5 exercises — signposting, summarising, contrasting, exemplifying, and concluding markers.
0 / 5 completed
1 / 5
Choose the best discourse marker to transition to the next section of a technical talk: "_____ the architecture overview, let us now examine the database layer."
"Moving on from" is a signposting marker that signals a transition to a new topic. Other options: "Turning now to", "Having covered X, let us...", "Next, I will discuss..." These help the audience track where they are in the presentation.
2 / 5
Which phrase best introduces a summary before Q&A?
"To recap" signals a summary of what has been covered. It is the clearest and most professional signal before Q&A. "That said" introduces a contrast; "For instance" introduces an example; "On the contrary" introduces an opposing point.
3 / 5
Choose the best marker to introduce a concrete example: "Our caching strategy improved response times by 60%. _____, on the checkout page, load time dropped from 2.1s to 0.8s."
"To illustrate" introduces a specific example that supports the preceding general statement. Alternatives: "For instance", "For example", "Take the case of." "However" signals contrast; "Therefore" signals consequence; "All things considered" signals a conclusion.
4 / 5
Which phrase introduces a contrasting point without dismissing it?
"That said" (or "Having said that") acknowledges a point has been made and introduces a nuanced qualification or contrast, without fully rejecting the earlier statement. It is ideal for balanced technical evaluations. "On the contrary" would fully negate the preceding point.
5 / 5
Choose the most appropriate concluding marker for the final slide of a technical presentation:
"On balance" signals a weighing of evidence leading to a measured conclusion — ideal for technical presentations that have discussed trade-offs. "Moving on to" is a transition, not a conclusion. "For instance" introduces examples. "That said" introduces contrast.