Checking presentation equipment before a meeting | Learn French in English

French lesson set in a contemporary Paris everyday setting: Before clients arrive for a meeting, two coworkers test the projector, microphone, slides, and backup drive..

EN → FR / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Checking presentation equipment before a meeting to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Nous devrions vérifier le matériel de présentation avant l'arrivée des clients.

noo duh-vree-YOHN vay-ree-fee-AY luh ma-tay-ree-EL duh pray-zahn-ta-SYON ah-VAHN lah-ree-VAY day klee-AHN We should check the presentation equipment before the clients arrive.
B

Je peux d'abord connecter l'ordinateur portable au projecteur.

zhuh puh doh-BOR koh-nek-TAY lor-dee-na-TUR por-TAH-bluh oh pro-zhek-TUR I can connect the laptop to the projector first.
A

L'image s'affiche, mais elle semble un peu étirée.

lee-MAHZH sah-FEESH, meh EL sahmbl uh puh ay-tee-RAY The image is showing, but it looks a little stretched.
B

Je peux régler les paramètres d'affichage et tester à nouveau les diapositives.

zhuh puh ray-GLAY lay pah-rah-METR dah-fee-SHAHZH ay tes-TAY ah noo-VOH lay dya-poh-zee-TEEV I can adjust the display settings and test the slides again.
A

Pourrais-tu aussi vérifier le volume du microphone ?

poo-RAY-too oh-SEE vay-ree-fee-AY luh voh-LUUM dyoo mee-kroh-FON Could you also check the microphone volume?
B

Le son est clair, mais il faudra peut-être augmenter le volume pour le fond de la salle.

luh SOHN ay KLAIR, meh eel foh-DRAH puh-TETR ahg-mohn-TAY luh voh-LUUM poor luh FOHN duh lah SAHL It sounds clear, but the back row may need more volume.
A

J’ai apporté les diapositives sur une clé USB de sauvegarde.

zhay ah-por-TAY lay dya-poh-zee-TEEV syur ewn KLAY oo-ess-BAY duh soh-vuh-GARD I brought the slides on a backup drive.
B

Faisons une répétition rapide avec la diapositive d'ouverture.

fuh-ZOHN ewn ray-pay-tee-SYON RAH-PEED ah-VEK lah dya-poh-zee-TEEV doo-VAIR-tyur Let's do a quick rehearsal with the opening slide.
A

La diapositive d'ouverture a fonctionné, donc tout semble prêt maintenant.

lah dya-poh-zee-TEEV doo-VAIR-tyur ah fohnk-syoh-NAY, dohngk TOO sahmbl PRAY mahn-tuh-NAHN The opening slide worked, so everything seems ready now.
B

Cette vérification technique, c’est un souci de moins.

set vay-ree-fee-ka-SYON tek-NEEK, say-tuhn soo-SEE duh MWAHN This tech check gives us one less thing to worry about.

Word by Word

Nous “Nous” means “we” and is the subject of “Nous devrions vérifier”. It refers to the two coworkers acting together. Reuse “Nous” before a verb when describing a shared action.
devrions “Devrions” expresses what we should do: in “Nous devrions vérifier”, it gives a recommendation to check the equipment. It is followed by an infinitive. Use “Nous devrions” + an action when making a suggestion to a group.
vérifier “Vérifier” means to check or inspect something, here the presentation equipment. It follows “devrions” in “Nous devrions vérifier le matériel”. Reuse “vérifier” with the thing being checked.
le “Le” in “le matériel” is the definite article for the singular noun “matériel”. The same article appears as “Le” at the start of “Le son est clair”. Reuse “le” before a known singular masculine noun.
matériel “Matériel” means equipment in “le matériel de présentation”. It refers collectively to the equipment needed for the meeting. Reuse “matériel de” + an activity or purpose.
de “De” links “matériel” to “présentation” in “le matériel de présentation”, showing what the equipment is for. Reuse “de” to connect a noun with a related purpose or category.
présentation “Présentation” means presentation in “matériel de présentation”. It identifies the purpose of the equipment being checked. Reuse “de présentation” after a noun for something related to a presentation.
avant “Avant” means “before” and places the check earlier than “l’arrivée des clients”. It introduces the event that must happen later. Reuse “avant” + a noun or event.
l'arrivée “L’arrivée” means the arrival, here the clients’ arrival in “avant l’arrivée des clients”. It is the noun related to “arriver”, with “l’” used before the vowel sound. Reuse “l’arrivée de” + a person or group.
des “Des” in “l’arrivée des clients” means “of the” and links the arrival to the clients. Here it introduces the specific plural people who are arriving. Reuse “l’arrivée des” + a plural noun.
clients “Clients” means clients or customers, the people expected at the meeting. It appears in “l’arrivée des clients”. Reuse “des clients” when referring to clients in the plural.
Je “Je” means “I” and is the subject in “Je peux d’abord connecter”. It identifies the coworker offering to perform the action. Reuse “Je” before a verb when speaking about yourself.
peux “Peux” means “can” or “am able to” in “Je peux d’abord connecter”. It introduces an action the speaker is able or willing to do. Reuse “Je peux” + an infinitive.
d'abord “D’abord” means “first” and shows that connecting the laptop will be the initial step. It comes before “connecter” in the dialogue. Reuse “d’abord” when ordering actions.
connecter “Connecter” means to connect, here the laptop to the projector. The dialogue uses the pattern “connecter l’ordinateur portable au projecteur”. Reuse “connecter” + the device being connected + “à” or “au” + the destination.
l'ordinateur “L’ordinateur” means the computer in “l’ordinateur portable”. It refers to the device being connected to the projector. Reuse “l’ordinateur” with a description of its type or function.
portable “Portable” specifies that “l’ordinateur” is a portable computer, meaning a laptop in this context. The complete expression is “l’ordinateur portable”. Reuse “ordinateur portable” for a laptop.
au “Au” means “to the” in “au projecteur”. It is the form used before the destination “projecteur” in “connecter l’ordinateur portable au projecteur”. Reuse “connecter” + an object + “au” + a singular masculine destination.
projecteur “Projecteur” means projector, the device receiving the laptop connection. It appears after “au” in “au projecteur”. Reuse “le projecteur” when referring to this presentation device.
L'image “L’image” means “the image” and is the subject of “L’image s’affiche”. It refers to the picture produced by the projector. Reuse “L’image” as the subject when describing what appears on a screen.
s'affiche “S’affiche” means “is displayed” or “appears on the screen” in “L’image s’affiche”. It describes content becoming visible without naming a person displaying it. Reuse “X s’affiche” for something that appears on a screen.
mais “Mais” means “but” and introduces a problem that contrasts with “L’image s’affiche”. The image appears, but its proportions are not quite right. Reuse “mais” to connect a positive point with a limitation.
elle “Elle” means “it” here and refers back to “L’image”. It is the subject of “elle semble un peu étirée”. Reuse “elle” when referring back to a feminine noun already mentioned.
semble “Semble” means “seems” and presents the image as appearing stretched rather than stating this as an absolute fact. It is followed by the description “un peu étirée”. Reuse “X semble” + an adjective to describe an appearance or impression.
un “Un” is part of the expression “un peu”, meaning “a little”. In this dialogue it introduces a small degree, not the number one. Reuse “un peu” before an adjective or adverb.
peu “Peu” means “little” in “un peu étirée”, indicating a small degree of stretching. The complete expression “un peu” softens the description. Reuse “un peu” when describing something as slightly so.
étirée “Étirée” means “stretched” and describes the image in “elle semble un peu étirée”. It identifies the display problem the coworker has noticed. Reuse “semble” + “étirée” when describing an image that looks stretched.
régler “Régler” means to adjust or set, here the display settings. It appears in “régler les paramètres d’affichage”. Reuse “régler” + the setting or control that needs adjustment.
les “Les” is the definite article before the plural noun “paramètres” in “les paramètres d’affichage”. It refers to known settings on the device. Reuse “les” before a known plural noun.
paramètres “Paramètres” means settings, here the controls used to change the display. It appears in “les paramètres d’affichage”. Reuse “paramètres de” or “paramètres d’” to specify what the settings control.
d'affichage “D’affichage” means “of display” in “les paramètres d’affichage”. It specifies that the settings control what is shown on the screen. Reuse “paramètres d’affichage” for display settings.
et “Et” means “and” and joins the two actions “régler” and “tester”. Both actions are offered as part of the same solution. Reuse “et” to connect related actions or ideas.
tester “Tester” means to test, here the slides after adjusting the display. It appears in “tester à nouveau les diapositives”. Reuse “tester” + the item or function being checked.
à “À” is part of the expression “à nouveau”, which means “again” in this dialogue. It does not mean “at” or “to” by itself here. Reuse “à nouveau” after an action when repeating it.
nouveau “Nouveau” in “à nouveau” contributes to the meaning “again”, not “new”. The phrase tells the speaker to test the slides one more time. Reuse “à nouveau” for a repeated action.
diapositives “Diapositives” means slides, the presentation pages being tested. It is the object in “tester à nouveau les diapositives”. Reuse “les diapositives” when referring to presentation slides in the plural.
Pourrais-tu “Pourrais-tu” means “could you” and makes a polite request to one familiar person in “Pourrais-tu aussi vérifier”. It asks the coworker to perform an additional check. Reuse “Pourrais-tu” + an infinitive for a polite request.
aussi “Aussi” means “also” and adds the microphone check to the tasks already mentioned. It appears before “vérifier” in “Pourrais-tu aussi vérifier”. Reuse “aussi” when adding another request or action.
volume “Volume” means volume or sound level, here the level of the microphone. It is the object of “vérifier” and is later increased. Reuse “le volume du microphone” or “augmenter le volume”.
du “Du” means “of the” in “le volume du microphone”. It links the volume to the specific microphone. Reuse “du” before a singular masculine noun after “volume de” when referring to a specific item.
microphone “Microphone” means microphone, the equipment whose volume is being checked. It appears in “le volume du microphone”. Reuse “le microphone” when referring to this audio device.
son “Son” means “sound” in “Le son est clair”. It refers to the audio produced by the microphone, not to possession. Reuse “le son” when describing audio quality.
est “Est” means “is” and links “Le son” to the description “clair”. It states the current quality of the sound. Reuse “X est” + an adjective to describe something.
clair “Clair” means clear in “Le son est clair”. It describes audio that can be heard distinctly. Reuse “le son est clair” when confirming good sound quality.
il “Il” is the impersonal “it” in “il faudra peut-être augmenter”. It does not refer to a particular person or object there. Reuse it in an impersonal expression when stating that an action may be necessary.
faudra “Faudra” means “will be necessary” in “il faudra peut-être augmenter le volume”. It presents increasing the volume as a possible requirement for the back of the room. Reuse “il faudra” + an infinitive when an action will be needed.
peut-être “Peut-être” means “perhaps” or “maybe” and shows that the need for more volume is uncertain. It appears in “il faudra peut-être augmenter”. Reuse “peut-être” when presenting a possibility rather than a certainty.
augmenter “Augmenter” means to increase, here the microphone volume. It follows “il faudra peut-être” in “il faudra peut-être augmenter le volume”. Reuse “augmenter” + the quantity or level that needs to become higher.
pour “Pour” means “for” in “pour le fond de la salle”. It identifies the part of the room that needs the increased volume. Reuse “pour” to identify the intended recipient or area of an adjustment.
fond “Fond” means the back or rear part in “le fond de la salle”. It identifies the farthest area of the meeting room. Reuse “le fond de” + a place when referring to its back part.
salle “Salle” means room or hall in “le fond de la salle”. It refers to the meeting space. Reuse “la salle” when talking about the room where an event takes place.
J’ai “J’ai” means “I have” and, with “apporté”, helps express “I brought” in “J’ai apporté les diapositives”. It introduces the speaker’s completed action. Reuse “J’ai” + a past participle + an object to report something you have done.
apporté “Apporté” means “brought” in “J’ai apporté les diapositives”. It says that the speaker brought the slides to the meeting location. Reuse “J’ai apporté” + the item that was brought.
sur “Sur” means “on” in “sur une clé USB de sauvegarde”. It indicates where the slides are stored. Reuse “sur” with a device or medium when saying that information is stored on it.
une “Une” is the indefinite article before “clé” in “une clé USB”. It introduces one unspecified USB drive. Reuse “une” before a singular feminine noun.
clé “Clé” means “drive” in “clé USB”, not a physical key. The full expression identifies a USB storage device. Reuse “clé USB” when referring to a USB drive.
USB “USB” identifies the type of device in “clé USB”. It specifies that the drive uses USB technology. Reuse “clé USB” for this kind of portable storage device.
sauvegarde “Sauvegarde” means backup in “une clé USB de sauvegarde”. It shows that the USB drive is kept as a backup copy. Reuse “de sauvegarde” to describe something intended for backup.
Faisons “Faisons” means “let’s do” in “Faisons une répétition rapide”. It invites the other coworker to take part in the action. Reuse “Faisons” + a noun to suggest doing something together.
répétition “Répétition” means rehearsal in “Faisons une répétition rapide”. It refers to practicing the presentation before the meeting. Reuse “faire une répétition” for a practice run.
rapide “Rapide” means quick and describes the rehearsal in “une répétition rapide”. It shows that the practice will be brief. Reuse “une répétition rapide” for a short rehearsal.
avec “Avec” means “with” and introduces the slide used in the rehearsal: “avec la diapositive d’ouverture”. Reuse “avec” to name the person, object, or material involved in an activity.
la “La” in “la diapositive” is the definite article before a known singular feminine noun. The same article appears as “La” at the start of “La diapositive d’ouverture”. Reuse “la” before a known singular feminine noun.
diapositive “Diapositive” means slide in the singular, here the slide used to open the presentation. It appears in “la diapositive d’ouverture”. Reuse “la diapositive” when referring to one presentation slide.
d'ouverture “D’ouverture” means “of opening” in “la diapositive d’ouverture”. It identifies the slide used at the beginning of the presentation. Reuse “diapositive d’ouverture” for an opening slide.
a “A” means “has” in “a fonctionné” and helps report that the opening slide worked. It is used with “fonctionné” to describe the result of the test. Reuse a subject + “a” + a past participle to report a completed result.
fonctionné “Fonctionné” means “worked” or “functioned” in “a fonctionné”. Here it confirms that the opening slide operated correctly during the rehearsal. Reuse “a fonctionné” to report that a device, feature, or test succeeded.
donc “Donc” means “so” or “therefore” and introduces the consequence of the successful slide test. In “a fonctionné, donc tout semble prêt”, it connects the result with the conclusion. Reuse “X, donc Y” to express a consequence.
tout “Tout” means “everything” in “tout semble prêt”. It refers collectively to the presentation equipment and preparations. Reuse “tout semble” + an adjective when giving an overall assessment.
prêt “Prêt” means “ready” in “tout semble prêt maintenant”. It describes the overall preparation for the meeting. Reuse “semble prêt” when something appears ready to use.
maintenant “Maintenant” means “now” and places the conclusion at the present moment. In “tout semble prêt maintenant”, it shows that the preparations are complete at this point. Reuse “maintenant” to specify the current time.
Cette “Cette” means “this” and points to the technical check just completed in “Cette vérification technique”. It introduces the check as the topic of the final comment. Reuse “Cette” before a singular feminine noun.
vérification “Vérification” means check or checking in “Cette vérification technique”. It refers to the inspection and testing of the presentation equipment. It is related to “vérifier”; reuse “vérification” for an inspection intended to confirm that something is correct.
technique “Technique” means technical and describes the type of check in “Cette vérification technique”. It shows that the check concerns equipment and setup. Reuse “vérification technique” for an equipment or technology check.
c’est “C’est” means “it is” or “that’s” in “c’est un souci de moins”. It identifies the result of the technical check as one fewer worry. Reuse “c’est” + a noun phrase when identifying or summarizing something.
souci “Souci” means worry or concern in “un souci de moins”. It refers to one problem the coworkers no longer need to think about. Reuse “un souci” when describing a concern or problem.
moins “Moins” means “less” or “fewer” in “un souci de moins”. The phrase means that there is one fewer concern after the technical check. Reuse “de moins” after a noun or quantity to show a reduction.

Grammar Points

Pourrais-tu + infinitif

Pourrais-tu régler les paramètres d'affichage ?

poo-RAY-too ray-GLAY lay pah-rah-METR dah-fee-SHAHZH

Could you adjust the display settings?

This conditional form makes a request polite. The verb after « Pourrais-tu » stays in the infinitive.

se + verbe

L'image s'affiche.

lee-MAHZH sah-FEESH

The image is displayed.

The pronominal verb « s'afficher » can describe something appearing or being displayed without naming an agent.

French Vocabulary

arrivée noun
ah-ree-VAY arrival

avant l'arrivée des clients

clients noun
klee-AHN clients
connecter verb
koh-nek-TAY to connect
d'abord adv
duh-BOR first
étirée adj
ay-tee-RAY stretched
image noun
ee-MAHZH image
matériel noun
ma-tay-ree-EL equipment

le matériel de présentation

ordinateur portable noun
lor-dee-na-TUR por-TAH-bluh laptop
projecteur noun
pro-zhek-TUR projector
s'affiche verb
sah-FEESH is displayed
semble verb
sahmbl seems
vérifier verb
vay-ree-fee-AY to check

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

clients

Show Answerclients

projector

Show Answerprojecteur

to connect

Show Answerconnecter

to check

Show Answervérifier