{"id":61,"date":"2025-05-29T11:14:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T09:14:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/themes.getmotopress.com\/coachzee-teacher\/?p=61"},"modified":"2025-09-17T12:50:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T10:50:41","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-an-english-presentation-as-a-dutch-speaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturallyenglish.nl\/nl\/business\/how-to-prepare-for-an-english-presentation-as-a-dutch-speaker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for an English Presentation as a Dutch Speaker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Giving a presentation in English can feel like a double challenge: you’re not only sharing your ideas, but doing so in a second language. The good news? As a Dutch professional, your English is likely strong. But success isn\u2019t just about language\u2014it\u2019s about how<\/strong> you prepare and how<\/strong> you connect with an international audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already explored how Dutch and English business cultures differ, this guide builds on that foundation with practical strategies for presenting clearly, confidently, and culturally appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Don\u2019t Just Translate\u2014Think in English<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Writing your presentation in Dutch and translating it later often leads to awkward phrasing or overly formal language. Instead, start in English to keep your message natural and audience-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of translating literally:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • \u201cWe are with five\u201d \u2192 \u201cThere are five of us\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u201cHe fell with the door into the house\u201d \u2192 \u201cHe got straight to the point\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • \u201cI follow you\u201d \u2192 \u201cI see what you mean\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m with you\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Better approach:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Use simple, active sentences:
      \u201cWe implemented the new system last quarter.\u201d
      (Not: \u201cThe new system was implemented by us in the last quarter.\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Avoid filler phrases like \u201cIn my opinion I think that\u2026\u201d \u2192 Just say: \u201cI think\u2026\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Practical tip:<\/strong> Read your script aloud. If it sounds natural when spoken, it\u2019s probably clear enough for your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      2. Adjust Your Tone: From Direct to Diplomatic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Dutch communication tends to be direct and efficient\u2014great qualities, but they can come across as blunt in English, especially in formal or multicultural settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Examples of softening your tone:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • \u201cThat\u2019s not correct.\u201d \u2192 \u201cI see it a bit differently\u201d or \u201cThat\u2019s one perspective\u2014here\u2019s another way to look at it.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • \u201cYou didn\u2019t do this.\u201d \u2192 \u201cIt looks like this might have been missed.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • \u201cWe have to change this.\u201d \u2192 \u201cIt might be worth considering a different approach.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Use modal verbs<\/strong> like might<\/em>, could<\/em>, would<\/em>, and seem to<\/em> to sound more collaborative:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • \u201cWe could explore another option.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • \u201cIt might be helpful to revisit this part.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          This isn\u2019t about being vague\u2014it\u2019s about being respectful and inclusive, especially when working with international teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          3. Focus on Pronunciation, Not Perfection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          You don\u2019t need a British or American accent to be effective. What matters is clarity\u2014especially for key terms your audience needs to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Common pronunciation pitfalls:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • \u201cFocus\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 be careful with the vowel sound<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • \u201cColleague\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 stress the first syllable: COL-league<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • \u201cSchedule\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 UK: shed-yool<\/em>, US: sked-jool<\/em> (choose one and be consistent)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • \u201cData\u201d<\/strong> \u2013 both day-ta<\/em> and da-ta<\/em> are fine\u2014just be consistent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Industry-specific terms:<\/strong> Practice saying words like \u201cstakeholder,\u201d \u201cdeliverables,\u201d \u201cKPIs,\u201d or \u201cprocurement\u201d clearly and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Practical tip:<\/strong> Record yourself and listen back. You\u2019ll catch unclear sounds or rushed delivery that you might not notice in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n\n\n\n

            4. Let Your Slides Support You\u2014Not Speak for You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Your slides should reinforce your message, not compete with it. Avoid the temptation to write full paragraphs or translate your entire script onto the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Effective slide design:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Use bullet points<\/strong> (no more than 5 per slide)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Include keywords<\/strong>, not full sentences<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Add simple visuals<\/strong> or icons to illustrate key points<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Keep font size large<\/strong> and layout clean<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Instead of this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n

              \u201cIn the third quarter, our strategic focus will be on increasing our overall market share by launching a series of targeted marketing campaigns, while also improving customer retention through enhanced service offerings and loyalty initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

              Use this instead:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n

              Q3 Strategy:
              \u2022 Targeted campaigns
              \u2022 Customer retention
              \u2022 Market share growth<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

              Practical tip:<\/strong> Practice presenting with your slides\u2014not reading from them. Your audience should be listening to you, not reading ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n
              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              5. Prepare for the Q&A with Confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The Q&A can feel like the most unpredictable part\u2014especially in English. But with a little preparation, you can handle it smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Anticipate and rehearse:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Think of 3\u20135 likely questions and prepare short, clear answers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Practice polite responses:\n
                  \n
                • \u201cThat\u2019s a great question\u2014thanks for asking.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • \u201cLet me take a moment to think about that.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • \u201cI\u2019ll need to check on that and get back to you.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  If you don\u2019t understand a question:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • \u201cCould you rephrase that?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • \u201cI\u2019m not sure I follow\u2014could you clarify what you mean by\u2026?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • \u201cDo you mean\u2026 [paraphrase]?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    This shows confidence and professionalism\u2014not weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    What If You Don\u2019t Know the Answer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    Not knowing something in the moment doesn\u2019t make you unprepared\u2014it makes you human. The key is to respond with honesty and professionalism, while maintaining confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Try one of these approaches:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • \u201cThat\u2019s a great question. I don\u2019t have the exact answer right now, but I\u2019ll follow up with you after the session.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • \u201cI\u2019m not entirely sure, but I\u2019ll look into it and get back to you.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • \u201cThat\u2019s a bit outside the scope of today\u2019s presentation, but I\u2019d be happy to explore it further with you afterward.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • \u201cLet\u2019s add that to our \u2018car park\u2019* and revisit it at the end or in a follow-up.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      These responses show that you\u2019re thoughtful, transparent, and in control\u2014even when you don\u2019t have all the answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      *In business English, a \u2018car park\u2019 (or \u2018parking lot\u2019) is a metaphorical space where off-topic or complex questions are noted for later discussion\u2014so they don\u2019t derail the main presentation.<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n\n\n\n

                      Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Presenting in English isn\u2019t about being perfect\u2014it\u2019s about being clear<\/strong>, confident<\/strong>, and culturally aware<\/strong>. With the right preparation, you can deliver your message in a way that resonates with international colleagues and clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Thanks for reading.
                      Keep learning, keep growing\u2014your communication is your edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      And may your emails be clear, your meetings short, and your confidence high.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \u2014 Stuart @ Naturally English<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      Giving a presentation in English can feel like a double challenge: you’re not only sharing your ideas, but doing so in a second language. The good news? As a Dutch professional, your English is likely strong. But success isn\u2019t just about language\u2014it\u2019s about how you prepare and how you connect with an international audience. If you\u2019ve already explored how […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4405,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-61","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t