Preparing a Talk in Spanish
Prepare and rehearse a presentation, sort out the logistics and calm your nerves in Spanish.
Talks at Spanish conferences and companies usually come with a fixed slot and a turno de preguntas, and the organisers run the slides from their own ordenador. Friends will happily rehearse with you and give blunt feedback. The cards follow someone preparing a conference talk in Seville: venting nerves, a call with the organiser, and a rehearsal at home.

- 1
La semana que viene tengo una presentación.
I've got a presentation next week.
- 2
¿Cuánto tiempo tengo exactamente?
How long do I have exactly?
- 3
Te lo juro, estoy hecho un flan.
I swear, I'm a nervous wreck.
- 4
Tengo veinte minutos más el turno de preguntas.
I've got twenty minutes plus questions.
- 5
¿Me escuchas mientras lo ensayo?
Will you listen while I rehearse it?
- 6
Es que no sé ni por dónde empezar.
I don't even know where to start.
- 7
Empieza con una anécdota.
Start with a little story.
- 8
Y no te pongas a leer las diapositivas.
And don't just read off the slides.
- 9
Habla más despacio.
Speak more slowly.
- 10
Sé breve y ve al grano.
Keep it short and get to the point.
- 11
Siempre me paso de tiempo.
I always go over time.
- 12
Venga, yo te cronometro.
Go on, I'll time you.
- 13
Esa parte ha quedado muy clara.
That part came out really clear.
- 14
Al final vas muy deprisa.
You rush the ending.
- 15
¿Habrá proyector en la sala?
Will there be a projector in the room?
- 16
¿Puedo conectar mi portátil?
Can I plug in my laptop?
- 17
Te paso la presentación antes, por si acaso.
I'll send you the presentation beforehand, just in case.
- 18
Ah, ¿y tenéis un pasador para las diapositivas?
Oh, and do you have a clicker for the slides?
- 19
Imagínate al público en pijama.
Picture the audience in their pyjamas.
- 20
Seguro que lo bordas.
I'm sure you'll nail it.