Pitch Like a K-CEO: Master Your Presentation Opening

Hello! Welcome to Daily Hangul, here to level up your Korean skills!

Ever found yourself needing to give a formal presentation in a Korean workplace or academic setting? It can be daunting, but nailing the introduction is half the battle! Today, we’re going to learn how to clearly and professionally state the purpose and goals of your presentation.

And here’s a fun fact: lately in Korea, especially in the buzzing startup and creative scenes, there’s a huge trend towards “storytelling” pitches. It’s not just about data anymore; it’s about creating a compelling narrative from the very beginning. With the phrases we learn today, you’ll be able to open your presentation with the confidence and vision of a K-drama CEO!

Key Expressions to Open Your Presentation

Here are some essential phrases to state your objectives with clarity and impact.

1. ~고자 합니다 (~goja hamnida)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: ~go-ja ham-ni-da
• English Meaning: “I intend to…” / “The purpose is to…”
• Detailed Description: This is a very formal and classic grammar pattern used to express one’s intention or purpose. It’s perfect for the opening slide of a presentation where you state what you plan to achieve or explain. It adds a layer of professionalism and seriousness to your statement.
  • Example: 오늘 이 자리에서 저희 회사의 새로운 비전을 공유하고자 합니다. (Today, in this venue, I intend to share our company’s new vision.)

2. ~을/를 목표로 하고 있습니다 (~eul/reul mokpyoro hago itseumnida)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: ~eul/reul mok-pyo-ro ha-go it-seum-ni-da
• English Meaning: “We are aiming for…” / “Our goal is…”
• Detailed Description: This phrase is fantastic for stating specific, measurable goals. 목표 (mokpyo) means ‘goal’ or ‘target’. Using this expression shows that you have a clear and concrete objective in mind. It’s commonly used when discussing sales targets, project milestones, or marketing campaign goals.
  • Example: 저희는 이번 분기 매출 10% 신장을 목표로 하고 있습니다. (We are aiming for a 10% increase in sales this quarter.)

3. ~에 대해 발표하겠습니다 (~e daehae balpyohagetsseumnida)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: ~e dae-hae bal-pyo-ha-get-seum-ni-da
• English Meaning: “I will be presenting about…” / “I will now present on the topic of…”
• Detailed Description: This is the most direct and standard way to announce the topic of your presentation. 발표하다 (balpyohada) means ‘to present’. It’s a polite and clear phrase that smoothly transitions from your greeting to the main content.
  • Example: 지금부터 2024년 마케팅 전략에 대해 발표하겠습니다. (From now, I will be presenting about the 2024 marketing strategy.)

4. ~에 의의를 두고 있습니다 (~e uireul dugo itseumnida)

• Pronunciation [Romanization]: ~e ui-ui-reul du-go it-seum-ni-da
• English Meaning: “We place significance on…” / “The significance lies in…”
• Detailed Description: This is a more advanced and nuanced expression, perfect for a C1 learner like you! 의의 (uiui) means ‘significance’ or ‘meaning’. You use this phrase to explain the deeper importance or value of your project, beyond just the surface-level goals. It shows you have a grand vision and makes your presentation much more persuasive.
  • Example: 이번 프로젝트는 단순한 제품 출시가 아니라, 지속 가능한 미래를 만드는 데에 의의를 두고 있습니다. (This project’s significance lies not just in a simple product launch, but in creating a sustainable future.)

Example Dialogue

Let’s see these expressions in action! Imagine a team meeting at a cutting-edge tech company in Pangyo (Korea’s Silicon Valley) that is developing a new AI service.

• 팀장 (Team Leader): 김 대리님, 다음 주 투자자 미팅 발표 준비는 잘 되어가나요? 발표의 핵심 목표가 무엇이죠? (Mr. Kim, how are the preparations for next week’s investor meeting presentation coming along? What is the core objective of the presentation?)
• 김 대리 (Assistant Manager Kim): 네, 팀장님. 저는 이번 발표를 통해 저희 AI 기술의 혁신성을 명확히 보여주는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. (Yes, Team Leader. I am aiming to clearly demonstrate the innovativeness of our AI technology through this presentation.)
• 팀장 (Team Leader): 좋습니다. 구체적으로 어떤 점을 강조할 계획인가요? (Excellent. What specific points do you plan to emphasize?)
• 김 대리 (Assistant Manager Kim): 저희는 기술력을 넘어, 이 기술이 어떻게 사회 문제를 해결할 수 있는지 그 가능성을 제시하는 데에 의의를 두고 있습니다. 이 점을 강조하여 투자자들의 공감을 얻고자 합니다. (Beyond our technical skills, we place significance on presenting the potential of how this technology can solve social issues. I intend to gain the investors’ empathy by emphasizing this point.)

Cultural Tip & Trend Analysis: The Power of ‘세계관 (Segyegwan)’ in Business

You might have heard the word 세계관 (segyegwan), meaning “worldview” or “universe,” in the context of K-pop groups like BTS or aespa. They build intricate stories and universes around their music.

Interestingly, this concept of building a compelling narrative is now a major trend in the Korean business world! A successful pitch isn’t just a list of features; it’s a story. When you use a phrase like ~에 의의를 두고 있습니다 (we place significance on…), you are tapping into this trend. You’re building your company’s or project’s ‘segyegwan’. You’re explaining the “why” behind your work, which shows deep strategic thinking and resonates powerfully with Korean audiences, from venture capitalists to potential customers.

Let’s Practice!

Ready to solidify what you’ve learned?

1. Fill in the blank: You are presenting a new mobile app designed to help users learn Korean. You want to say, “The purpose of this presentation is to introduce our new app.”
   • 이번 발표는 저희의 새로운 앱을 소개하(introduce) _______ ________.
   • (Hint: Use the ~고자 합니다 form.)
2. Make a sentence: Your team’s goal is to “secure 10,000 new users within the first month” (첫 달 안에 만 명의 신규 유저를 확보하다). How would you state this goal formally?
   • (Hint: Use the ~을/를 목표로 하고 있습니다 pattern.)

Great job today! You’re now equipped to start any professional presentation with confidence and style.

Why not try creating your own opening sentence using one of today’s phrases? Share it in the comments below!