Expressions
In this lesson I'd like...
[tə ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs ə njuː ˈkɒnsept]
[tə riːˈvɪsɪt ə ˈtɒpɪk]
Introducing a lesson
The very first sentences you say in a lesson or tutorial fulfil at least two crucial functions.
The first is to capture the attention of the listener and convince them that watching and listening to what follows will not be a waste of time.
The second is to set a framework, and therefore limits, for the topic and provide the listener with an outline of how it will be developed.
When giving an oral presentation in a second, non-native, language, preparing this opening segment of the speech is an excellent opportunity to learn, and memorise accurately, the expressions typically used in an introduction.
This is important because the listener's initial impression, from the very first words, should be that they are listening to someone who masters their subject.
And mastery of the linguistic tools used to present the subject contributes greatly to this impression.
In the introduction, the speaker sets the parameters of the subject matter, but also establishes his or her credibility through the use of appropriate linguistic forms for introducing a subject in the working language.