SL AO7 — Presentation Skills in a Formal Setting

AO7 assesses whether you can deliver a prepared formal presentation effectively to an audience. It covers the preparation, delivery and organisation of your talk.

What AO7 looks for

At Distinction level: The presentation is confident and engaging. The speaker has clearly prepared thoroughly. The argument or content is logically structured and sequenced. The speaker makes eye contact, varies their tone and pace, and adapts to the audience's responses. Language is consistently formal and appropriate.

At Merit level: The presentation is clear and organised. The speaker is mostly confident. Structure is evident. Language is mostly formal and appropriate.

At Pass level: The speaker communicates their points, though delivery may be hesitant. There is a basic structure. Register is largely appropriate.

Key presentation skills

Delivery:

• Speak clearly and at a pace the audience can follow
• Vary your tone, pitch and pace — monotone delivery is disengaging
• Make regular eye contact with different parts of the audience
• Use pauses for emphasis at key points
• Minimise filler words ("um," "er," "like") — pause instead

Organisation:

• Introduce your topic and signal your structure at the start ("I'm going to argue that...")
• Use signposting language: "Firstly,"; "My second point is..."; "To conclude..."
• Each main point should be developed — not just stated
• A clear conclusion that returns to the main argument

Preparation:

• Use cue cards with key words, not a full script — this keeps delivery natural
• Practise multiple times before the day — ideally in front of a mirror or a friend
• Know the content well enough to maintain eye contact

Formal setting conventions

"Formal setting" means:

• Addressing the audience appropriately: "Good morning/afternoon" — not "Hey guys"
• Using Standard English throughout (connects to AO9)
• Treating the audience as a respected group — not casual, not overly intimate

Exam tip

Think of this as a chance to demonstrate skills the written papers cannot assess — voice, confidence, spontaneity. A great Spoken Language performance is memorable and achievable with practice.