Giving a presentation in English when it’s not your first language can be quite a challenge.
When presenting in any language, you’re not just sharing information, you’re performing in front of an audience, often under the pressure of representing your team or company. The spotlight is on you, and every choice, from your opening sentence to your final words, shapes how your message is received.
I’ve coached many Spanish managers who know their material inside out, yet still struggle to hold the audience’s attention in English. The issue is rarely their technical knowledge. It’s usually about adjusting their delivery so it works in an international setting.
Engaging an international audience
What works in a Spanish-language presentation does not always translate to an English-speaking one. For example, a fast, energetic delivery that feels natural in Spanish can come across as rushed or overwhelming in English. Pausing more often and giving space between points allows international audiences to process your message and keeps you in control.
Another adjustment is the way you open. In Spain, it’s common to warm up slowly, but in English-speaking business culture, audiences expect you to get to the point quickly. A clear, confident opening line such as “Today I am going to share three ideas that will improve…” captures attention right away.
Visual support also plays a different role. Spanish presenters often rely heavily on slides filled with information. In English-speaking contexts, slides are expected to be simpler, with more emphasis on the spoken explanation. If your slides do all the talking, your audience will stop listening to you.
Making your message stick
Body language is another area where cultural habits differ. Standing still with your arms crossed may feel formal in Spain, but it can be read as defensive elsewhere. Moving naturally, using open gestures, and facing the audience creates a sense of openness and credibility.
The end of your presentation is one of your biggest opportunities to be memorable. Don’t waste it with a casual “that’s all” or “thank you.” Summarise your main points and give the audience a clear next step or idea to remember. Something as simple as “If there is one action I hope you will take after this, it is…” leaves a stronger impression.
In the end, improving your presentations in English is not about sounding perfect. It is about making sure your delivery fits the expectations of your audience and helps your ideas land. By adjusting your pace, opening with impact, simplifying your slides, using open body language, and closing with a clear message, you can make your presentations not only understood, but remembered.
