks are.

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