Present Like a Pro: How to Use Notes in Korean Without Losing Your Audience

Present Like a Pro: How to Use Notes in Korean Without Losing Your Audience

Hello! Welcome back to [Maeil Hangeul], your go-to source for leveling up your Korean skills!

Today, we’re tackling a challenge that even advanced learners face: delivering a formal presentation. Specifically, how do you use your notes without breaking the flow and losing that crucial connection with your Korean audience?

These days in Korea, especially in the fast-paced business and tech worlds, a polished and confident presentation (발표) is everything. You’ve done the hard work and prepared your material, but how do you refer to your notes gracefully? Let’s learn some key phrases that will make you look prepared, not lost!

Core Expressions for a Flawless Flow

Here are three essential phrases to keep in your back pocket. They act as “bridge phrases” that allow you to check your notes while keeping your audience engaged.

1. 잠시 제 노트를 확인하겠습니다. (Jamsi je noteu-reul hwa-gin-ha-ge-sseum-ni-da.)

• Pronunciation: [Jamsi je noteureul hwaginagesseumnida]
• English Meaning: “I will briefly check my notes.”
• Detailed Explanation: This is the most direct and professional way to signal that you need a moment. Using this phrase is a sign of confidence and thoroughness. It shows your audience that you care about providing accurate information, rather than suggesting you’ve forgotten your lines. It’s a polite and transparent way to manage the moment.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: Notice the smooth connection in 확인하겠습니다 [hwaginagesseumnida]. The final consonant ㄴ (n) from 확인 links with the next syllable 하, and the ㄱ (g) from 겠 also links smoothly. Practice saying it as one continuous, fluid sound rather than separate words.

2. 이 부분에 대해서는 조금 더 자세히 설명드리겠습니다. (I bu-bun-e dae-hae-seo-neun jo-geum deo ja-se-hi seol-myeong-deu-ri-ge-sseum-ni-da.)

• Pronunciation: [I bubune daehaeseoneun jogeum deo jasehi seolmyeongdeurigesseumnida]
• English Meaning: “Allow me to explain this part in a bit more detail.”
• Detailed Explanation: This is the perfect phrase to use after you’ve glanced at your notes. It masterfully transitions you back to your presentation. By using it, you frame your pause not as a moment of forgetfulness, but as a deliberate step to gather more detailed information for the audience’s benefit. The verb 드리다 (a humble form of 주다) adds a layer of politeness and respect.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: The word 자세히 is pronounced [jasehi]. The ㅎ (h) sound between two vowels is often very soft and breathy, almost silent. Don’t pronounce it as a hard ‘h’. Think of it as a gentle exhale connecting 세 and 히.

3. 지금부터는 [주제]에 대해 중점적으로 살펴보겠습니다. (Ji-geum-bu-teo-neun [ju-je]-e dae-hae jung-jeom-jeo-geu-ro sal-pyeo-bo-ge-sseum-ni-da.)

• Pronunciation: [Jigeumbuteoneun [juje]e daehae jungjeomjeogeuro salpyeobogesseumnida]
• English Meaning: “From this point on, we will focus on [topic].”
• Detailed Explanation: This is a powerful phrase for signposting and structuring your presentation. Use it when you are moving to a new major section, especially after checking your notes for the agenda. The adverb 중점적으로 (jungjeomjeogeuro), meaning “with a focus on” or “concentrating on,” elevates your language and shows you have a clear, analytical structure.
• 💡 Pronunciation Tip: The magic of linking sounds (연음) happens in 중점적으로 [jungjeomjeogeuro]. The final ㄱ (k/g) sound of 적 moves over to the next syllable, which starts with a vowel 으. So, instead of jeok-eu-ro, it becomes the much smoother [jeo-geu-ro]. This is a key feature of fluent Korean!

Example Dialogue in a Meeting

Let’s see how these phrases work in a real-world business presentation about a new marketing campaign.

• A (Presenter): …이상으로 지난 분기의 소셜 미디어 성과 분석을 마치겠습니다. 다음은 저희의 새로운 캠페인 전략입니다. (Looks down at their notes for a second) 잠시 제 노트를 확인하겠습니다.
  (…This concludes the analysis of last quarter’s social media performance. Next is our new campaign strategy. (Looks down at their notes for a second) I will briefly check my notes.)

• A (Presenter): 네, 이번 캠페인의 핵심 타겟층에 대한 부분인데요. 이 부분에 대해서는 조금 더 자세히 설명드리겠습니다. 저희는 20대 초반의 Z세대를 주요 고객으로 설정했습니다. 그 이유는…
  (Okay, this is about the core target audience for this campaign. Allow me to explain this part in a bit more detail. We have set Gen Z in their early 20s as our main target. The reason for this is…)

• A (Presenter): (After explaining the target audience) 지금부터는 구체적인 실행 방안에 대해 중점적으로 살펴보겠습니다.
  ((After explaining the target audience) From this point on, we will focus on the specific action plans.)

Culture Tip: Preparation is Professionalism

In Korean work culture (직장 문화), thorough preparation (철저한 준비) is highly valued. Using notes during a presentation isn’t seen as a weakness. On the contrary, it can be perceived as a sign of diligence and respect for the audience.

• Data is King: When presenting numbers, statistics, or specific data points, referring to your notes to ensure 100% accuracy is considered highly professional. It shows you are meticulous.
• Respect for Time: A well-structured presentation that follows a clear path (aided by your notes) shows that you respect the audience’s time. Getting lost or rambling is seen as far less professional than taking a brief, well-managed pause to consult your notes.
• The Power of the PT: In many major Korean companies, the presentation, often called “PT” (from the English word), is a critical part of the decision-making process. Being able to deliver a logical, data-driven, and confident PT is a key skill, and using these phrases will make you sound like a seasoned professional.

Let’s Practice!

Ready to test your knowledge?

1. Fill in the Blank: You’ve just finished explaining a complex graph and want to transition back smoothly after checking a specific number.
   • “이 수치에 대한 __________________________________.“
   • (Hint: Use the phrase for explaining in more detail.)
2. Make a Sentence: Imagine you are about to start the most important part of your presentation. How would you signal this shift in focus to your audience?
   • (Hint: Use the phrase with 중점적으로.)

You’re now equipped with the tools to handle your notes like a pro in any Korean presentation. Don’t be afraid to pause and collect your thoughts—just do it with confidence and the right language!

Try making your own sentences with today’s expressions in the comments below! Good luck