Lesson 3: Tips for Introducing Your Presentation Agenda

Learn practical expressions to clearly introduce your agenda, explain your main points, and smoothly transition into your first topic.

Have you ever felt unsure or awkward when starting a presentation in English? Not sure how to clearly introduce your agenda or transition smoothly into your first point? You’re not alone—and the good news is, there are simple, powerful expressions that can help.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to confidently walk your audience through your agenda and key points—just like a native speaker would. Let’s master the opening section of your meeting or presentation, step by step.

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📘 In This Guide, You'll Learn:

✅ 12 business expressions for introducing your agenda and main points
✅ A practice activity to help you use the phrases naturally
✅ Tips for structuring your agenda section clearly
✅ A FREE checklist to guide you through this stage of your presentation

By the end, you’ll have everything you need to confidently introduce your agenda and lead your audience smoothly into the main part of your meeting or presentation.

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🎥 Watch the Video

Before reading further, check out Episode 3 of the Business English Series where I demonstrate all 12 expressions and show you how to use them naturally and clearly.

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🗂 12 Expressions for Your Agenda Section

Let’s break these 12 phrases into 3 sections, just like in the video, so you can easily follow along.

1️⃣ Introducing the Agenda

Here are 5 expressions you can use to kick off the agenda:

1. Let’s take a look at the agenda for today.

2. Let’s briefly go over today’s schedule.

3. I’d like to start by outlining what we’ll be covering today.

4. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll be discussing.

5. Let me walk you through today’s agenda.

2️⃣ Explaining the Main Points

Now, you want to show the structure of your talk clearly so your audience knows what to expect. Here are three useful ways to clearly explain the structure of your talk:

6. First, we’ll look at... Then we’ll move on to... Finally, we’ll wrap up with...

   Example: “First, we’ll look at the recent customer feedback. Then we’ll move on to our response strategy. Finally, we’ll wrap up with a Q&A session.”

7. We’ll begin with... followed by... and end with...

   Example: “We’ll begin with our sales performance from last quarter, followed by a breakdown of our marketing campaigns, and end with upcoming goals for the next quarter.”

8. To start... After that... Lastly...

   Example: “To start, I’ll introduce the new project timeline. After that, we’ll review team responsibilities. Lastly, we’ll discuss potential roadblocks and solutions.”

3️⃣ Transitioning Into the First Point

Once your agenda is clear, it’s time to move into the main content. Here are 3 smooth transitions:

9. So, let’s dive into that first part

10. So, let’s get started with the first point.

11. Let’s begin with the first item on the list.

12. All right, let’s jump into the first topic.

These phrases help you move naturally from your overview into your content without any awkward pauses.

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🧩 Put It All Together:

Now that you’ve learned 12 useful phrases for introducing your agenda and main points, it’s time to practice.

Step 1:

Choose your favorite phrases from each section and create your own agenda introduction.

• Pick a phrase from the "Introducing the Agenda" section.

• Choose a linking structure from the "Explaining the Main Points" section.

• Select a transition from the "Transitioning Into the First Point" section.

Step 2:

Choose a meeting topic that you might present at work and write a short agenda introduction connecting all 3 sections.

Example:
"Good afternoon, everyone! Let’s briefly go over today’s schedule. First, we’ll review the progress of our current marketing campaign. Then, we’ll move on to discussing upcoming deadlines. Finally, we’ll wrap up with any feedback or concerns you may have. Let’s begin with the marketing campaign update."

Once you’ve written your agenda introduction, share it with us in the comments below. Be sure to read what others have shared. We can learn a lot from each other!

Also, take a moment to practice your version out loud. The more you say it, the more natural and confident it will feel when it’s time to present.

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💬 Quick Tips for the Agenda Section

✔ Keep it Short: Avoid over-explaining. Simply give your audience a clear roadmap of what’s to come.

✔ Use Linking or Transition Words: These help your audience easily follow your outline for the meeting.

✔ Sound Natural, Not Scripted: Choose the expressions that feel the most natural for you. You don’t need to recite them word for word.

✔ Confidence Beats Perfection: Mistakes happen! What matters most is your belief in yourself and the message you’re delivering.

🧠 Bonus Tip: A clear agenda helps your audience stay focused and trust your leadership.

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✅ BONUS: Introducing Your Agenda Checklist

Download or copy this free checklist to make sure your agenda section is clear, professional, and impactful every time.

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💪 Want More Practice?

If you’d like to practice these expressions and see how we can work together to improve your English for professional success, book 1 FREE class with me. This one-time session is a great way to identify your English level and discover if my lessons fit your professional goals.

👉 [Book Your Free Class Here]

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📺 Check Out Episode 4 for More Business English!