ESL Podcast 170 - Questions and Answers at a Presentation

outside firm - a company that is not part of your company or organization

I don't think we have the knowledge and experience to do this project ourselves. Let's hire an outside firm.

to set up - to arrange or prepare; to make ready to use

Could you come over a little early to help set up for the luncheon?

to keep track of - to follow; to be able to see the progress of something over time

There are so many kids in this class that it's hard to keep track of their progress.

afterwards - the time after an event or action

We went to the football game, and then, to dinner afterwards.

in a nutshell - a summary; the most important point or idea

He talked a lot but, in a nutshell, he didn't like the proposal and wants us to start again.

From your description, it sounds like... - From what you say, it appears that...

From your description, it sounds like the two of them got along very well on the trip.

Can you speak to that? - Can you talk about that?; usually used when asking a question of someone who is giving a presentation

Some people think that the plan is too expensive. Can you speak to that?

I understand your concern, but actually... - I hear what you are saying, but the real situation is different; a polite way of telling someone that you understand their ideas, but that they are wrong

Doctor, I understand your concern, but actually, I feel fine and I want to go back to work next week.

on a daily basis - every day

I check my email on a daily basis and can respond quickly to any questions.

My biggest concern is - what concerns or worries me the most is

My biggest concern is whether the new suppliers can meet the deadline.

to access - to get into; to enter

The front door is locked. Can I get access to this building any other way?

How does this affect...? - What change, difference, or influence will this have on...?

My girlfriend is moving to Dallas for her work. I asked her, "How does this affect our relationship?"

That's a good question. - You are asking something important or interesting

My girlfriend said, "That's a good question. I'm not sure how my move to Dallas will affect our relationship."

key - very important or the most important

The key reason my application was rejected is that I didn't include all of the information they asked for.

his or her - used when you don't know if the person being referred to is a man or a woman; sometimes also "they" or "their" is used

Each musician has his or her own talents.

if there are no other questions... - a way to end a presentation at which you have been answering questions; it tells your audience that you are now going to end your presentation

If there are no other questions, we can move on to the next part of our tour.