Let me direct your attention to
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this phrase to professionally guide your audience's focus toward a specific detail or object.
En 15 segundos
- A professional way to guide an audience's focus.
- Used mainly in presentations, tours, and formal meetings.
- Softens a command to 'look' into a polite request.
Significado
A polite and professional way to ask a group of people to look at or focus on something specific, like a slide, a document, or a person.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Leading a business meeting
Let me direct your attention to the third column of the spreadsheet.
Let me direct your attention to the third column of the spreadsheet.
Giving a museum tour
Now, let me direct your attention to the brushwork in this corner of the painting.
Now, let me direct your attention to the brushwork in this corner of the painting.
A formal wedding toast
If I could, let me direct your attention to the happy couple at the head table.
If I could, let me direct your attention to the happy couple at the head table.
Contexto cultural
This phrase reflects the Western business value of 'polite authority.' It allows a speaker to control a room's focus without appearing aggressive or bossy. It is a hallmark of the 'presenter' persona in corporate and academic cultures worldwide.
The Power of the Pause
After saying this phrase, pause for one second. It gives people time to actually move their eyes before you start explaining the next point.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this every time you change a slide, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'As you can see here' or 'Moving on to'.
En 15 segundos
- A professional way to guide an audience's focus.
- Used mainly in presentations, tours, and formal meetings.
- Softens a command to 'look' into a polite request.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a polite, verbal laser pointer. You aren't just telling people to look at something; you are guiding their focus. It is a way to say "Hey, this part is really important, so let's all look together." It’s much softer than shouting "Look at this!" It creates a shared moment of focus between you and your audience. You are essentially acting as a pilot for their eyes and minds. It signals that a new, important point is about to be made.
How To Use It
The structure is very consistent and easy to remember. You almost always follow to with a specific noun or a phrase starting with the, this, or our. For instance, you might say, Let me direct your attention to the chart on the left. You can also use it to transition between topics. If you’ve been talking about costs, you might say, Now, let me direct your attention to our projected profits. It acts as a bridge. It tells your listeners that the previous topic is over and a new one is beginning. It is a very smooth way to manage a room.
When To Use It
This is your best friend in any professional environment. Use it during a PowerPoint presentation to keep people from daydreaming. It’s great for tour guides showing off a famous painting. If you’re a teacher, it helps get twenty distracted students back on track. You can even use it in a formal email to point someone toward an attachment. It says, "I am professional, organized, and I know exactly what I’m doing." It’s the linguistic equivalent of wearing a well-tailored suit. It works best when you are the one leading the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Please, for the sake of your social life, don't use this while hanging out at a bar. If you say, Let me direct your attention to this plate of nachos, your friends will think you’ve lost your mind. It’s way too stiff for casual dating or family dinners. Also, avoid using it if the thing you’re pointing at is already super obvious. If a fire alarm is going off, don't say, Let me direct your attention to the exit. Just run! It’s a tool for guidance, not for emergencies or casual banter.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a staple of "Standard Professional English." It has its roots in 19th-century oratory and academic lectures. In those days, speakers had to be very formal to be taken seriously. Today, it survives because it balances authority with politeness. It uses the "imperative" mood (a command) but softens it with Let me. This is a very common trick in English-speaking cultures. We like to give orders that sound like suggestions. It makes the hierarchy feel a bit more comfortable for everyone involved.
Common Variations
If Let me direct your attention to feels a bit too heavy, you have options. I’d like to point out is a bit more relaxed but still professional. Take a look at is great for a collaborative meeting with colleagues you know well. If you want to be even more formal, you can say May I draw your attention to. That one is very "Old World" and fancy. For a quick, modern vibe, you might just say Check out the... although that’s strictly for informal settings. Choosing the right version is like choosing the right volume for your music.
Notas de uso
This is a high-formality expression. Use it when you are in a position of authority or leading a group. Avoid it in casual, one-on-one conversations unless you are being intentionally theatrical.
The Power of the Pause
After saying this phrase, pause for one second. It gives people time to actually move their eyes before you start explaining the next point.
Don't Overuse It
If you say this every time you change a slide, you will sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'As you can see here' or 'Moving on to'.
The 'Let Me' Secret
In English, starting with 'Let me' makes a command sound like you are asking for permission. It's a psychological trick to make people more willing to follow your lead!
Ejemplos
6Let me direct your attention to the third column of the spreadsheet.
Let me direct your attention to the third column of the spreadsheet.
Used to pinpoint a specific data set during a discussion.
Now, let me direct your attention to the brushwork in this corner of the painting.
Now, let me direct your attention to the brushwork in this corner of the painting.
Guides the visitors' eyes to a specific artistic detail.
If I could, let me direct your attention to the happy couple at the head table.
If I could, let me direct your attention to the happy couple at the head table.
A classy way to transition the room's focus to the guests of honor.
Let me direct your attention to the fact that you are three hours late.
Let me direct your attention to the fact that you are three hours late.
Uses formal language for humorous, dramatic effect in a casual setting.
Let me direct your attention to the legacy John leaves behind in this office.
Let me direct your attention to the legacy John leaves behind in this office.
Used to focus the audience on an emotional or abstract concept.
Class, let me direct your attention to the diagram on page 42.
Class, let me direct your attention to the diagram on page 42.
A standard way for a teacher to manage student focus.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the formal presentation phrase.
Let me direct your ___ to the screen for a short video.
The standard colocation for this professional expression is 'direct your attention to'.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
I would like to direct your attention ___ the new safety protocols.
We always use the preposition 'to' after 'direct your attention'.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of Guiding Focus
Used with close friends.
Hey, look at this!
Standard for coworkers.
Take a look at the screen.
Presentations or speeches.
Let me direct your attention to...
Diplomatic or high-level academic.
May I draw your attention to...
Where to use 'Let me direct your attention to'
Boardroom Meeting
Pointing at a revenue graph.
Art Gallery
Highlighting a specific sculpture.
Wedding Toast
Directing eyes to the bride and groom.
University Lecture
Focusing on a specific equation.
Formal Email
Referencing an attached report.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasOnly if you are being funny or dramatic. In a normal text, it sounds way too formal. Use Check this out instead.
Look at is a direct command. Let me direct your attention to is a professional invitation. The latter is much more polite in a business setting.
It is always to. Using at is a common mistake that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
That usually means you are physically showing someone the way to a location, like the bathroom. To focus on an object, you need the word attention.
Yes, it is perfectly standard in both American and British English for formal contexts.
Absolutely. You can say, Let me direct your attention to our keynote speaker. It’s a very respectful way to introduce someone.
Not at all. In a presentation, it actually sounds helpful. It shows you are guiding the audience so they don't get lost.
Try saying I'd like to point out... or If you look at the.... These are still professional but a bit more relaxed.
Yes, it works well in letters or emails to highlight a specific section of a document or a particular fact.
Yes, but it is even more formal. You might use it in a very high-stakes meeting or a legal setting.
Frases relacionadas
I'd like to point out
A slightly less formal way to highlight a specific detail.
Take a look at
A neutral, common way to ask someone to view something.
Note that
A concise way to tell someone to pay attention to a specific fact.
Draw your attention to
A very formal synonym often used in academic or legal contexts.
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