When English as a foreign language (EFL) learners conduct an English for academic purposes (EAP) presentation they often encounter various issues. Many researchers state that one such issue is the possibility that the presentation might result in the audience becoming bored and it could be challenging for presenters to gain more attentive viewing. For example, some argue that many presentations are conducted by PowerPoint (PPT) and boredom becomes a distinct possibility for viewers when some presenters just read from the slides and not do much else.

This presentation shows research arguing and in support of what is referred to in numerous ways as attention/engagement/interest-drawers/getters/grabbers/hooks/triggers being used extensively in EAP presentations to stimulate interest. Examples of this are comedic utterances, hypophora, metaphors, rhetorical questions, similes, video clips, visual illustrations, well-known quotations and word stressing amongst others. Three examples of presenting by an EFL student, an EFL teacher and footage in a well-known English movie will be shown, showcasing the usage of a variety of “attention-getters”, the term used in this talk where presenters attempt to gain more attentive viewing in their presentations. However, it is suggested that certain useful attention-getters were perhaps omitted from these three examples and it is argued that more could have possibly been utilized for a more effective presentation.

Authors:
Dan Burge, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Dan Burge is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University in Hong Kong

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