Common Phrases for Business Letters

Request for information

I am writing to inquire about . . . I am writing in reference to . . .

I read/heard . . . and would like to know . . .

Could you please send me . . .            at the address below/above

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.

Response to request Thank you for your interest/inquiry

Enclosed is the information you requested. You can learn more about this at . . .

If you have further questions, If you require assistance, please contact:

If I can be of more help, please feel free to contact me at . . .

Sample Sentences: Requests Could you please send me your most recent brochure? Could you fax me the results of the market survey?

I would like to order ten copies of the book, Touchy Situations. I would be very grateful if you could send me this information.

Please return the enclosed envelope with your payment.

Sample Sentences: Goodwill Thank you for your hospitality. I enjoyed having lunch with you last week while I was in New York.

Congratulations on your promotion to General Manager. I want(ed) to congratulate you on your new position.

I was happy to hear that contract negotiations went well.

Sample Sentences: Introduction of Product/Service. I am writing to tell you about . . . (Our new product) is coming out next month. This product/service is designed to (help you) . . .

Sample Sentences: Reference I am writing in regard to . . . I am writing in reference to . . .

Please refer to the enclosed invoice/brochure. I hope you have had a chance to look over the materials we sent.

Sample Sentences: Confirmation I am writing to confirm . . . I would like to confirm what we discussed last Friday. I would just like to confirm the main points we discussed . . .

Sample Sentences: Notification I am writing to let you know that . . . Please be aware/informed that . . . I would like to inform you of a recent policy change. I am happy to informyou that . . .            Your request for funding has been approved.

Sample Sentences: Offering Assistance We would be happy to . . . If we can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Sample Sentences: Collection According to our records . . . Our records show that . . . Your monthly installment is past due. Please send payment as soon as possible.

ask for request, seek informationcall (s) up telephonecool (s) down become less stressed

fall downcollapse, drop from a higher to lower position

get up arise from bedkeep on continuelook at focus on something visuallyput (s) on place clothing on the bodyset (s) up 1) arrange 2) entrapstand for representtalk over discuss deeply

turn (s) onstart a machine or something electric

beat (s) upassault severely, attack, act violently, hit

care for1) take responsibility for 2) prefer, like

cut down (on) reduce intake of food

fill (s) input information in a blank or space on paper

get on enter a bus, trainhold on (to) 1) grasp 2) endurelet (s) down disappointplan on expectrun away escapesign up registertake over assume control

turn (s) down1) refuse an invitation 2) reduce the volume

ask (s) out invite someone for a datecalm down relax, reduce stresscome over come to where I amfall apart lose control or consistencyget into take an interest in somethingkeep away (from) stay at a distancelook (s) over peruse or read generally, skim

pile (s) upmake a heap, stack or collection

run (s) overdrive over something with a vehicle

sit uphave good posture when sitting

talk with discuss an issue with someoneturn in 1) retire to bed 2) submit

back (s) up 1) move in reverse 2) supportcarry on continuedrive (s) away repel or push strongly away

follow up (on)check to see that someone has completed a task

go ahead move forwardknock (s) out make someone unconsciouslook into investigate, exploreplan for prepare for the futurerun out (of) use up the total supplysort (s) out separate into categoriestake apart dissemble

turn (s) over1) give control of 2) flip onto the other side

ask aroundmake a general inquiry; survey a number of people

call out shout, say loudlycome through (with) surprisingly fulfill or achieve

fall forbe gullible, or innocently believe a deception

get rid of throw awaykick (s) out expel

look down onconsider something to be of lower value

plug (s) inconnect an electrical device to a socket

set out start a tripspread out disperse or scattertake (s) up begin a new hobby or pastimeturn around 1) rotate 2) reverse

ask aboutinquire, investigate, question, interview

carry (s) out fulfill or finish a plancool off lower the temperaturefade away diminish or lessen

get back toreturn to what one was doing; return a call

head for move toward a goal

light (s) up1) make brighter 2) ignite a cigarette

phase (s) out reduce over timerip (s) off stealslip away remove oneself discreetlystop by visit spontaneouslywalk into enter a situation

add (s) onincrease, include something extra

buy (s) outpurchase the complete or remaining supply

dish (s) out distributefall through fail to achieve a plango about proceed as normaljump into begin immediately

look awayrefrain from looking at something

pick up on catch the meaningsee to take care of a taskstand down yieldstrike back hit in retaliationvouch for recommend someone

act (s) outpretend, pantomime, show something imagined

carry (s) awaytake something to another place

cut back (on) reduce the supplyfall into conform or adaptgive (s) out emit or dischargekeep (s) back maintain one's distanceloosen up relaxpull (s) off succeed

save (s) upkeep money for a future purchase

sneak out exit secretly

talk back (to)speak rudely or disrespectfully

walk in onunexpectedly interrupt someone involved in an activity

beef (s) upincrease, augment, add to, enlarge

button (s) up fasten buttons on clothingcomplain about express discontentfall behind become behind scheduleget with pay attentionhold (s) off wait, delaylie about tell untruthspeek in(to) look discreetlyrise up (against) rebel

shake (s) downextort or extract money by threats or fear

stem from originate fromtoss (s) out discard or throw away

black (s) outdarken, cloud, cut off electricity

butter (s) up flatter, praise, compliment

cross (s) offdraw a line through a listed item

dig (s) up discover through researchfeel up to consider oneself fit for a task

grow out ofbecome too big for one's clothing

keep to hold to oneselfpay (s) up give money for what is owed

put pastdon't expect someone to behave in a certain way

separate (s) from dividesqueeze out (of) force information outsubtract from take something away

Apologizing

I’m sorry.

I made a mistake.

Please accept my apologies.

I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to . . .

(I’m) sorry. I didn’t realize that . . . .

That’s okay.

No problem.

Prefacing bad news

I’m sorry (I have) to tell you this, but . . .

I hate to tell you this, but . . .

I don’t know how to tell you this, but . . .

I have some bad news.

(Formal) written apologies

We regret to inform you that . . .

Regretfully, . . .

Unfortunately, . . .

Asking for Help

Could you . . . . (for me) ?

Would you please . . . ?

Would you mind V+ing . . . .?

Could you possibly . . . ?

Okay, no problem.

Sure, I’d be glad to.

Sorry, I’m (kind of) busy now.

I’m sorry. I don’t have time right now.

Do you have a minute?

Can you spare a few minutes?

Could you do me a favor?

Could I ask you a favor?

Can I ask you to . . . ?

I need some help (if you have time).

(If you’re not busy) I could use your help.

Informal

This is my boss, Mr. Stratford.

Jared, this is my secretary, Barbara.

Good to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

I’d like you to meet my co-worker, Collin Beck.

Collin, this is Susan Palmer.

Nice to meet you.

My pleasure.

Have you met, Jason?

Jason, this is Teresa.

Hi, I’m Jill Watson.

I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Greg.

Formal

I’d like to introduce you to my dear friend, Mrs. Pleasant.

Allow me to introduce myself/my colleague, Ms. Winters

Let me introduce you to my colleague, Dean Richards.

Mr. Richards, this is David Porter from Aerospace Inc.

How do you do?

How do you do?

It’s a pleasure meeting you.

Company Description

What company do you work for? Which company are you with? Who do you represent?

I work for ABC Company. I’m with ABC. I represent (the) XYZ (company).

What is the name of your company? Where are you located?

The name of our company is . . . . Our company is located in . . . . Our headquarters is in . . .

What (type of business) do you do? What business are you in?

We are in the computer business. We’re in computers We sell . . . We produce . . . We manufacture . . . Our major products are . . .

Describing Business Activities

What do you do at ABC Company?

I am in charge of marketing.I’m responsible for sales.I program computers.I recruit and train employees.

What does your company do?

We design software.We build storage units.We produce small appliances.We’re in the insurance business

Describing Jobs

What do you do? What do you do for a living? What is your occupation? What type of work do you do? Where do you work?

I’m a salesman. (job-general) I’m in sales. (general) I’m in the toy business. (industry) I’m a contractor at JBX. (specific) I’m a consultant for YXL.

What company do you work for?

I work for Bellwest. (company name) I work at Wellbest. (general) I’m with Westbell. (industry)

What do you do there? What do you do at Bellwest?

I’m a software engineer. (job title) I work in the sales department. (place in company) I’m in customer service. (general area) I work as an instructor. I build houses. (specific job) I clean the restrooms.

Describing Products

Tell me about (this product)

What can you tell me about (this product)?

Can you give me some information/details about this?

What is special/unique about this?

What are the specifications?

Let me tell you about . . .

This is our (newest) product.

This is one of our latest designs.

It is made of . . .

It can be used for . . .

You can use it to . . .

You can . . . with it

This has/contains . . .

This one features . . .

This comes with . . .

This is equipped with . . .

This particular model . . .

This is priced at . . .

This costs . . .

Describing Projects

What are your current projects?

What are you working on (at present)?

What are your major initiatives in this area?

We are currently working on . . .

We are in the process of . . .

We are developing . . .

We are designing . . .

We are building . . .

We are marketing . . .

Explaining

Can you explain . . .

Can you tell me why . . .

Why . . .

What happened . . .

Well, . . .

Let me explain.

Let me tell you why . . .

Here’s what happened:

There’s a (good) reason for this:

The reason is . . .

I’m sorry. I can’t tell you that (right now).

Can I get back to you on that?

I’ll explain (a little) later.

We’ll come to that later.

We’ll get to that in a few minutes.

Can we save that until later?

Analyzing Problems

Focusing on the main problem/issue

What is the main problem?

What is the real issue (here)?

(I think) the major problem is . . .

Our primary concern is . . .

The crux of the matter is . . .

(As I see it), the most important thing is . . .

The main problem we need to solve is . . .

We really need to take care of . . .

It all comes down to this:

Asking for input What should we do about it?

What needs to be done?

What do you think we should do?

What are we going to do about it?

Do you have any suggestions?

Any ideas?

Making Recommendations I recommend that . . .

I suggest that . . .

I would like to propose that . . .

Why don’t we . . .

Asking for Information

Information about company

What does your company do? What is your specialty? What do you specialize in? What is your main line of business?

We produce marketing materials. We specialize in art and design.

What are your major products? What services do you provide?

We produce office machines. We design software. We provide technical support.

Information about products

Could you give me some (more) information on this?

What can you tell me about this (product)? Tell me about this one/model.

This is one of our top brands. It’s our best selling refrigerator. This one is the best in its class. We’re really pleased with its performance. It’s an excellent computer. I highly recommend this one. This model comes with several features. This particular one has two components.

Information about Price What are you asking for this? What does this sell for?

How much is it? How much does it run?

This (one) sells for $5900. This one goes for $2900. This one is priced at $9695.

Closing a Conversation

Pre-closing

It’s been nice talking to you. It’s been great talking with you.

I really enjoyed meeting you. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Brown.

I’m sorry, but I have to go now. I’m afraid I have to leave now.

Thanks for the information/ the tour/ your time. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us.

Follow up

I’ll give you a call. I’ll send you an e-mail. I’ll put a packet in the mail for you.

We’ll send out that information right away. I’ll have my secretary schedule an appointment.

Could you send me a brochure/some more information? Could I contact you by e-mail/at your office?

How do I get in touch with you? How can I reach/contact you?

Closing

I look forward to seeing you again. We’ll see you on Friday. See you next week.

Let me give you my business card. Here’s my e-mail/office number.

Let’s keep in touch by e-mail. We’ll be in touch.

Call me if you have any questions. E-mail me.

Customer Survey (Restaurant)

What types of food do you like to eat?

What types of food do you not like to eat?

How often do you go out for a meal?

On what days of the week do you usually eat out?

Which meal(s) (breakfast, lunch, dinner) do you eat outside of your home?

How much do you spend on a typical meal?

Do you go out alone, as a couple, or in groups?

What are your main criteria in choosing a restaurant?

What are your main reasons for not going out to eat?

What is your primary means of transportation?

What area of the city do you live in?

Demographics

Age                  0-12     13-18      19-25      26-40      41-60      61 and over

Gender             Male      Female

Income

Other

Marketing Director Dymon Publications 2201 South Maple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84797 U.S.A. Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to order ten (10) copies of the book, Touchy Situations: A Conversation Text for ESL Students. I recently came across this book at a local teachers’ conference and was very impressed by its format and contents. Could you please send the books by express mail? I need them for class next Monday. Also, would you mind sending your latest catalog or brochure?

Thank you for your prompt attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Trent Chang

___________________________________________________________

**** Sample Letter – Block Style ****

Dymon Publications 2201 South Maple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84797 U.S.A.

April 21, 2001

Trent Chang 56 Somerset Lane Kai Tak, Kowloon Hong Kong

Dear Mr. Chang,

Thank you for your order of Touchy Situations: A Conversation Text for ESL Students. I sent the books by RedFex on April 20. They should be arriving within a few days if they are not there already. Please let me know if there are any problems with the shipment.

As requested, I am enclosing a brochure, which provides information about our other products. You may also check out our web site at http://www.dymonbooks.com.

If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Alan Gordon Dymon Publications

Enc: brochure

Helpful Hints for Business Letters

Before writing a business letter, consider the following:

Objective(s) Why am I writing this letter? What do I hope to accomplish? What action do I want from my reader?

Your Audience Who will read this letter? How can I appeal to the reader’s interest? What attitude might the reader have toward this information? Will the reader consider this good news or bad news?

Organization What information should be included first/last? What details does the reader need to know?

Does my conclusion motivate the reader to do something? Do I end the letter in a positive and polite manner?

Professionalism Do I use a professional business letter format? Do my language and style show a positive attitude toward the reader/thecompany/the product/the information. Will my reader be offended by anything in the letter?

Proofreading Are there any spelling errors, typos, etc.? Is the format of the letter appropriate? Have I signed my name?

Presentation Tips

Know Yourself Strengths

Weaknesses

Talents

Feelings

Opinions

Nervousness

Motivation

Know Your Audience Demographics

Purpose

Interests

Commonality

Individuality

Know Your Stuff Knowledge of Subject

Research

Personal Experience

Present Yourself Dress

Posture

Voice

Gestures

Body Language

Confidence

Enthusiasm

Present to Your Audience Positive

Polite

Interesting

Informative

Thought-provoking

Present Your Material Organization

Clarity

Visuals

Preparation

Rehearsal

Language

Volume

Beginning a presentation

It is common to greet the audience and introduce yourself when giving presentations:

Good morning,/afternoon/evening I’m _________, the new Finance Manager. My name is ________ and I represent _______ Let me take a minute to introduce myself. Let me start by telling you a little about our company. I’ve already met some of you, but for those I haven’t , I’m ______

Introducing the topic I’m here to talk about . . . Today, I’d like to say a few words about . . . I’m going to give you an overview of . . . The main reason I’m here today is . . . The focus of my remarks is . . . I’d like to introduce . . .

Time consciousness Thank you for your time Thank you for taking the time to be here I will probably take about . . . minutes This should last only a few minutes I hope to be finished by . . .

Showing organization I’ve divided my topic into three sections/parts. They are This presentation can be divided into the following subtopics: First,SecondThirdFinally

First of allSecondlyThirdlyLast

The first point is . . .The next point is . . .Next, we come to . . .The final point is . . .

Sequencing Let’s move on to . . . Let’s move on to . . . That brings us to . . .

Giving Reasons This is why . . . The main reason is . . . Therefore, So,

Generalizing Generally, Usually, As a rule, Most of the time, In most cases,

Highlighting Actually, In fact, As a matter of fact, In particular

Particularly Especially

Giving Examples For example, For instance, Such as

Summarizing To sum up To summarize In brief

Concluding To conclude, In conclusion,

Follow-up Are/Were there any questions? We have just a few minutes for questions

Introduction

(Good morning, afternoon, evening)

I’m happy to be here.

I’m glad to have this opportunity to . . .

Today, I’d like to talk (to you) about . . .

My topic today is . . .

The focus of my remarks is . . .

I’d like to share some thoughts on (topic)

Main points Let me start by . . .

First, let me tell you about . . .

I’ve divided my topic into (three) parts: (They are . . .)

Giving examples For example,

For instance,

Let me illustrate,

To illustrate,

Conclusion In conclusion,

To conclude,

To summarize,

To sum up,

Expressing Appreciation

Thanks.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

Thanks for the tour.

Thank you for the nice gift.

I appreciate your hospitality.

I appreciate your lending me the chain saw.

Forward-Looking Statements

What are your plans for the future?

What are your projections for the next quarter?

What do you expect to achieve (in the near future)?

What are your (sales) projections for next six months?

What are your goals for the coming year?

We expect . . .

We plan to . . .

We project . . .

We hope to . . .

We should . . .

We will be (V+ing) . . .

If all goes as planned,

Our projections are . . .

According to our projections,

Invitations

Informal:

Would you like to . . .

We’re going to . . . . Would you like to come along?

There’s a . . . . (tonight). Would you like to go?

How about (V+ing) . . . ?

Do you want to . . . ?

I wonder if you would like to . . .

I was wondering if you would like to . . .

Formal:

I’d like to invite you to . . .

If you have time, I’d like to invite you . . .

Would you like to join us for (event) at (time) ?

We’d be glad to have you accompany us . . .

We’d be delighted/honored to have you as our guest at . . .

For Conversation practice:

Speaking Situations: Inviting

See also: Speaking: Accepting and Refusing

Job Responsibilities

What do you do (in your job)? What is your main job? What are you in charge of?

I am in charge of training employees. I am responsible for watering the plants. I take care of corporate accounts. I usually answer telephones. I mainly write reports. I repair jet engines.

Offering

Informal

Cigarette?

Would you like some coffee?

How about a glass of water?

Here. Have a/some . . .

Would you like one of these?

Can I get you something?

What can I get you something to drink?

No thank you

Yes, please.

Sure. Thanks.

Okay. Thanks.

I really shouldn’t.

No. Thanks anyway.

Juice would be fine.Formal

Would you care for some . . .

Would you like to try . . .

Let me offer you . . .

Let me get you a/some . .

Requesting

Informal

Please . . .

Would you . . .

Could you . . .

Would you please . . . .

Could you possibly . . .

Would you mind (V+ing) . . .

Could you do me a favor?

Formal

Could I ask you to . . .

Would you mind if I asked you to . . .

Would you be so kind as to . . .

Terms of Payment

I’d like to pay (in) cash.

I’ll put it on my credit card.

Can I charge it?

Could you put that on my bill?

Could I put that on my account?

Could you send me an invoice?

Could you bill me (for that)?

Can I put it on lay-away?

May I

Pay in cash

Pay by check

Pay by credit card

Pay with a credit card

Pay in installments

Pay in one lump sum

Could you deliver it to my office?

Do you charge for shipping?

Do I need to pay for postage and handling?

How long will it take?

Using Tense Appropriately in Business Descriptions

Use simple past tense to describe something that wholly occurred at a specific time in the past:

I graduated from NYU in 1998.NOT: I have graduated since 1998.

(That’s when the ceremony occurred.)(Incorrect!)

I finished the Hollins project last week.I have finished the Hollins project last week.

(Specific time)(Incorrect!)

Use present perfect tense to describe something that has been in effect from a certain point in the past until now. Be careful! Some verbs are used for specific actions; others are used for conditions that cover lengths of time.

I met Mr. Flinders last year at a Convention in Little Rock.I have met him since last year.I have known him since last year.

(Specific time)(Incorrect!)(Correct!)

Use simple present tense to describe facts. I work for IBS Corporation. He’s a sanitation engineer. I am responsible for orienting new employees. She answers company correspondence.

Use present progressive tense to describe ongoing projects. I am developing new software. She is teaching the hearing-impaired. We are building a new mall in East Heights.

Welcoming Visitors

Welcoming

Welcome to Cando Enterprises.

Welcome to London. I’m John Taylor.

Meeting someone you don’t know

1. Patricia Murphy?

Yes. Hi, I’m Kevin Chen of Myotex Industries.Welcome to Taiwan.

2. Are you Mr. Blanks?

Yes, I am.

I’m Jane Placid. (We talked by telephone.)Welcome to Sydney.It’s nice to meet you in person.

Nice meeting you too. How was your flight?

Okay, but very long.

3. You must be Ms. Terius.

That’s right.

It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Brad Wilson.Welcome to Suntech.

Thank you Did you have any problem finding this place?

No, your directions were very clear.

Discussing Agenda Items

Let’s start with . . .

Let’s start by . . .

The first item on the agenda is . . .

We need to discuss . . .

Let’s look at item number one.

Let’s move on to number two.

The next item on the agenda is . . .

What’s next on the agenda?

Does anyone have any comments?

Any comments?

Are there any comments on that?

What do you think?

Good idea.

Good point.

Does everyone agree on that?

Making Appointments

I’d like to make an appointment with Dr. Bill. I’d like to schedule a meeting with Ms. Terry. Could I schedule a time to meet with Mr. East?

What time is best for you?When would be a good time for you?Would 9:00 on Thursday be okay?He’ll be in on Tuesday.His schedule is open all day Monday.She’s free any day but Wednesday.Dr. Itup will be away until Friday.

Will Mr. Rodgers be in tomorrow? Is he available next Wednesday? Does he have any openings on Tuesday? Does she have any time on Thursday?

Sorry, her calendar is full on Monday.She will be out on Wednesday.He doesn’t have time on Tuesday.

How about Friday at 4:00?

Thursday at 10:00 will be fine. Friday at 11:00 sounds good. Okay. Tuesday morning at 9. Monday at 8:00 is not good for me. Wednesday is not possible.

Meetings and Discussions

Getting started

Let’s get started. We need to discuss . . . We need to talk about . . .

Talking about discussion items The first thing we need to discuss is . . . The first item on the agenda is . . . The first thing on the list is . . . First, we need to talk about . . .

Presenting Options We have several alternatives: We have two options: We could either . . . or . . .

Moving on Let’s move on to Item 2. Let’s move on to the next topic. We need to move on. The next item (of business) is . . . We need to go on to the next item. Shall/Should we move on?

Stalling the Discussion Before we move on, I think we should . . . Wait a minute. We haven’t discussed . . . Don’t you think we need to . . . Not so fast. We haven’t (yet) . . .

Asking for Clarification What to you mean by . . . . I don’t quite follow you. I didn’t get what you meant by . . . Could you clarify that? Could you elaborate on that?

Making a Suggestion/Proposal I think we should . . . Maybe we should . . . I suggest . . . Why don’t we . . . How about . . . We could . . .

Giving Feedback (I think) that’s a good idea. You have a good point. Good idea/point. I agree.

I disagree. I think . . . Sorry. I don’t agree with you. You have a good point, but . . . That’s not such a good idea. I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Asking for Opinions What do you think, George? What’s your opinion on that, Martha? Any thoughts on that? Any ideas?

Checking for Consensus Do we all agree (on that)? Does everyone agree?

Summarizing In summary, The conclusion is . . . So, we’ve decided to . . . We’re going to . . . (then)

Closing the meeting That’s all for today. That’s it then. (informal) The meeting is adjourned. (very formal)

Writer’s Checklist

For Business Letters

1. Receiver (Who are you writing this to?)

Someone you know (friend, colleague, business partner, group, company)

Some one you don’t know (To whom it may concern, Dear Sir/Madam)

How do you expect the receiver to respond?

2. Sender (Who are you?) What is your relationship to the reader/receiver(s)?

What role are you assuming in the letter?

(friend, colleague, etc.) 3. Context (What background information does the reader need?)

Bring the reader up to date first.

Establish a connection

As requested . . . It was nice meeting you in Toronto last week . . .I read your article in Vague Magazine . .

Supporting details

Time frame (sequence of events)

4. Message (What do you want the reader to know or do?) What do you hope to accomplish with the letter (inform, persuade, initiate action)

I am writing to inquire about . . . Could you please send me . . .

Polite requests Please . . . Would you mind . . . Could you please . . . Would you be so kind as to . . .

5. Medium (What is the appropriate format?) Fax, e-mail, formal business letter, memo, informal note

6. Tone (What tone do you wish to convey?) informative polite business-like friendly humble assertive urgent irate

7. Other recipients (Are there others who need to be informed of this communication?)

cc: courtesy copy

Speech Preparation

Choose Topic

Gather Information

Research

Select

Organize

Write

Practice

Revise

Rehearse

Present

Types of Charts

Pie chart Bar chart/graph Line graph

Describing Movement

IncreaseDecrease

RecoverRecovery

Go upGo down

JumpSlump

RiseFall

SurgePlummet

Improve(ment)Declined

Reach (a point)Approach

Types of Movement

SlightSlightly

GradualGradually

SharpSharply

DramaticDramatically

MajorMinor

Movement over Time

There was a gradual decline in sales.

Sales declined gradually

(noun usage)

(verb usage)

Enrollment increased by 4% in 1997.

There was a 4% increase in enrollment in 1997.

Immigration rose to 800,000 in 1999.Immigration rose by 20,000 in 1999.

(to a point/number)(by increment)

There was a 20% rise in immigration. (percentage)

Taxes remained the same from 2000 to 2001. Taxes continued at 15% for two years.

Static (non-movement) Description

Sales stood at $1,400,000 in 1998. Profits were $27,000 in 1999. There was a loss of $21,000 in 2001.

Thinking Positively about Presentations

People often become nervous or fearful when giving presentations. Here are some phrases you can keep in mind when preparing for and giving a presentation.

About Yourself

I’m happy to be here.

I’m glad to have this opportunity.

(Smile)

(Turn nervousness into enthusiasm.)

I (really) want to tell you about this.

I have something interesting to tell you.

About Your Audience This is something I think you should know . . .

This is important (to you) because . . .

You will be interested to know that . . .

You will benefit by knowing this . . .

About Your Subject/Material The information is as follows:

A.B.C.

First, I will tell you about . . .

These are the main points/supporting ideas . . .

The best way to understand this information is . . .

Look at this. It will help you understand my topic . . .

This shows (you) . . .