Planning and rehearsing a short presentation | Learn Spanish in English

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Use Planning and rehearsing a short presentation to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Tengo que hacer una presentación breve la próxima semana.

TEN-goh keh ah-SER OO-nah preh-sen-tah-SYOHN BREH-beh lah PROK-see-mah seh-MAH-nah. I have to give a short presentation next week.

Empieza con un esquema claro antes de escribir oraciones completas.

em-PYEH-sah kohn oon es-KEH-mah KLAH-roh AHN-tes deh es-kree-BEER oh-rah-SYOH-nes kohm-PLEH-tahs. Start with a clear outline before writing full sentences.

Mi tema es cómo cambié mis hábitos de estudio.

mee TEH-mah es KOH-moh kahm-BYEH mees AH-bee-tohs deh es-TOO-dyoh. My topic is how I changed my study habits.

Es un tema cercano, así que piensa en qué aprenderá el público.

es oon TEH-mah seh-KAH-noh, ah-SEE keh PYEHN-sah en keh ah-pren-deh-RAH el POO-blee-koh. That is relatable, so think about what the audience will learn.

Quiero explicar el problema, el cambio y el resultado.

KYEH-roh eks-plee-KAHR el proh-BLEH-mah, el KAHM-byoh ee el reh-sool-TAH-doh. I want to explain the problem, the change, and the result.

Esa estructura funciona. Añade transiciones sencillas entre esas partes.

EH-sah es-trook-TOO-rah foon-SYOH-nah. ah-NYAH-deh trahn-see-SYOH-nes sen-SEE-yahs EN-treh EH-sahs PAR-tes. That structure works. Add simple transitions between those parts.

¿Debería memorizar toda la presentación?

deh-beh-REE-ah meh-moh-ree-SAR TOH-dah lah preh-sen-tah-SYOHN. Should I memorize the whole presentation?

Ensaya con notas para sonar más natural.

en-SAH-yah kohn NOH-tahs PAH-rah soh-NAHR mahs nah-too-RAHL. Rehearse with notes so you sound more natural.

Practicaré dos veces y me grabaré.

prak-tee-kah-REH dohs BEH-ses ee meh grah-bah-REH. I will practice twice and record myself.

Eso te ayudará a mejorar tu ritmo y a sonar más seguro.

EH-soh teh ah-yoo-dah-RAH ah meh-hoh-RAHR too REET-moh ee ah soh-NAHR mahs seh-GOO-roh. That will help you improve your timing and sound more confident.

Word by Word

Tengo “Tengo” means “I have” in “Tengo que hacer una presentación breve”. Here it introduces an obligation through “Tengo que + infinitive”, a pattern used to say what you have to do.

que “que” connects “Tengo” with the required action in “Tengo que hacer”. In the reusable pattern “tener que + infinitive”, it helps express an obligation.

hacer “hacer” means “to give” in “hacer una presentación”; Spanish uses this verb for carrying out or giving a presentation. Reuse it with an object, as in “hacer una presentación” or “hacer una pregunta” in a new example.

una “una” means “a” before the feminine noun “presentación” in “una presentación breve”. It is used before one nonspecific feminine singular noun, as in “una idea” in a new example.

presentación “presentación” means “presentation” in “hacer una presentación breve”. It commonly appears with “hacer” when referring to giving or preparing a presentation.

breve “breve” describes the presentation as short in “una presentación breve”. It can be placed after a noun to describe something concise, as in “un mensaje breve” in a new example.

la “la” means “the” before the feminine noun phrase “la próxima semana”. It is used with a specific feminine singular noun or time expression, as in “la siguiente clase” in a new example.

próxima “próxima” means “next” or “upcoming” in “la próxima semana”. It describes the feminine noun “semana” and is useful for referring to the nearest future occurrence of something.

semana “semana” means “week” in “la próxima semana”. It is commonly used with a time expression such as “la próxima semana” to say when something will happen.

Empieza “Empieza” tells one person to start in “Empieza con un esquema claro”. It is useful for beginning advice or instructions, especially with “Empieza con + noun”.

con “con” means “with” in “Empieza con un esquema claro”, identifying what the action should begin with. Reuse it in the pattern “empezar con + noun”, such as “empezar con una pregunta” in a new example.

un “un” means “a” before the masculine noun “esquema” in “un esquema claro”. It introduces one nonspecific masculine singular noun, as in “un ejemplo” in a new example.

esquema “esquema” means “outline” in “un esquema claro”. It refers to an organized plan of the main points and can be used with “hacer” or “preparar” in a new example.

claro “claro” describes the outline as easy to understand in “un esquema claro”. It agrees with the masculine singular noun “esquema” and can describe other clearly organized things in a new example.

antes “antes” means “before” in “antes de escribir oraciones completas”. Here it introduces an earlier action in relation to a later one. A common pattern is “antes de + infinitive”.

de “de” forms the expression “antes de escribir”, meaning “before writing”. After “antes de”, an infinitive can name the action that has not yet happened.

escribir “escribir” means “to write” in “antes de escribir oraciones completas”. It is an infinitive after “antes de” and can take a direct object, such as “escribir un informe” in a new example.

oraciones “oraciones” means “sentences” in “escribir oraciones completas”. It is the plural object of “escribir” and can refer to written or spoken sentences in a study context.

completas “completas” describes the sentences as full or complete in “oraciones completas”. It agrees with the feminine plural noun “oraciones” and can describe other feminine plural things that are finished or whole.

Mi “Mi” means “my” in “Mi tema”. It indicates possession before a singular noun, as in “Mi presentación” in a new example.

tema “tema” means “topic” in “Mi tema es cómo cambié mis hábitos de estudio”. It identifies what the presentation is about and commonly appears with “ser” to introduce a topic.

es “es” means “is” in “Mi tema es cómo cambié mis hábitos de estudio”. It links the topic with the content being identified, and the same form appears in “Es un tema cercano” with a different subject.

cómo “cómo” means “how” in “cómo cambié mis hábitos de estudio”, introducing the way the speaker changed them. With an accent, it introduces this question-like content inside the sentence.

cambié “cambié” means “I changed” in “cómo cambié mis hábitos de estudio”. It presents the speaker’s completed change, and it can be followed by the thing that was changed, as in “cambié mi rutina” in a new example.

mis “mis” means “my” before the plural noun “hábitos” in “mis hábitos de estudio”. It marks possession of more than one item and is used directly before a plural noun.

hábitos “hábitos” means “habits” in “mis hábitos de estudio”. It refers here to repeated ways of studying and can be followed by “de” to specify the type of habits.

estudio “estudio” identifies the habits as related to study in “hábitos de estudio”. In this noun phrase, “de estudio” specifies the area or purpose of the habits.

cercano “cercano” describes the topic as relatable or close to people’s experience in “un tema cercano”. It can describe something that feels familiar or connected to the listener’s experience.

así “así” means “so” or “in this way” in “así que piensa en qué aprenderá el público”. Together with “que”, it connects the preceding idea to a consequence or recommendation.

piensa “piensa” tells one person to think about something in “piensa en qué aprenderá el público”. It is commonly used with “pensar en + noun or question”, as in “piensa en la audiencia” in a new example.

en “en” forms “piensa en qué aprenderá el público”, meaning “think about what the audience will learn”. With “pensar”, it introduces the subject or question being considered.

qué “qué” means “what” in “qué aprenderá el público”, asking which information the audience will learn. It introduces the content of the question after “piensa en”.

aprenderá “aprenderá” means “will learn” in “qué aprenderá el público”. It describes a future learning result and is followed here by the subject “el público”.

el “el” means “the” before the masculine noun “público” in “el público”. It introduces a specific masculine singular noun in this context.

público “público” means “audience” in “el público”. It refers to the people listening to the presentation and can be used with verbs such as “aprender” or “escuchar” in a new example.

Quiero “Quiero” means “I want” in “Quiero explicar el problema”. It expresses the speaker’s intention and is commonly followed by an infinitive: “Quiero + infinitive”.

explicar “explicar” means “to explain” in “Quiero explicar el problema, el cambio y el resultado”. It is followed by the information or topic being explained, as in “explicar una idea” in a new example.

problema “problema” means “problem” in “explicar el problema”. It names the difficulty that will be explained and can be used as the object of “explicar”.

cambio “cambio” means “change” in “el problema, el cambio y el resultado”. It names the change being presented between the problem and the result.

y “y” means “and” in “el problema, el cambio y el resultado”. It joins items in a list, including nouns, actions, or complete ideas.

resultado “resultado” means “result” in “el problema, el cambio y el resultado”. It names the outcome that follows the change and can be used after “obtener” or “ver” in a new example.

Esa “Esa” means “that” in “Esa estructura funciona”, referring to the structure just described. It is used before a feminine singular noun to identify something already mentioned or understood.

estructura “estructura” means “structure” in “Esa estructura funciona”. It refers to the organization of the presentation and can be used with “tener”, “crear”, or “seguir” in a new example.

funciona “funciona” means “works” or “is effective” in “Esa estructura funciona”. It evaluates whether an idea or method produces the desired effect and can be followed by an adverb describing how well it works.

Añade “Añade” tells one person to add something in “Añade transiciones sencillas”. It is useful for giving a direct instruction with “Añade + object”.

transiciones “transiciones” means “transitions” in “Añade transiciones sencillas”. It refers to words or phrases that connect parts of a presentation and is used here as the object of “Añade”.

sencillas “sencillas” describes the transitions as simple in “transiciones sencillas”. It agrees with the feminine plural noun “transiciones” and can describe other uncomplicated feminine plural things.

entre “entre” means “between” in “entre esas partes”. It shows the relationship or location separating two or more parts and commonly appears before plural nouns.

esas “esas” means “those” in “esas partes”, referring to the parts already mentioned. It is a feminine plural demonstrative used before a plural noun.

partes “partes” means “parts” in “entre esas partes”. It refers to the sections of the presentation and can be used after “entre” when discussing connections between sections.

Debería “Debería” means “should” in the question “¿Debería memorizar toda la presentación?”. It asks for advice about whether an action is appropriate and is followed by an infinitive.

memorizar “memorizar” means “to memorize” in “Debería memorizar toda la presentación”. It is the action being considered after “Debería” and takes the material to be memorized as its object.

toda “toda” means “the whole” in “toda la presentación”. It emphasizes the complete presentation and agrees with the feminine singular noun “presentación”.

Ensaya “Ensaya” tells one person to rehearse in “Ensaya con notas”. It gives practical advice and is commonly followed by “con” plus the material or support used during rehearsal.

notas “notas” means “notes” in “Ensaya con notas”. It refers to written prompts used while rehearsing and appears after “con” to show what supports the activity.

para “para” introduces the purpose in “para sonar más natural”, meaning “so that you sound more natural”. A common pattern is “para + infinitive” when the purpose has the same understood subject.

sonar “sonar” means “to sound” in “sonar más natural”. It is used with an adjective to describe how someone’s speech comes across, as in “sonar claro” in a new example.

más “más” means “more” in “sonar más natural” and “sonar más seguro”. It increases the degree of the following adjective and is commonly placed directly before it.

natural “natural” describes the way the speaker should sound in “sonar más natural”. It refers to speech that does not seem forced, and it follows “sonar” as a description of the speaker’s sound.

Practicaré “Practicaré” means “I will practice” in “Practicaré dos veces”. It states the speaker’s future plan and can be followed by an activity or a frequency expression.

veces “veces” means “times” in “Practicaré dos veces”. It counts how many occasions an action will happen and normally appears with a number or quantity.

me “me” refers back to the speaker in “me grabaré”, meaning “myself”. It shows that the speaker records the same person who performs the action, and it appears directly before the conjugated verb here.

grabaré “grabaré” means “I will record” in “me grabaré”. Together with “me”, “me grabaré” means “I will record myself”; a common reuse pattern is “me + future verb” for an action directed at oneself.

Eso “Eso” means “that” in “Eso te ayudará”, referring to the practice and recording plan just mentioned. This neuter demonstrative can refer to a previously mentioned action, idea, or situation.

te “te” means “you” or “to you” in “Eso te ayudará”. It identifies the person who receives the help and commonly appears with “ayudar” in the pattern “ayudar a alguien”.

ayudará “ayudará” means “will help” in “Eso te ayudará a mejorar tu ritmo”. The subject is “Eso”, and the expression continues with the person helped and the improvement to be made.

mejorar “mejorar” means “to improve” in “ayudará a mejorar tu ritmo”. It names the result supported by “ayudar” and is commonly used with the thing that becomes better.

tu “tu” means “your” before the singular noun “ritmo” in “tu ritmo”. It marks possession of one thing and is placed directly before the noun.

ritmo “ritmo” means “timing” or “rhythm” in “mejorar tu ritmo”. In this presentation context, it refers to the pace and timing of speaking, and it can be improved through practice.

seguro “seguro” means “confident” in “sonar más seguro”. It describes how the speaker comes across while speaking, and the pattern “sonar + adjective” can describe another quality of someone’s speech in a new example.

Grammar Points

Futuro simple: infinitivo + terminación; practicaré, grabaré

Practicaré dos veces y grabaré.

prak-tee-kah-REH dohs BEH-ses ee grah-bah-REH.

I will practice twice and record.

El futuro simple expresa acciones que ocurrirán después; en primera persona termina en «-é».

Así que + oración

Así que practicaré dos veces.

ah-SEE keh prak-tee-kah-REH dohs BEH-ses.

So I will practice twice.

«Así que» conecta una situación con su consecuencia y significa «so» o «therefore».

Spanish Vocabulary

antes adv

AHN-tes before

antes de escribir oraciones completas

breve adj

BREH-beh short; brief

una presentación breve

claro adj

KLAH-roh clear

un esquema claro

completas adj

kohm-PLEH-tahs complete; full

oraciones completas

empieza verb

em-PYEH-sah start empezar

Empieza con un esquema claro.

escribir verb

es-kree-BEER to write

antes de escribir oraciones completas

esquema noun

es-KEH-mah outline

un esquema claro

hacer verb

ah-SER to do; to give

Tengo que hacer una presentación breve.

oraciones noun

oh-rah-SYOH-nes sentences

oraciones completas

presentación noun

preh-sen-tah-SYOHN presentation

Tengo que hacer una presentación breve.

próxima adj

PROK-see-mah next

la próxima semana

semana noun

seh-MAH-nah week

la próxima semana

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Should I memorize the whole presentation?

Show Answer

¿Debería memorizar toda la presentación?

I will practice twice and record myself.

Show Answer

Practicaré dos veces y me grabaré.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

start

Show Answer

empezar

short; brief

Show Answer

breve

before

Show Answer

antes

Show Answer