Signposting language in lectures
Signposting language in lectures: recognise how speakers introduce, sequence, contrast, exemplify, digress and conclude.
In this lesson you will
- Recognise signposts for each function
- Use signposts to predict what comes next
- Separate main points from digressions
Learn
Introduce: Today we’ll focus on… ; Let’s start with… Sequence: First… Next… Another factor… Finally…
Contrast: However, On the other hand, By contrast, But here’s the thing… Example: For instance, Take…, Consider…
Emphasis: The key point is…, What’s really important…, Remember this… Digression: By the way…, As an aside…, Anyway, back to…
Conclude: So, to sum up…, What this means is…, The bottom line… Signposts let you predict the next idea.
Examples
- “But here’s the thing — the data didn’t support it.” → contrast coming.
- “As an aside, I once visited that site…” → digression, less likely tested.
- “Remember this, because it matters later.” → important.
Vocabulary
signpost
a phrase that shows structure
digression
moving away from the main topic
emphasis
special importance
sequence
an order of steps
predict
guess what comes next
Practice
“As an aside…” signals…
Lesson quiz
“But here’s the thing…” usually introduces…
Review
Key points
- Introduce, sequence, contrast, example.
- Emphasis vs digression.
- Conclusion signposts.
- Predict from signposts.
What you learned
- ✓ I recognise signposts.
- ✓ I predict lecture structure.
- ✓ I separate digressions.