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Mastering Japanese Presentation Phrases: How to Impress Your Audience

Have you ever needed to give a presentation in Japanese and felt a bit overwhelmed with the language and cultural nuances? Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or simply someone interested in sharing ideas in Japanese, mastering presentation phrases is essential. In this blog, we’ll guide you through some useful Japanese presentation phrases to help you deliver a successful and engaging presentation.

A Quick Jump To…

Introduction, transition phrases, providing data and evidence, expressing agreement and disagreement, concluding your presentation, handling questions, kind reminders: cultural considerations.

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A well-crafted introduction sets the stage for a successful presentation. Here are some Japanese phrases to get you started:

• こんにちは、皆さん (Kon’nichiwa, minasan) – Hello, everyone.
• 私は[Your Name]と申します (Watashi wa [Your name] tomōshimasu) – I am [Your Name].
• このプレゼンテーションでは… (Kono purezenteeshon de wa…) – In this presentation…
• 最初に (Saisho ni) – First of all.
• まず、[Topic]について話しします (Mazu, [Topic] ni tsuite hanashishimasu) – First, I will talk about [Topic].

Smooth transitions are essential to keep your audience engaged. Here are some phrases to help you transition from one point to another:

• 次に移ります (Tsugi ni utsurimasu) – Let’s move on to the next point.
• それでは、[Next Point]について話しましょう (Soredewa, [Next Point] ni tsuite hanashimashou) – Now, let’s talk about [Next Point].
• この点に関して (Kono ten ni kanshite) – Regarding this point.

To support your claims and arguments, it’s crucial to present data and evidence effectively. Use these phrases:

• データにより(Dēta ni yori) – According to the data.
• これにより、[Your Point]が明らかになります (Kore ni yori, [Your Point] ga akiraka ni narimasu) – This makes it clear that [Your Point].
• 例を挙げましょう (Rei o agemashou) – Let’s give an example.
• これは統計的に示されています (Kore wa tōkei-teki ni shimesa rete imasu) – This is statistically demonstrated.

In discussions and presentations, you may need to agree or disagree with other points. Here are some phrases for these situations:

• 私は[Your Opinion]に賛成です (Watashi wa [Your Opinion] ni sanseidesu) – I agree with [Your Opinion].
• 私は[Opposite Opinion]とは異なります (Watashi wa [Opposite Opinion] to wa kotonarimasu) – I disagree with [Opposite Opinion].
• [Name]さんの意見と同じです ([Name]-san no iken to onajidesu) – I agree with [Name]’s opinion.

A strong conclusion is vital to leave a lasting impression. Try these phrases:

• 最後に、まとめますと (Saigo ni, matomemasuto) – In conclusion, to sum up.
• 皆さん、なにか質問がございますか (Minasan, nanika shitsumon ga gozaimasu ka) – Does anyone have any questions?

Prepare for questions and engage with your audience effectively:

• はい、どんな質問でも結構です (Hai, don’na shitsumon demo kekkōdesu) – Yes, I’ll take any questions.
• 非常に大事な質問ですね (Hijō ni daijina shitsumondesu ne) – That’s a very important question.

Understanding Japanese cultural nuances can enhance your presentation:

• 謙譲語を使用する (Kensetsu o shiyō suru) – Use humble language.
• 直接的な表現を避ける (Chokusetsutekina hyōgen o yokeru) – Avoid direct expressions.
• 敬語を使う (Keigo o tsukau) – Use respectful language.

Incorporate these Japanese presentation phrases into your next speech to impress your audience and effectively convey your message. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to rehearse your presentation in Japanese to boost your confidence. Good luck with your future presentations!

Remember, language learning is an ongoing journey, so keep practicing and exploring new phrases to become a proficient presenter in Japanese. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. がんばって (Ganbatte) – Do your best!

Having Trouble Pronouncing The Phrases? Check this out.

The phrases we learned today.

Here are our flashcards that include all the Japanese presentation phrases covered in this blog. Go check it out!

You Might Be Wondering…

Are there specific cultural nuances in japanese presentations that aren't covered in the guide.

Yes, there are several cultural nuances to be aware of in Japanese presentations. For example, it’s important to use respectful language (keigo) when addressing superiors or clients. Additionally, indirect and modest language is often preferred, and avoiding direct expressions can be seen as more polite.

What are some common challenges non-native speakers face when giving presentations in Japanese, and how can they overcome them?

Non-native speakers may face challenges with pronunciation, fluency, and understanding of cultural nuances. To overcome these challenges, it’s crucial to practice speaking, seek feedback, and immerse oneself in the language and culture. Taking language courses and working with a language coach can also be beneficial.

Could you offer tips for incorporating visual aids effectively into a Japanese presentation?

When using visual aids in a Japanese presentation, keep them simple and uncluttered. Use visuals to complement your spoken words, not replace them. Ensure that any text on slides is in Japanese, and provide context for any images or charts. Rehearse your presentation with the visuals to ensure smooth integration.

How important are body language and non-verbal communication in Japanese presentations?

Body language and non-verbal communication are highly important in Japanese presentations. Maintaining good eye contact, bowing as a sign of respect, and using appropriate gestures can enhance your communication. Be aware of your posture and facial expressions to convey sincerity and attentiveness.

What are some advanced-level presentation phrases for those looking to take their Japanese presentation skills to the next level?

Advanced presenters can incorporate more complex language structures and idiomatic expressions. They may also use rhetorical devices and storytelling techniques to engage the audience. Additionally, mastering advanced-level phrases for agreement, disagreement, and persuasion is beneficial in conveying a more nuanced message in Japanese presentations.

Test your Japanese level!

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How to Prepare for a Business Presentation in Japanese

5月 11, 2021

In japanese, コメントはまだありません.

You just started your job in Japan, and it’s time for your first presentation – all in Japanese. Even if you don’t have trouble speaking in front of people in general or have had some practice, this can be quite a challenge. In this article, we give you some tips for acing your presentations right off the bat.

Presentation structure and style

For structure and style, presentation rules and guidelines are virtually the same as outside of Japan – there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

A structure for a presentation is called 構成 こうせい in Japanese. There are multiple ways for structuring a presentation, such as…

• – Introduction – Main Part – Conclusion ( 序論 じょろん ・ 本論 ほんろん ・ 結論 けつろん )
• – PREP (Point 結論 けつろん – Reason 理由 りゆう – Example 例 れい ) – Point 結論 けつろん )
• – DESC (Describe 説明 せつめい – Express 表現 ひょうげん – Suggest 提案 ていあん – Consequence 結果 けっか )

Pick a structure that suits your topic and go from there. In business settings, it’s common to start with the conclusion ( 結論 けつろん ファースト), PREP style.

As for style, keep to the basics. Don’t put too much text on the slides, add graphs and pictures to visualize information, use color sparingly and with purpose … you know the drill.

Making your presentation “Japan-proof”

Aside from the universal basics, there are some points where you have to provide for cultural differences. Here are our tips.

Check with a native Japanese beforehand

The last thing you want to do is miss the topic or point of your presentation. To eliminate the risks of miscommunication, check with a Japanese senpai or your boss beforehand (ideally, the person will also be attending the meeting and is “in the know”).

Show them the structure of your presentation and explain what you want to talk about. If you’ve already made some slides, you can also ask them to do a quick Japanese check (non-standard expressions, typos). I recommend this even for people who are confident in their Japanese ability! When I got my first job in Japan, I had already passed N1 but still managed to botch some presentations because of bad preparation and lack of checks.

When you’re still new and don’t really know your co-workers, it can be hard to work up the courage to ask for advice. But there’s no need to be afraid. Most companies that hire foreigners are aware of the language barrier and are willing to assist. If you’ve entered the company as a fresh graduate (新卒), the company fully expects you to not know stuff. In your first and second year, asking for help frequently is likely to leave a positive impression than a negative one.

Make it easier for people to ask questions

Japanese people tend to be less aggressive with feedback and questioning. If you just end your presentation with “any questions?”, you run the risk of filling the room with awkward silence. To prevent this, transition into the Q&A section in a way that lowers the hurdle for asking questions. For example…

Keep your humor subtle

A typical “western” thing to do is trying to brighten up the mood and “break the ice” with some jokes. When you’re holding a presentation in Japanese, you want to be careful with this. Japanese office and business culture is rather formal, certainly more so than that of English-speaking countries.

It’s still OK to use some humor here and there. That being said, it’s best to keep it subtle and use it even more sparingly than you would when holding a presentation in English. My personal recommendation is some light Japanese wordplay, no more than 1-2 times per presentation. It lightens up the mood and is an easy way to rouse interest (“did that foreigner just make a joke in Japanese?”).

Vocabulary for your presentation

Just like with presentations anywhere else in the world, your focus should be on delivering information in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. When in doubt, fall back on general-purpose Teineigo (です・ます-Forms) instead of twisting your tongue with Keigo monstrosities.

Below, you can find some vocabulary and phrases commonly used in presentations.

Improving step by step

I still remember the uneasiness and sweat running down my neck that I felt during my first few “professional” presentations. Preparation is important, but in the end, it’s completely natural to stumble a bit at first. Your Japanese coworkers won’t expect a perfect performance on the first try. Keep asking for advice and learn from your mistakes, and before long presenting something in Japanese will become a routine task.

If you don’t like being thrown into cold water, you can train your presentation skills at a language school. Linguage Japanese Language School specializes in Japanese language education for people whose goal is to work in Japan. Located in central Shinjuku, it’s the ideal place to prepare for work in Japan. For more info, check out our feature article or click the button below to visit the school’s official website.

Linguage Japanese Language School

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My love for ninjas and interest in Chinese characters (kanji) were what first made me come to Japan, as a high school student. Over ten years and many visits later, I’ve found a job here and have chosen it as my new home.

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Translation of presentation – English–Japanese dictionary

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(Translation of presentation from the Cambridge English–Japanese Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Translation of presentation | GLOBAL English–Japanese Dictionary

(Translation of presentation from the GLOBAL English-Japanese Dictionary © 2022 K Dictionaries Ltd)

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Presentations: useful phrases in japanese learn how to introduce yourself in japanese.

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4 de June de 2024

HOW TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN JAPANESE AND WHAT IS JIKOSHOKAI

Self-presentation in japanese, what to do if they ask you your name in japanese or start introducing themselves to you, how to use honorifics in japanese | introduce yourself in japanese, how to say your nationality in japanese, my country in japanese | introduce yourself in japanese, how to say your profession or job in japanese, professions in japanese, professions in japanese, summary table with professions in japanese, how to say your hobbies in japanese, interactive exercises japanese hobbies, japanese presentation review: examples.

We are going to try to put the most common and essential Japanese phrases for introduce yourself in japanese, whether you are studying there or if you are traveling to Japan for a few days, they will be useful (with examples).

In Japan, the set of greetings is called  jikoshokai  (自己紹介)

First of all, there are some things that you have to know and respect systematically whenever you are introduced to someone, it is difficult to get used to for someone who is not from there, especially if you are affectionate:

• Avoid all physical contact with the person we are introduced to: no handshakes, kisses or hugs.
• To make a nod of the head to greet the interlocutor.
• Say hajimemashite (delighted) to start the conversation.
• Responding “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (“I place myself in your hands”) after an oral exchange.
• Slightly bow your head to excuse yourself and say sumimasen .

*It can be produced in several ways: Introducing yourself or someone asking your name. Let’s look at the two examples:

• Hajimemashite (はじめまして) , could be translated as enchanted, although it is not literal. The most literal translation of the term hajimemashite would be beginning , as it comes from the verb hajimeru which means to begin .

When this word is pronounced, the head should be lowered slightly.

• Watashi wa…. here your name…….. desu ( 私は… here your name….です ) the pronoun watashi 私 should be written in Kanji, especially if it is a formal letter, although if you are a foreigner and don’t know much, the Japanese don’t mind if we write everything in hiragana.

TO SAY YOUR NAME IN JAPANESE YOU MUST SAY IT IN JAPANESE MODE , AND IF YOU WANT TO WRITE IT USE KATAKANA, SEE THIS ARTICLE.

• Yoroshiku onegai shimasu» (よろしくおねがいします) It is not possible to translate this phrase into English, but this expression is generic and can be used on numerous occasions.

For example, before starting a business meeting in a company: in this case, the expression would be used to thank the audience for their attendance, the people who participate, etc.

• o namae wa nan desu ka (おなまえはなんですか) , What is your name?, they use it to ask for your name, but you can also use it to ask for theirs.
• kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu (こちらこそよろしくお願いします) , the person who has started the conversation will say yoroshiku onegaishimasu, and you should reply with this phrase of kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu, (something like equally) with this, you express the reciprocity of feelings when meeting someone, and express the wish for more encounters.

Regarding titles to address other people, and not to introduce oneself , in Japanese there are several:

• San : When you want to be respectful
• Sama : used in formal situations (letters, e-mails to an important person, etc.)
• Kun : is used in manager-employee relationships for people who know each other well.
• Chan : is used for children.
• Sensei : is used for qualified professions, such as teacher, lawyer, doctor, etc.

BEST TO CHECK OUT THIS EXTENSIVE ARTICLE ON JAPANESE HONORIFICS TO FIND OUT ALL ABOUT THEM.

After calling someone by their surname, it is necessary to add the locution san. This is because in Japanese culture, it is rude to call someone only by their last name, even if you are a foreigner.

Well now that you know how to start a conversation ( Hajimemashite ), end it by thanking the speaker (“yoroshiku onegaishimasu”) and say your first and last name, now let’s learn expressions of other topics. You can learn how to say where you live, your nationality, your profession, your age, your hobbies, etc.

In my case, I am Spanish so it would be:

• ( Watashi wa Supeinjin desu) 私はスペイン語です (I am Spanish)

1.First, you have to write the name of the country in Japanese. 2.We will add the kanji 人 hito (person). When we refer to nationalities it is read as ”Jin”. 3.Examples of other nationalities 国籍:

• Mexico: メ キ シ コ人 MekishikoJin
• German: ドイツ人  Doitsujin
• American: アメリカ人  Amerikajin
• English: イギリス人  Igirisujin
• Chinese: 中国人  Chūgokujin
• French: フランス語 F uransujin
• Italian: イタリア人  Itariajin

PARA VER TODAS LAS NACIONALIDADES Y PAÍSES EN JAPONÉS PINCHA AQUÍ

• Anata no shigoto wa nanidesu ka あなたの仕事は何ですか what is your job?

• Shumi ha ____ desu(は ____ です) my hobby is

You can also use “Suki desu” + liking. It translates as “I like…”

Examples of hobbies:

• Cinema , えいが , Eiga
• Dance , だんす, Dansu
• Music , おんがく, Ongaku
• Singing , うた, Uta
• Read , どくしょ, Dokusho
• Walk , さんぽ, Sanpo
• The sport , すぽうつ, Supôtsu
• Soccer , さっかあ, Sakkâ
• Ski , すきい, Sukî
• Swimming , すいえい, Suiei
• Gardening , えんげい, Engei
• Video games ビデオゲーム video game (geemu)
• Anime アニメ (anime)

You can add the phrase «私の主な趣味は » («my main interest is…here you put your main hobby…..»).

Hajimemashite.  (Pleased to meet you) Watashi wa Taisu desu.  (I am Thaïs) Watashi wa san jussai desu.  (I am 30 years old) Supein ni sunde imasu.  (I live in Spain) Gakusei desu.  (I am a student) Suki desu anime.  (I like anime) Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.  (It is an honor to meet you).

Konichiwa can be added at the beginning of the presentation to say Hello .

As in some other languages, the form of greeting varies depending on the time of day.

In Japanese, konichiwa means hello , but also good afternoon .

But if it is in the morning, it is better to say ohayô gozaimasu (more polite form) which corresponds to “good morning”, if it is in the afternoon-evening, konbawa means “good night”, but if you are going to go to bed immediately, you will say oyasumi nasai which means in a non-literal way “I’m going to sleep good night”.

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Meetings And Presentations In Japan

Before a meeting with Japanese business partners, you should coordinate an agenda. Do this as early as possible, so that your partners have enough time for nemawashi . (Pronounce: Nemawoshi)

Nemawashi refers to the practice of clarifying all possible questions internally with all persons or groups concerned in advance in order to make more rapid progress in subsequent meetings. The goal is to build consensus. Any necessary conversations take place face to face. The process can therefore take some time. If you do not give your Japanese business partners enough time for nemawashi , you run the risk of upsets and misunderstandings.

Participants

In Japan, meetings are not usually held to make decisions, but only to prepare for them. Adjust your expectations in advance if necessary. Also, it is crucial to talk to business partners on a comparable hierarchical level. If you communicate with Japanese people at a lower hierarchical level than yourself, you will lose respect. So make sure that the partners present at a meeting are at a hierarchical level that is equivalent to yours.

The highest-ranking representative will enter the conference room first, followed by their team. Seating arrangements continue along hierarchical lines. When a foreign delegation visits a Japanese company, both delegations sit opposite each other on the long sides of a conference table. The respective bosses sit in the middle and the other participants will be placed on both sides in descending hierarchical order.

Who is talking?

High-ranking Western company representatives tend to hold meetings actively and talk a lot. High-ranking Japanese, on the other hand, primarily let their subordinates talk and quietly observe the behaviour of the participants during the course of the meeting.

However, at the beginning of an important meeting, the highest-ranking Japanese representative in his role as host will speak some welcoming words or give a short opening speech. The highest-ranking foreign guest should formally reply to the welcoming words in a very short speech.

Introductions

The respective delegation leaders will then introduce their staff in hierarchical order with their names, titles and functions and state the reason for their presence. If necessary, a few additional personal words will be spoken, such as: “He is our best soccer player in the company team.” A more casual introduction by the individual employees themselves is rather inappropriate in Japan.

Conversation style

In Japan, a holistic approach is used in meetings, i.e. agenda points are not necessarily worked through one after the other. If it is difficult to reach an agreement on a topic, people temporarily switch to another, easier negotiating point. After this “cooling off phase,” you can return to where you left off.

Communication In Japan

Inductive presentations.

The Japanese presentation style is inductive, which means that the most important thing comes at the end. Foreign businesspeople, on the other hand, are quite often used to deductive presentations. That is, they expect the core statement right at the beginning. This inductive style of a presentation, therefore, comes across as lengthy and not target-oriented. Even if you get impatient with a Japanese presentation, please do not interrupt.

Japanese audience

If you give a presentation in English in front of a Japanese audience, you should speak slowly and clearly. Avoid terms and in-house terminologies that might not be understood. Be aware that constant polite nodding does not necessarily mean approval, but only that you are being listened to. Also take plenty of time for explanations and subsequent questions.

You should prepare your handouts at least in English. If you want to earn brownie points, you can also create and distribute a Japanese version.

Japanese listeners often talk to each other, e.g. to coordinate their positions internally. It’s best if you just ignore this. The Japanese just believe that foreign interlocutors do not understand the whispering in Japanese and thus do not find it disturbing.

Be prepared that cell phones often ring in meetings and appear to have priority.

It is also not unusual for a Japanese listener to nod off during a meeting with a lot of participants. Don’t get irritated by that! And please: Avoid blowing your nose. If you need to, you better sniff it up than blow your nose in public.

Food breaks and the quality of food are very important in Japan. Meetings are therefore often interrupted for a joint business lunch. For Japanese business partners, sandwiches are not an alternative to lunch in a restaurant or canteen.

Ending a meeting

At the end of a meeting, a high-ranking Japanese person who has held themselves in the background so far will often summarize the contents of the meeting and praise the good cooperation, even if there has been disagreement on some points just before.

Mutual words of appreciation and short closing speeches follow the same pattern as the opening speeches.

A summary of the results at the end of a meeting, preferably in the form of a written memo, provides an opportunity to identify and clarify different views or misunderstandings. Be careful, however, not to list a whole lot of problems or unresolved issues. This will disturb harmony.

Excerpt from Business Culture Japan Compact by Gerd Schneider. Courtesy of Conbook Verlag

Visitors From Japan

Business Meals And After Work In Japan

Negotiations In Japan

Body language In Japan

First Business Meeting In Japan

How to close deals in any foreign market.

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Words for Giving Presentations in Japanese

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73 Basic Japanese Phrases to Survive Your First Conversation With a Native

Whether you’re in the early stages of learning Japanese or you’ve been practicing for a while, the thought of having a conversation with a native speaker can be nerve-wracking. 

I've been there plenty of times too. So I bet your inner monologue is along these lines:

• Will they understand? What if I say something wrong by accident?
• What do I do if I don’t have the vocab to say what I’m thinking?

These thoughts are perfectly normal reactions to doing something scary in Japanese, like chatting to a native speaker.

Thankfully, you can go into your first conversation armed with a ton of useful basic Japanese phrases .

Check out the rest of this article to learn 73 handy turns of phrase that will serve you well in any Japanese conversation or when travelling in Japan. 

These are also great starting points if you’re just jumping into Japanese for the first time. These basic Japanese phrases will be the backbone on which you can build your Japanese knowledge. 

And for a little extra boost to your confidence before you head into a conversation with a native speaker, take a look at this detailed guide to Japanese pronunciation.

By the way, if you want to learn Japanese fast and have fun while doing it, my top recommendation is  Japanese Uncovered  which teaches you through StoryLearning®. 

With  Japanese Uncovered  you’ll use my unique StoryLearning® method to learn Japanese naturally through story… not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective.

If you’re ready to get started,  click here for a 7-day FREE trial.

Anyway, back to our basic Japanese phrases…. let's discover what they are!

8 Must-Know Japanese Greetings

When you meet someone for the first time, you tend to start out with a greeting like “Hello” or pleasantries like “It’s nice to meet you,” right? Japanese is full of simple phrases to start out a conversation.

If you're planning a trip to Japan, then the people you meet at your destination will be thrilled to hear you use these expressions, even if they're the only ones you know:

• #1 Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello
• #2 Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます) – Good morning
• #3 Konbanwa (こんばんは) – Good evening
• #4 Moshi moshi (もしもし) – Hello (but only if you’re on the phone or something like Skype)
• #5 Ogenki desu ka? (お元気ですか) – How are you?
• #6 Genki desu (元気です) – I’m good/I’ve been doing well, thanks
• #7 Ohisashiburi desu ne (お久しぶりですね) – Long time no see
• #8 _______ – san mo? (______-さんも？) – And you? (Hint: fill in the blank with your friend’s name. This is a great response to things like “How are you?” because you can say, “I’m good! And you?”)

5 Ways To Learn More About Your Conversation Partner 

After you’ve greeted your new conversation partner, it’s likely that you’ll need to know more about them. Keep it rolling—you’ve got this.

• #9  Namae wa nan desu ka? (名前は何ですか) – What’s your name?
• #10 Watashi no namae wa _____ desu (私の名前は＿＿です) – My name is ______
• #11 Doko kara kimashita ka? (どこから来ましたか) – Where are you from?
• #12 Watashi wa ______ kara kimashita (私は＿＿から来ました) – I’m from __________.
• #13 Sou desu ka ? (そうですか) – Is that so?/Really?/I see (Hint: this is a great thing to say after learning where someone is from, what they do, or other facts about their life.)

If you want to keep the conversation going and need some more expressions to help you out, check out these 28 Japanese conversation starters .

7 Essential Japanese Politeness Expressions 

You’ve done great so far. You’ve introduced yourself, learned your friend’s name and maybe where they’re from. And now you’re ready to move on to other topics.

But first, try out some of these traditional Japanese politeness phrases so you can apologise, show off your good manners, and be polite at a restaurant before you tuck into a meal.

• #14 Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) – Thank you
• #15 Douitashimashite (どういたしまして) – You’re welcome
• #16 Sumimasen (すみません) – I’m sorry/excuse me (Hint: you can use this for anything from apologising for stumbling into someone on the train to asking for help or asking for people to move out of your way.)
• #17 Gomen nasai (ごめんなさい) – I’m sorry (Hint: didn’t we already cover “I’m sorry”? Gomen nasai is less “excuse me” and more “I’m truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.” Use it if you knocked something over and broke it, not if you interrupted someone’s stroll to ask for directions.)
• #18 Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくおねがいします) – I’m in your debt! (Hint: this one isn’t used in its literal sense most of the time; it’s a way to say “thank you” to someone you are counting on or indebted to. For example, if you're starting out at a new job in Japan, you might introduce yourself and then add this at the end. You might also use it if you’ve asked someone a favour, such as to show you around or give you directions.)
• #19 Itadakimasu (いただきます) – Let’s dig in (Hint: say this before meals as a way to politely say you’re going to begin enjoying your food.)
• #20 Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) – That was delicious (Hint: say this after meals as a way to say thank you.)

For more on Japanese culture, customs and politeness check out this post.

9 Ways To Get Clarification In A Japanese Conversation

You’ve been puttering along in a conversation for a while now! But what happens if everything you feared takes place and you get confused? First, remember not to panic. 

Even in your native language, you probably have to ask people for clarification or to repeat themselves. You won’t offend anyone if you do the same in a foreign language. Memorise these expressions and just take it slow, one sentence at a time.

• #21 Eigo te iu no wa… (英語ていうのは) – And in English, that’s…?
• #22 Wakarimasen (わかりません) – I don’t understand
• #23 Shirimasen (知りません) – I don’t know
• #24 Wasuremashita (忘れました) – I forgot
• #25 Motto yukkuri kudasai (もっとゆっくり下さい) – Please go a little slower
• #26 Mou ichido kudasai (もう一度下さい) – Could you say that one more time?
• #27 Nihongo de perapera de wa nai desu (日本語でペラペラではないです) – I’m not very fluent in Japanese (Hint: you’re speaking Japanese already! So you can’t say “I don’t know Japanese at all,” right?)
• #28 ___ te iu no imi wa nan desu ka ? (＿＿ていうの意味は何ですか) – What does _____ mean?
• #29 Tetsudatte kuremasen ka ? (手伝ってくれませんか) – Can you help me?

6 Can't-Live-Without Japanese Questions

Japanese is one of the easiest languages to ask questions in—so ask away! In order to make a question in Japanese, just add ka to the end of any sentence.

On top of that, though, there are a few question words that will make your conversations go a lot smoother. Plus knowing how to ask questions is essential for travellers in Japan if you need to find your way or get help.  

• #30 Doko desu ka? (どこですか) – Where is it?
• #31 Itsu desu ka? (いつですか) – When is it?
• #32 Doushite? (どうして) – Why?
• #33 Dochira desu ka? (どちらですか) – Which one is it?
• #34 Nan desu ka? (何ですか) – What is it?
• #35 Dare desu ka? (だれですか) – Who is it?

Getting To Know Each Other In Japanese 

Perfect! You’ve been talking with someone for a few minutes now, introducing yourself and asking any questions you need to know. Maybe you’ve found out your speaking partner’s name and you’re walking to a coffee shop together.

Now’s the perfect time to find out more about each other and maybe become friends. Try out some of these phrases to open up a whole new avenue of conversation!

• #36 Ima nanji desu ka? (今何時ですか) – What time is it right now?
• #37 Ima (今) – Now
• #38 Ato de (後で) – Later
• #39 Kyou (今日) – Today
• #40 Kinou (昨日) – Yesterday
• #41 Ashita (明日) – Tomorrow
• #42 Mainichi (毎日) – Everyday
• #43 Nansai desu ka? (何歳ですか) – How old are you?
• #44 Doko ni sundeimasu ka? (どこに住んでいますか) – Where do you live?
• #45 Kyoudai ga imasu ka? (兄弟がいますか) – Do you have siblings?
• #46 Ikura desu ka? (いくらですか) – How much does that cost?
• #47 Kore wa nan desu ka? (これはなんですか) – What is this?
• #48 Sore wa nan desu ka? (それはなんですか) – What is that?
• #49 Are we nan desu ka? (あれはなんですか) – What is that? (Hint: Use “ kore ” when something is close to you, “ sore ” when something is away from you but close to the person you’re speaking to, and “ are ” when something is far away from both of you.)
• #50 Toire wa doko desu ka? (トイレはどこですか) – Where’s the toilet?

11 Answers To Common Japanese Questions

You’ve been learning a lot about your new friend, but now the tables have turned—they’re the one asking you questions! How should you respond to many of the most common questions Japanese native speakers might ask you? Try these answers out.

• #51 Hai (はい) – Yes
• #52 Iie (いいえ) – No
• #53 Mada mada (まだまだ) – Not yet
• #54 Kamoshiremasen (かもしれません) – Maybe/I’m not sure
• #55 Tokidoki (時々) – Sometimes
• #56 Zenzen (全然) – Never
• #57 Itsumo (いつも) – Always
• #58 Taitei (たいてい) – Usually
• #59 Watashi wa _____ desu (私は＿＿です) – I’m a _______ (Hint: you can fill this blank with anything you feel describes you. That might be a “student” ( gakusei ), “tourist” ( kankoukyaku ), or even “doctor” ( isha )!
• #60 Daijoubu desu (大丈夫です) – That’s okay
• #61 Ii desu (いいです) – That’s good

A special note on the difference between daijoubu and ii . If someone is asking you if something is “all right,” daijobu is what fits there (think “We don’t sell that here; can I get you X instead?” to which you’d respond with “yes, that’s all right, I suppose”).

If you approve of something or find it nice, that’s the time for ii (think of your friend saying “Hey, we should go to that sushi place!” and you’re really excited to go there. If your friend suggested sushi but you really wanted ramen instead, that would be a case for just using daijoubu .)

5 Japanese Phrases For Special Occasions

What if you’ve found yourself speaking to a native Japanese person for the first time because you decided to go to a celebration or special event, like a birthday or festival? Here are a few useful phrases for almost any situation you might find yourself in.

• #62 Ki o tsukete (気を付けて) – Be careful (Hint: you might say this to someone going on a trip.)
• #63 Yoku dekimashita (よくできました) – Great job
• #64 Omedetou gozaimasu (おめでとうございます) – Congratulations
• #65 Tanjoubi omedetou (誕生日おめでとう) – Happy birthday
• #66 Kanpai (乾杯) – Cheers (Hint: you should really only go for this one if you actually have a drink of some sort in your hand.)

4 Types Of Japanese Goodbye

You’ve had a lot to talk about, but now the time has come to finish your Japanese conversation. How do you wrap things up?

• #67 Ja (じゃ) – Well (Hint: used in the sense of “well, I guess I’d better get going.”)
• #68 Sayounara (さようなら) – Goodbye (Hint: use only if you don’t plan on seeing them again. This is a more final “goodbye.”)
• #69 Ja, mata (じゃまた) – Well, see you (Hint: this is the much more common “goodbye.”)
• #70 Oyasumi nasai (おやすみなさい) – Good night

By the way, if you're based in Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan, but you're still looking for someone to speak to here are my 4 tips for finding a language partner in Japan. 

3 Japanese Phrases To Use In Emergencies

I can’t wrap up a list of some of the most important phrases in Japanese without making sure you know a few of the words that could come in very handy. If you find yourself in serious trouble, use these phrases to call for help.

• #71 Tasukete! (助けて) – Help me!
• #72 Keisatsu o yonde kudasai! (警察を呼んで下さい) – Please call the police!
• #73 Kyuu kyuusha o yonde kudasai! (救急車を呼んで下さい) – Please call an ambulance!

Hopefully you never have to use these last three. But it’s always a good thing to remember them in case you need them.

Your Next Steps In Japanese

So there you have it: all of the basic Japanese phrases you need to help you discover and start using the Japanese language.

With these phrases in your back pocket, you will soon find yourself having your first basic conversations with native speakers and getting excited about developing your conversational Japanese.

So now that you’ve learned the basics,  are you ready to take the next step in your Japanese adventure?

I'm a big believer in the power of story to enable you to learn a foreign language. That's why I've created Japanese Uncovered , a course that takes you from beginner all the way to an Intermediate level, with my unique StoryLearning® method.

Thanks to StoryLearning®, you learn Japanese naturally through story… not rules. It’s as fun as it is effective.Along the way you'll learn all of the Japanese vocabulary you need for everyday conversations, as well as how to read, write and pronounce Japanese correctly.

If you’re ready to get started,  click here for a 7-day FREE trial.

The Key To Stress-Free Japanese Conversations

If you’ve mastered even a small number of the important Japanese phrases in this article, you’ll be well on your way to holding a solid conversation with any native speaker you might happen to encounter at home or when you travel. 

In language learning, you don't need to re-invent the wheel each time you speak to someone new. Nor do you have to come up with all your answers on the spot.

Try thinking about your answers to some native speaker questions beforehand so you can find the right words (like your age, occupation, and country or language name) to describe yourself!

When you know what to expect, and you've prepared in advance, you'll find that conversations with native speakers go much more smoothly. And most importantly, you'll feel more confident about speaking in Japanese.

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More From Forbes

How to give presentations to an audience from another culture.

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When presenting to an audience from a different cultural background, account for their culture when ... [+] designing and delivering your presentation.

For any presentation or pitch to land effectively, we need to design and deliver it with a good understanding of who our audience is and what they care about. Having great slides, a logical structure and being confident in your delivery won't count for much if you are not talking about things that matter to your audience. Designing and delivering with your audience in mind is a prerequisite for any presentation.

It can always be a challenge to understand the audience, but what if your audience comes from a different culture? How to understand their needs and concerns and take into account how cultural differences play into that?

As we present more and more online and to more diverse groups of colleagues and customers, we need to shift our mindset. We need to know how to design and deliver our presentations to audiences with a different cultural background.

Start With A Mindset Of Openness And Curiosity

Researching our audience helps with any presentation. In addition to the usual areas—audience demographics, needs, hopes, fears, gains and pains—we need to dig deeper into how the audience culture varies from our own.

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There are many frameworks available to understand how countries differ in things like formality, communication style, confrontation or decision-making. Find a framework that works for you and use it to understand your culture and the country you are presenting to. I have found the Culture Map framework developed by Professor Erin Meyer of INSEAD business school to be particularly useful. Meyer's framework breaks cultures down into eight dimensions that can be analyzed and mapped out. It is straightforward and easy to understand, but most importantly, it was created specifically for international business.

Another way to learn more about another culture is to reach out and ask people who have worked with that culture's nationals. This works particularly well when you give a presentation to an internal audience. By asking your local colleagues, you will better learn how to find common ground. While there may be cultural differences, you will also be speaking a shared corporate language around things like company values, mission or customers.

Of course, each audience, whether group or individual, will not precisely mirror the cultural models for their country, but understanding national cultures give us a starting point.

And when understanding another culture, don't focus excessively on differences . Learning what cultural similarities there may be and think about how to build on those similarities in your presentation.

While every culture varies and has its approach, some areas are potential landmines. This is especially true for those who are used to presenting to a North American or English-speaking audience, which has given us some assumptions about the right way to craft and give a presentation.

The following are some areas where I've seen the need to shift my approach to presentation design and delivery, based on the past decade of presenting across cultures and teaching presentation skills to international M.B.A. students. Your approach will vary based on your audience and its culture; these questions will help you get started.

How Does My Presentation Structure Need to Change?

Cultures take differing approaches to persuasion. In some places, like North America, the main idea, conclusions or recommendations are often made first, and then we get into an explanation of reasons and support. We first describe the what/how and then get into the why.

In other cultures, we first need to provide all the data and support before getting to the main point; the why and then what/how. When presenting to a Japanese audience, who generally prefer background and supporting information first, I structure my presentations this way.

In her book The Culture Map , Erin Meyer shares the story of an American engineer who presented to an audience of German executives. She began the presentation by explaining the strategies she would recommend, planning to provide the support later. Right away, the audience started jumping in and asking her to explain her methodology and data, showing skepticism from the start. Then Meyer shares the story of a German whose American audience criticized him for taking too long to get to the main point after spending time giving background. German audiences generally prefer to hear the background first, while Americans generally like to hear the conclusion first.  In both cases, structuring the presentation to match the audience's style would have led to better outcomes.  

The key is to find which approach works best with your audience and structure your presentation accordingly.

What Visuals Will Work, And How Much Is Too Much?

When thinking about the colors, text and images to use in your slides, take a step back and think about who they will be received.

Color has different meanings in different cultures . In North America, we associate red more with danger or passion, but in many parts of East Asia, red is the color of celebration. But there are subtleties here too. Writing someone's name in red in Korea is seen as bad luck and an omen of death. Learn about cultural taboos around color.

Presentations work better with more images and visuals, but there may be cultural subtleties or taboos around how much to use and which are appropriate. As with color, photos may have different concepts associated with them. We may associate an owl with wisdom, but an owl is seen as a creature of darkness in many cultures.

Be careful around the use of funny photos. Very hierarchical or formal cultures may see them as unprofessional. Humor is very contextual, and in cross-cultural communications, it can go very wrong.

Finally, cultures may have different expectations around how busy or sparse a slide should be. Generally, we know that slides should not be packed full of text and graphics, but how much is too much can vary.  In some cultures, a slide with little text but large visuals may be seen as lacking content or look like the designer didn't put enough effort into it. Here in Japan, very busy slides are often the norm because of cultural and linguistic expectations around graphic design . While that leads to some unreadable slideuments , it means the slides you create may need to be denser than usual.

What will you do differently when delivering the presentation?

Once you've designed a presentation that accounts for cultural differences, it's now time to deliver it in a culturally-appropriate manner.

If you're working with a team, start by thinking about who will deliver the presentation. It may not be the subject matter expert; in very hierarchical cultures, the most senior person may be expected to present. This can be more critical when delivering the presentation to someone higher up in the company hierarchy.

Watch your speech. Slow down if the audience includes less-fluent speakers of the language . Avoid using colloquialisms or figures of speech that you might typically use. I once saw a presentation by an American to a Japanese audience that referenced "I want my MTV." Nobody understood that.

When delivering in-person or remotely, watch your level of eye contact and body language. In South Korea, Japan, Germany and other places, prolonged eye contact is seen as aggressive, not as a way to build trust. Excessive body language may come across as overly-emotional in cultures that value restraint.

More broadly, consider how formal or informal to make your delivery, based on the expectations of the culture around hierarchy. Presenting formally may come off as cold to the Dutch or other egalitarian cultures which welcome familiarity.

Do I Need To Adjust The Level Of Interactivity?

Finally, consider how to balance your presentation between dialogue and lecture. Cultures may tend more towards expecting one of these extremes, so there will be variation in where the emphasis lies. When interacting, keep in mind the importance of hierarchy and formality.

Questions are a great way to make a presentation interactive. In addition to how much Q&A is expected, the role of the Q&A session may differ across cultures. In France, Spain, Israel or Russia, a high level of debate and discussion is encouraged. In more hierarchal or consensus-driven corporate cultures, getting a lack of questions or discussion does not indicate a lack of interest in your content. It may reflect a tendency not to rock the boat or appear to disagree publicly. The questions may come later, in a less public environment.

Just as with any audience from your culture, the details will vary, and each situation will be different when presenting across cultures. But by taking the time to understand the culture of your audience, you will deliver a better presentation with better outcomes for you and your audience.

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For Your Japanese Speech; Imitate Great Speakers II

Introduction

*The target readers are those who are going to make a Japanese speech or presentation

This article is a continuation of “ For your Japanese Script; Imitate Great Speakers ”. As we mentioned in the previous article, imitating native speakers is one of the best ways to make your Japanese speech sound as natural as possible. It can be utilized not only for the words you write, but also for when you give your speech to an audience. Thus, I recommend that before you start practicing your Japanese speech with your own words, you should practice reading other ones written by native speakers. It may feel like you are taking many routes to get to the same destination, but by getting a sense of what others have done successfully, in turn you will also become more successful.

The Most Effective Way to Practice Your Japanese Speech

Material for practicing your japanese speech.

You can refer to TED Talks and look for presentations spoken in Japanese via Wasabi, Discussion Practice . If you don’t have a particular preference, I recommend, “ Shimpei Takahashi, Play this game to come up with original ideas ” which we saw as an example in the previous article. This example was chosen for its well designed structure, its availability in multiple languages, and its accessibility. (*you can download the video and the audio file easily). In this article we will proceed with the same example.

Imitate Great Speakers for Your Japanese Speech

I am going to show you an ideal way of practicing, which by you literally imitate the native speaker. It may be tough and take a lot of time, but this method can make your Japanese speech dramatically more colorful, natural and lively. Let’s give it a try.

1. Understand your chosen presentation

Firstly, you are going to read and fully understand the script of your choice for presentation. Since the speech is, of course, being spoken, you may have difficulty completely understanding its entire meaning just by listening to it. If that is the case, you can refer to the translation.

2. Get accustomed to the sound of Japanese

Secondly, you are going to watch the video or listen to the audio file over and over without the script or the translation. You should make the best use of your mobile devices by listening to or watching the speech on the go. Since you have already read and understood the script, you will be able to understand what the speaker says more easily at a natural speed. Continue to watch or listen until you can understand almost everything.

3. Start imitating native speakers

Thirdly, you are going to repeat each sentence. After the speaker says one sentence, please pause the video or the audio file and repeat the sentence in its entirety. Please try at least three times and be conscious of the intonation, accent and pronunciation.

4. Read the script out loud to yourself

Next, you are going to read the script out loud to yourself. I recommend you to do so in imitation of the speaker, that is to say, you should stand up, make gestures and look at your virtual audience.

5. Try shadowing with the video

The origin of the name: shadowing comes from the method of practice by which a learner follows an audio file 2 or 3 seconds later than the actual recording time. Again, please try shadowing in imitation of the speaker as you did in the previous section.

*This is how shadowing works.

The method of practice is the most ideal way to improve your Japanese speech to the best of our knowledge. Needless to say, when you make your Japanese speech or presentation, your audience will be Japanese people. In such a situation, the best way of conveying what you want to say is to speak like native speakers as much as possible. This practice will enable you to acquire that ability.

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For Your Japanese Script, imitate Great Speakers

A Body Language for Your Japanese Speech

Big Key for Your Japanese Speech; 間 (Ma) Timing

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How to give a presentation at work in your non-native language

Giving a presentation in any language can be difficult. But here is how you can speak clearly and confidently—even if you are not fluent.

[Photo: Marcel Schauer/Adobe Stock]

BY  Matt Abrahams 3 minute read

For most of us, presenting confidently and clearly in our native language is hard enough. But communicating in another language is marked by unique challenges and opportunities for growth. 

Fortunately, there are steps that can help speakers feel less anxious, and be more authentic and successful in their communication, even when presenting in their non-native language. 

Here’s how you can give a clear and confident presentation at work—no matter the language. 

Adopt a clarity over perfection mindset

One critical mindset shift for non-native speakers is to focus on getting your point across —rather than trying to sound like a native speaker. Clarity of message should always trump language proficiency. Aiming for perfect pronunciation or mastery of idiomatic expressions can create undue pressure and waste of precious cognitive bandwidth. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot and Speaking Up Without Freaking Out , and the host of Think Fast, Talk Smart ThePodcast .   More

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Giving a presentation to Japanese people?

Successful presentations to Japanese

An American firm had been asked to customize one of its products for a Japanese customer.   A meeting was held where the American firm’s representative, who we will call “Sam Smith”, presented the mockup of the customization.   On the customer side, three Japanese engineers and two of their American colleagues participated.  

Sam gave an energetic, enthusiastic presentation, demonstrating the various bells and whistles that his firm had added to the product.   Rather than using overheads, he gave verbal explanations while pointing out the key features.   All the customer side participants watched intently.   During the presentation, no questions were asked.

It seemed that everything had gone smoothly, since none of the participants had raised concerns about anything that Sam had mentioned.   In closing, Sam asked if the group was satisfied with what they had seen.   “It looks fine” answered one of the Japanese engineers.  

Sam went back to the office pleased with how well things had gone.   He was surprised to get a phone call the next day from one of the Americans who had attended the meeting.   “After you were here,” he said, “the Japanese spent some time talking about what you had presented.   They aren’t comfortable with some of the new features, and think that several things need to be reworked.   Besides, there seems to have been some confusion about a few of the things you mentioned.”    Sam, disappointed, wondered why none of this had come out when he was there.  

Sam’s experience, a true story, illustrates several of the pitfalls of giving presentations to Japanese.   Some things that Sam could have done differently include:

• Tone down the energy and slow down the pace  

When we Americans get excited we tend to increase our speaking speed.   This can make it difficult for Japanese to follow what is being said.

• Distribute written materials

Fancy computer-generated graphics aren’t necessary, but it is important to have written materials of some sort, even if only a simple one-page agenda.   Japanese are generally far more comfortable with written English than with listening comprehension, so a written document can help them follow the conversation.   Written materials can also be studied later to ensure correct understanding.

• Try to find some informal time together

Sam could have invited the customer personnel to lunch after the presentation. Often, the more relaxed setting of a meal makes Japanese more comfortable bringing up questions and concerns.

• Don’t expect an immediate answer

Another way of putting this is, any immediate comment you get is provisional.   The “fine” offered by the Japanese engineer to Sam was just a pleasantry, not a real answer.   In order to make a firm decision on anything, Japanese need to mull over the information and discuss it among themselves.   Because such a discussion could not be held in front of an outsider like Sam, the Japanese waited until afterward.   Sam should have scheduled a follow-up meeting, with the explicit purpose being to hear their formal reaction to the proposed design.

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Trump says he'll accept 2024 results if they're 'fair and legal' while airing false 2020 fraud claims

Former President Donald Trump said during the CNN presidential debate that he would accept the results of the 2024 race in November if it is a "fair and legal and good election" — before proceeding to repeat a discredited allegation of voter fraud when he lost four years ago.

CNN debate moderator Dana Bash asked Trump three times whether he would accept the 2024 election results. He did not directly answer the question the first two times, but on her third attempt, Trump said in part: "If it's a fair and legal and good election, absolutely."

"I would have much rather accepted these, but the fraud and everything else was ridiculous — and if you want, we'll have a news conference on it in a week, or we'll have another one of these in a week," Trump said, appearing to refer to another debate with President Joe Biden.

Trump did not provide more specific criteria that would lead him to accept the results.

Trump has refused to publicly accept that he lost the 2020 presidential race against Biden. Trump has made repeated and baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud, and virtually all of the dozens of legal cases filed by his campaign and his allies have been dismissed or withdrawn.

Trump's unproven claims of a rigged election and his reaction to his defeat in 2020 have stoked anxiety about how he would respond to another loss.

He was also pressed about his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, the day some of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. He did not directly condemn the violence or apologize for his rhetoric in the days leading up to the riots.

"On Jan. 6, we were respected all over the world, all over the world we were respected," Trump said. Then, referring to Biden, he added: "Then he comes in, and we're now laughed at."

Daniel Arkin is a national reporter at NBC News.

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

Partner Center

June 28, 2024

• Innovating leadership at the Spring CELEbration

The 2024 Spring CELEbration highlighted the intersection of service and leadership at the University of Washington. Students involved in the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center and Mary Gates Endowment Leadership Scholars showcased their service, leadership and activist work from the academic year. The HUB, North Ballroom and Conference Rooms were filled with energy on May 24, the date of the culminating student event. Family, friends, mentors and community partners interacted with students during the CELEbration, which included lightning talk rounds, table talk presentations, poster sessions and a video showcase.

Nathan Loutsis at the Spring CELEbration. Photo by Jayden Becles

Honors Program undergrad Nathan Loutsis, ‘24, majoring in political science: international security with minors in public policy and leadership, first connected with the CELE Center as a UW Presidential Scholar . “Director Fran Lo not only collaborated with me to develop an individual leadership plan but also connected me with leadership opportunities that arose during my academic journey,” Loutsis explained.

Loutsis’ commitment to public service began at age 14 through a youth volunteer program with King County. In high school, a personal incident sparked his passion for creating safe school walking routes. As a result, Loutsis began serving as a planning commissioner for Kenmore at 16. “I brought a unique perspective to the table, representing a younger and often overlooked demographic,” Loutsis said.

With his background in local service and community governance, Loutsis was an ideal candidate for the NextGen Civic Leader Corps , a UW tri-campus, interdisciplinary program that widens the pathways to public service. Loutsis is currently a city council member for Kenmore, a position he won in last year’s election, “Running for office was challenging, but I won and continue to fall in love with public service and civic engagement every day.” Loutsis added,  “I enjoy empowering young people to participate.”

At the event, Loutsis presented his Husky Leadership Certificate in a table talk format, sharing his leadership development project. Initially, Loutsis viewed leadership as a hierarchical construct. Over time, he saw it as an interpersonal and social influence. “Leadership is unique to each person. How we utilize our strengths and character to guide others is significant,” said Loutsis.

As he prepares to begin his master’s in public administration at the Evans School this fall, Loutsis credits the CELE Center as a pivotal part of his Husky experience. “This community has supported me in unimaginable ways, providing comprehensive leadership development,” he says. Loutsis believes the CELE Center equipped him with leadership skills and helped him discover his potential. “I can continue this work, developing the skills, theories and competencies to serve my community more effectively.”

Foundations for success

Bryan Ortega presents his experiences as an Ellis Fellow at the 2024 Spring CELEbration. Photo by Jayden Becles

Ellis Fellow and Husky 100 awardee , Bryan Ortega, ’24, presented his leadership reflection during one of the evening’s lightning rounds. A first-generation Latino student majoring in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, Ortega participated in the CELE Center’s Undergraduate Community Based Internships (UCBI) program. He attributed his strong leadership foundations and values to his family, stating, “My parents and grandparents are my main inspiration; they have been the foundation for what I have accomplished so far,” he said.

Ortega began his years of community service volunteering at a local hospital in Independence, Oregon, during high school. After moving to Seattle as a first-year student, he dedicated himself to youth shelter advocacy and spent two years working with young adults experiencing homelessness. Through UCBI, Ortega partnered with El Centro De La Raza, offering financial literacy support to empower people of all races. Currently, Ortega is an associate teacher at Bright Horizons, an early childhood education center, where he works with children ranging from infants to six years old.

Ortega emphasized that leadership embodies a profound commitment to growth and continuous learning. He views the role of a leader as a guide and a source of support, with a firm grasp of humility. “If you’re a leader who can’t admit that you’re making a mistake, are you really leading?” he questioned.

Ortega highlighted the importance of communication as a leader, not just for expressing his ideas but also for engaging in meaningful conversations. “There’s so much more that I’m excited to continue learning, and UW and the Ellis Fellowship have been integral in helping me develop my core values,” he reflected.

As Ortega prepares to pursue medical school, he looks at his CELE Center experience with gratitude. “I couldn’t be more fortunate for the opportunity and the connections I made. I learned to trust in myself and my abilities, and to see myself as a scientist,” he shared.

A way to give back

Su Cho with her poster presentation at the 2024 Spring CELEbration. Photo by Jayden Becles

Su Cho, ’24, is a neuroscience major who demonstrated her leadership and service through her involvement with the Dream Project as a College and Career Readiness Assistant (CCRA). Presenting via the poster format of the event, Cho expressed her connection to the project’s mission, stating, “I was drawn to this work because I am also a first-generation student whose parents didn’t know about college and the systems here.” Cho found a passion in providing resources and guidance to first-gen students, immigrants and those from low-income families.

Cho shared how her sensitivity and understanding of the unique challenges faced by these students made her a strong leader in the Dream Project. Her personal experiences allowed her to be more respectful and sensitive when dealing with students’ family situations, financial status and other personal matters. “Having gone through a similar experience allowed me to understand their perspective,” Cho said. “I was able to support them respectfully, promoting their empowerment and self-respect. I hope this equips them with more opportunities and paves the way for future success wherever they go,” Cho shared.

Cho cited her service with the Dream Project as not just beneficial to the students she assisted, but also to her personal and academic growth. She viewed her role mentoring high school students as they navigated through barriers as a way of “passing down all the resources and giving back what I’ve received.” Cho hopes to apply these experiences in her future healthcare career, using her expanded understanding of diverse individuals and their circumstances to understand and serve all of her patients.

Photos from the 2024 Spring CELEbration

These photos are a sampling of students’ projects and presentations. Photos by Jayden Becles and Nancy Huizar.

About the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center

The Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to thriving communities; building authentic community and campus partnerships drive the work. CELE Center programs are centered around the areas of community-engaged learning, democratic engagement, leadership education, preK-12 student success and place-based initiatives.

About Mary Gates Leadership Scholarships

Mary Gates Leadership Scholarships encourage undergraduate students to develop their leadership abilities through practical experience, personal reflection and in community with mentors and peers.

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Watch CBS News

Trump and Biden's first presidential debate of 2024, fact checked

By Arden Farhi , Hunter Woodall , Jui Sarwate , Julia Ingram , Layla Ferris , Laura Doan , James LaPorta , Daniel Klaidman , Alexander Tin , Pete Villasmil, Sierra Sanders

Updated on: June 28, 2024 / 9:46 AM EDT / CBS News

Here's the fact check of some of the statements made by President Biden and former President Donald Trump during the first 2024 presidential debate , which took place in Atlanta on Thursday, June 27. The two tangled on topics including immigration, the economy, abortion and their respective records. Mr. Biden seemed to ramble during many of his responses.

CBS News  covered the debate live as it happened . 

Trump claims "we had the greatest economy in the history of our country": False

Trump : "We had the greatest economy in the history of our country. And we have never done so well. Every- everybody was amazed by it. Other countries were copying us." 

Details : Trump's claim is false that during his presidency the U.S. had the greatest economy in the history of the country by many of the common metrics used to judge economic performance. The claim struggles when looking at GDP. If the 2020 pandemic  is excluded, growth after inflation under Trump averaged 2.49%, according to figures from the  World Bank . This is far from the GDP growth under Democratic President Bill Clinton of 3.88%, according to  World Bank data . Including the time period after COVID spread, that average drops to 1.18%. 

Trump's claim also falls short when compared to historical figures. Growth between 1962 to 1966 ranged from 4.4% to 6.6%. In 1950 and 1951, GDP ranged between 8.7% and 8%.

Under Mr. Biden, annual GDP growth is averaging 3.4%, according to the  Associated Press .

*An earlier version of this fact check misstated World Bank figures for growth after inflation under Trump at 2.65%, rather than 2.49%, and 1.45%, instead of 1.18%, and also rounded the growth number for Clinton. This has been updated.

Unemployment

Trump's claim is also false even when evaluating the unemployment rate.    In February 2020, a month before the COVID pandemic affected the economy, the unemployment rate stood at 3.5% — which was the lowest since December 1969 — but not the lowest ever. When Trump's term ended, the unemployment rate was 6.3%.

In 1953, the unemployment rate fell as low as 2.5%. Under Mr. Biden, the unemployment rate is 4%, according to the  most recent data  from May 2024. 

In January 2023 and again in April 2023, the unemployment rate was 3.4%, lower than the best month during Trump's term.

Stock market performance

On Jan. 19, 2021, the  S&P 500-stock average  closed at 67.8% above where it had been the day before Trump was inaugurated in 2017. 

According to  Investopedia ,  at the end of President Barack Obama's first term in office, the S&P closed 84.5% higher. Additionally the S&P gained 79% during President Bill Clinton's first term, and 70% during President Dwight Eisenhower's first term. So far, under President Biden, the  S&P 500 has increased almost 40% , according to calculations on June 13. 

By Laura Doan and Hunter Woodall 

Biden claims he's the only president this century that doesn't have troops dying anywhere in the world: False

Biden: "I'm the only president this century that doesn't have any — this decade — that doesn't have any troops dying anywhere in the world." 

Details : At least 16 U.S. service members have died while serving overseas during Mr. Biden's presidency. Thirteen U.S. service members  died  in an attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan in August 2021. Three soldiers were  killed  in an attack in Jordan in January of this year.

By Layla Ferris

Trump claims he did not refer to U.S. soldiers who were killed as "suckers and losers": False

Trump: "First of all, that was a made-up quote. 'Suckers and losers,' they made it up."

Details : Current and former U.S. military service members have detailed to CBS News multiple instances when Trump made disparaging remarks about members of the U.S. military who were captured or killed, including referring to the American war dead at the Aisle-Marne American Cemetery in France in 2018 as "losers" and "suckers."  

A senior Defense Department official and a former U.S. Marine Corps officer with direct knowledge of what was said detailed how Trump said he did not want to visit the cemetery because it was "filled with losers." These accounts were backed independently by two other officials — a former senior U.S. Army officer and a separate, former senior U.S. Marine Corps officer.   

In another conversation on the trip, Trump referred to the 1,800 Marines who died in the World War I battle of Belleau Wood as "suckers" for getting killed.  The Atlantic was first to report Trump's comments in 2020. His former chief of staff John Kelly later confirmed to CNN the essence of what Trump had said.

By James LaPorta and Sierra Sanders 

Biden claims 40% fewer people are crossing border illegally, better than when Trump was in office: Partially true         

Biden: "I've changed it in a way that now you're in a situation where there 40% fewer people coming across the border illegally; it's better than when he left office."

Details : Since Mr. Biden issued a  proclamation  banning most migrants from asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border in early June, illegal crossings there have dropped. In the past week, daily illegal border crossings have averaged roughly 2,000, according to internal Department of Homeland Security data obtained by CBS News. That's a 47% drop from the 3,800  daily average  in May.

During the height of a spike in migration faced by the Trump administration in 2019, Border Patrol recorded an average of 4,300 daily illegal crossings,  government data  show. But there were months during the  Covid-19 pandemic  when the Trump administration averaged fewer than 2,000 illegal border crossings.

By Camilo Montoya-Galvez

Trump claims migrants coming to U.S. and "killing our citizens at a level...we've never seen before": Misleading

Trump: "People are coming in and killing our citizens at a level like we've never seen before." 

Details :  Some migrants who are believed to have entered the U.S. along the southern border in recent years have been charged with murder and other heinous crimes in different parts of the country. They include the suspect in the high-profile murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley .

But while the data on this question is not comprehensive, available  studies  have found that migrants living in the country illegally do not commit crimes at a higher rate than native-born Americans. 

Government  statistics  also show a very small fraction of migrants processed by Border Patrol have criminal records in the U.S. or other countries that share information with American officials.

On COVID, Trump claims more people died under Biden administration than his: True, but needs context  

Trump: "Remember, more people died under his administration — even though we had largely fixed it — more people died under his administration than our administration, and we were right in the middle of it, something which a lot of people don't like to talk about. But [Biden] had far more people dying in his administration."

Details : More than 460,000 people had died from COVID-19 by the end of the week that Biden was inaugurated in 2021, while more than 725,000 have died in the three years since then, according to data from the  CDC . However, research has found that the counts of COVID-19 deaths, especially in the early days of the pandemic, were likely  undercounted .

By Julia Ingram and Jui Sarwate

In discussing abortion, Trump claims former Virginia governor, a Democrat, supported killing babies: False

Trump: "If you look at the former governor of Virginia, he was willing to do this — he said  'we'll put the baby aside and we'll determine what we'll do with the baby'.. .meaning we'll kill the baby."

Details : In a 2019 radio interview then-governor of Virginia Ralph Northam, in discussing late-term abortions,  addressed a hypothetical scenario in which a fetus was severely deformed or wasn't otherwise viable. He said, "the infant would be delivered, the infant would be kept comfortable, the infant would be resuscitated if that's what the mother and the family desired." 

Northam did not say the fetus should be killed. Killing a newborn baby — or infanticide — is illegal in every state, and not a single state is trying to change that. 

By Laura Doan and Daniel Klaidman

Trump claims Biden "went after" his political opponent in New York "hush money" case to damage him: False        

Trump: "[Biden] basically went after his political opponent (Trump) because he thought it was going to damage me, but when the public found out about these cases, 'cause they understand it better than he does, he has no idea what these cases are, but when they found out about these cases, you know what they did? My poll numbers went up, way up."

Details : There is no federal jurisdiction over a state case. The Manhattan district attorney's office is a  separate entity  from the U.S. Department of Justice. The department does not supervise the work of the Manhattan D.A.'s office, does not approve its charging decisions, and it does not try the D.A.'s cases.

By Pete Villasmil

Trump claims he brought insulin prices down for seniors: Misleading

Trump: "I'm the one that got the insulin down for the seniors. I took care of the seniors."

Details :  During Trump's time as president, Medicare created a voluntary program  in 2020  between some plans and insulin manufacturers that agreed to cap out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month. Around  half of  Medicare Advantage or stand-alone prescription drug plans ended up participating by 2021. 

David Ricks, CEO of insulin drugmaker Eli Lilly, has taken credit for pioneering the idea with Trump administration officials at a congressional  hearing  and in an  interview . In the same interview with STAT, Seema Verma, former Medicare agency chief in the Trump administration, gave Ricks the credit for the cap: "He is an unsung hero. He was actually the mastermind of all of this." 

Medicare  ended  the policy in 2023, after Mr. Biden signed into law the  Inflation Reduction Act , which capped insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries — not just for the portion of plans participating in the program. The law capped insulin costs at the same amount of $35 per month.

By Alexander Tin and Hunter Woodall 

Trump claims Biden wants open borders: False

Trump: "He wants open borders. He wants our country to either be destroyed or he wants to pick up those people as voters." 

Details : When he took office, Mr. Biden reversed numerous Trump-era immigration policies, including a program that required migrants to await their asylum hearings in Mexico. U.S. Border Patrol has also reported record numbers of migrant apprehensions along the southern border during Mr. Biden's presidency. But Mr. Biden has never endorsed or implemented an "open borders" policy.

In fact, Mr. Biden has embraced some restrictive border policies that mirror rules enacted by his predecessor. In 2023, his administration published a regulation that disqualified migrants from asylum if they crossed into the country illegally after not seeking protection in a third country. 

Earlier this month, Mr. Biden enacted an even stricter policy: a proclamation that has partially shut down asylum processing along the border. His administration has also carried out over 4 million deportations, expulsions and returns of migrants since 2021, according to  government data .

Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections. Most who cross into the U.S. illegally are not on a path to permanent legal status, let alone citizenship. Even those who apply and win asylum — a process that typically takes years to complete — have to wait five years as permanent U.S. residents before applying for American citizenship. There's no evidence to suggest that the Biden administration's border policy is based on a desire to convert migrants into voters.

Biden claims Trump wants to get rid of Social Security: False        

Biden "[Trump] wants to get rid of Social Security. He thinks there's plenty to cut in social security. He's wanted to cut Social Security and Medicare, both times."

Details : Trump has repeatedly  said  he will try to protect Medicare and Social Security. Trump said in a March 21 Truth Social  post  that he would not "under any circumstance" allow Social Security to "be even touched" if he were president. Trump had said in a CNBC  interview  on March 11 that "there is a lot you can do" in terms of "cutting" spending under Social Security. Mr. Biden  said  the comments were proof Trump aimed to make cuts in the programs, but a Trump campaign spokesman  said  Trump was referring to "cutting waste and fraud," not Social Security entitlements.

Trump claims Biden has the "largest deficit" in history of U.S.: False

Trump: "But he's (Biden) got the largest deficit in the history of our country."

Details : The national deficit was the largest it had been in over two decades under Trump's administration, not Mr. Biden's, according to  data from the U.S. Treasury . The deficit peaked in fiscal year 2020 at $3.13 trillion, and declined to $1.7 trillion by the end of fiscal year 2023.

By Julia Ingram

• Presidential Debate
• Donald Trump

Arden Farhi is the senior White House producer at CBS News. He has covered several presidential campaigns and the Obama, Trump and Biden administrations. He also produces "The Takeout with Major Garrett."

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