Discourse Markers (Spoken)

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

What separates the prepared performer from the merely talented one is rarely the material itself. In other words, both may know the same repertoire. That said, the difference lies in what happens in the seconds before the music begins.

Grammar Reference · Discourse Markers (Spoken)

Framing a contrast

That said, confidence alone rarely convinces a panel. — acknowledges previous point, then pivots

Summarising

In other words, preparation is the performance itself. — restates for clarity

Signalling importance

What matters here is the quality of stillness before the first note. — foregrounds the key idea

Common error

In other words ✓ — not in another words ✗ — fixed singular form

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Discourse Markers (Spoken)

1., the candidate had strong qualifications, but her delivery lacked conviction.

2., the first eight seconds are more important than the first eight minutes.

3. here is not what you say, but how you enter the room.

4.She had practised the presentation daily. , she still felt the familiar tension before she began.

5., a great audition is simply a rehearsal that an audience happens to witness.

6. separates elite performers from the rest is rarely talent — it is the quality of their preparation.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.Preparation is the most important thing.

2.She was well prepared, but she still seemed nervous.

3.Basically, the audience trusts you or they don't within seconds.

4.The walk to the stage is the most telling moment.

5.He spoke well. However, his eye contact was poor.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Discourse Markers (Spoken)01classplan.ai