what does signpost mean in an essay

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How To Use Signposting Words: Easy Vocab and Examples for Excellent Essays

by William Wadsworth | Last updated Feb 17, 2023 | First published on Oct 9, 2019 | 0 comments

by William Wadsworth

The Cambridge-educated memory psychologist & study coach on a mission to help YOU ace your exams . Helping half a million students in 175+ countries every year to study smarter, not harder. Supercharge your studies today with our time-saving, grade-boosting “genius” study tips sheet .

Looking to take your essay to the next level WITHOUT learning a load of complex structures, knotty grammar and fancy vocabulary? It’s simple: start using signposting words and you’ll level up your essays, dissertations and assignments in no time at all!

And here’s how to use signposting words to improve your writing in 5 easy steps:

First up, what is signposting in writing?

Not sure what I’m talking about? It’s actually pretty simple:

Signposting in writing acts just like signposts on a hike! Imagine a handily placed wooden post that proudly proclaims “ You are here! Conclusion: 3 miles “.

Essentially, they stop your reader from getting lost in the forest of your words and arguments.

Using signposting in your essays is all about adding strategically placed words and phrases to create a clear map of your structure. You need to scatter them throughout the path of your essay to show your reader where they are in the discussion and what’s up next – just like the physical signposts that point the way on a hike!

There are two common uses for signposts in your writing:

• Firstly, to point out the structure of your overall essay or next section / chapter – usually in the introduction
• And secondly, to remind your reader of that structure and show how everything links together

You probably already use some signposting words and phrases naturally as you write. Did you spot how I used it in the bullet points above?

For a truly top-mark essay, it’s best to plan out where you want to put some signposts to make your essay as streamlined and persuasive as possible!

Why bother using signposting words? An example!

There are plenty of benefits to using signposting words and phrases in your writing!

Most importantly, signposting language improves the clarity and readability of your essay. These are both important things that help your examiner understand your argument as smoothly as possible (great for top marks!).

Your examiner / teacher won’t get lost, have to re-read a paragraph or two, get frustrated … and dock you marks ! All achieved by some simple, well-placed vocab.

Let me show you the power of using signposting words in your essay writing:

Take a look at this example of writing without any signposting language. It reads like a series of disjointed information. Do you understand it easily?

So how can we improve this paragraph, and make the structure of our argument crystal clear – simply by adding signposting words?

Take a look at the next version of this example, now with signposting – it’s so much easier to understand !

Thanks to History On The Net for refreshing my high school history to be able to write these examples…

You can see how the highlighted green signposting language immediately makes the listed causes and examples easily identifiable. As an added bonus: any vague phrases ( “several factors”, “these factors” ) have been clarified with specifics, and paragraph breaks make the structure obvious!

Signposting makes everyone happy – trust me!

Your examiners, teachers and tutors LOVE it when you use signposting. And not just because it makes their job easier! But because:

• Using signposting properly helps your writing s ound professional, establishing your authority and skill in your topic instantly . This is a great skill to develop before college applications are due!
• Plus, you’re creating a sense of anticipation for what is to come in your reader – you’ll make reading your arguments enjoyable!
• No one loves spending time marking, so by making your reader’s life easier, they may be inclined to generosity when it comes to awarding your mark.
• By making your argument and structure as clear as possible , you give yourself the best possible chance of getting all the credit you deserve! Both for the quality of the points you made, and the style with which you strung them together.

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How to use signposting words in your writing: 5 easy steps!

So, how to start incorporating signposting into your essays?

Remember that analogy between signposting language and actual signposts that keep you from getting lost on countryside hikes?

Well, it’s time to set out your latest essay draft on the table like an unchartered forest, and make a map ! Your signposting vocab list: that’s your stash of wooden arrows to hammer into the ground next to forks in the trees. Or (if you prefer different imagery) your Hansel and Gretel breadcrumbs, or luminous glow-sticks!

So grab a pen and some scrap paper for mapping out your overall structure and noting where you might need a signpost. And then start at the beginning 😊

Leave no reader behind!

Step 1: Give your reader the map

One of the most important places to add clear signposting words to your essay is right at the beginning, in the introduction.

This is where you hand your unsuspecting reader a map that shows them what to expect from the structure of your essay.

Here’s an example of structural signposting in an introduction:

“ This essay will explore the beautiful scenery surrounding Yorkshire’s magical Malham Cove. The analysis begins with a gentle riverside stroll to explore the argument surrounding the history of Janet’s Foss. This is followed by a short walk into the dramatic evaluation of five pros and cons of rock climbing at Gordale Scar . Next, this essay will examine the geological evidence during a scenic hilly stroll across to the beautiful Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove. Finally, the conclusion will draw together the themes of history and tourism and will suggest that future walks should be finished at the pub in Malham.

Immediately, our reader (or hiker) will know to expect in order: an analysis, historical argument, five pros and cons, and an examination of the evidence. And they also know what themes and suggestions our conclusion will focus on – great for keeping their mind focused on these concepts as they read.

In our short WWI example above, the map is quite simple but clear. I started by saying that “ there were five interlinked causes ”. That’s all that was needed for our reader to know to watch for 5 signposts on the route!

Top tip : It’s important to be as specific as you can when signposting! Notice there were five causes, and five pros and cons. Not “ some causes “, not even “ the pros and cons “. That number is really helpful in setting out the map.

Here are some more examples of introductory signposting in action:

• “There are six reasons why…”
• “… happened in eight steps”
• “We need to evaluate three factors when deciding…”
• “There are two reasons to support X, and three reasons to support Y.”
• “There are three good reasons to …, but one strong reason not to”

A good introduction should include at least one sentence with signposting like this, to prepare your reader.

Want to learn some more kick-ass techniques for starting your essay off on the right foot ? Check out our guide to all things introduction, from mysteries and drama to facts and assumptions!

Step 1 BONUS: point out the sights for a more detailed map

For longer essays or dissertations, you might offer more than a single introductory paragraph.

In that case, part of your signposting might be a short description of what each area of discussion or chapter will cover :

• For example, heading back to the causes of WWI : if we were writing several long paragraphs exploring the historical context of each of the five causes, then setting all five out in the introduction would be helpful to the reader.

This style of signposting makes use of lots of listing words and phrases: firstly, secondly, this will be followed by … and is often presented in a long list following a colon ( : ) and separated by semi-colons ( ; ).

You might also give an overview of any facts and evidence explored, or theories questioned .

• Think of it like a note in your hike directions: “ Along this stretch of the river there have been several reported sightings of the elusive signposting moth, and this analysis will examine their validity in light of … “

This will give your reader a better understanding of the arguments within your overall structure – and fuel their anticipation!

Here are some examples of signposting phrases for complex arguments:

• “First, evidence for … will be put forward.”
• “ Second, I will discuss …”
• “This will lead, third, to an examination of…”
• “… which will be followed, fourth, by exploration of…”

Here’s a quick toolbox of useful verbs you can use to keep your writing varied when presenting more complex “maps” of this nature: discuss, divide, examine, explore, present, put forward evidence for .

Step 2: Show them where they are on your map

If you’ve given your reader a clear map at the start, then this step is simple to add to your essays! It’s the big “ YOU ARE HERE! ” marker on the map.

As you progress through your essay – and especially at the start of new sections:

You just refer back to the structure you told them you were following , and explain which section you are moving into as you make each fresh argument.

For a simple list of points (as in the First World War example above), this could be as simple as starting each paragraph with a s ignposting word that points to your list (in words, never a numeral!):

• “The first of these five underlying causes was …”
• “Secondly, imperialism, which often … “
• “Fourth, there was strong nationalism in …”

For longer essays, your reminder signposts might be as simple as repeating the purpose of this next section. State your signposting directly and clearly, for example:

• This analysis of the arguments surrounding the history of Janet’s Foss begins with …
• Following on from this dispute, it is necessary to examine the geological evidence found on the Limestone Pavement at the top of Malham Cove.

Even if a reader is skimming your essay quickly, it will still be obvious where they are in the overall structure of your argument. Even better, it makes it easy for them to skip ahead or go back to check an earlier point without getting totally lost.

Step 3: Use connectives to join up the journey

When it comes to effective essay writing, connective words are an important tool in your arsenal.

And connective words can be a great help when it comes to signposting too. Think of them as a thread you can use to connect your essay into a logical flow (detours included!).

Having a list of signposting connective words on hand is great for linking together points, paragraphs and arguments. You can use them to:

• Show contrasting sides of a debate
• Develop a point further
• Describe things in order
• Provide examples
• Demonstrate results

So to get you started, here’s a list of some of the top signposting words for connecting up your essay:

Here are some examples of how you can put together connecting signposting words at the start of a new section to indicate different things:

• Nevertheless, the following two counter-arguments are …
• Furthermore, we found that X was … as demonstrated by …
• Third, and in contrast, X was not a common feature of …

Step 4: Break up long journeys with paragraph breaks and subheadings

Nobody likes encountering a long and daunting wall of text.

Happily, paragraph breaks are a form of signposting in and of themselves. They show the reader when you are entering a new sub-section of your argument .

I’m not a big fan of a hard-and-fast rules about how many sentences a paragraph should contain: some sentences are short, others are long. Sometimes, a good paragraph might only be a couple of relatively long sentences. Other times, you might have five or six shorter ones.

If you’re not sure about the paragraph conventions of your writing genre, check out our ultimate guide to paragraph lengths for some specific advice!

In the meantime, remember that:

• Signposting will help to keep your essay clear even as you make longer, multi-paragraph points. Use connectives to indicate which paragraphs belong to which sections of your overall structure.
• In many areas of academia, there is an established protocol for headings (e.g. “Abstract / Introduction / Methodology / Results / Conclusion”).
• Feel free to add subheadings under these major headings if you feel it will help your reader, especially in the sections that tend to get longer, such as the Methodology and Results.

Top Tip: Make sure to check that your newly signposted sentences and paragraphs still make sense grammatically with available tools such as Grammarly * – even the free version will give your mistake-checking a boost!

5. Signpost the destination to conclude smartly

Finally, be sure to wrap things up with a clear conclusion statement that heralds your reader’s arrival back at the pub in Malham after their long (but hopefully enjoyable) hike!

You might begin with a phrase like this:

• To summarise
• In conclusion
• To conclude

Your conclusion might also remind the reader of all the sights they’ve strolled through – a sort of reverse of the introduction, in which all your threads are pulled together to support your concluding arguments.

Here are some examples of concluding signposting phrases in action:

“ Finally, to summarise the geological and historical debates surrounding the impact of tourism in Malham Cove …”

“In conclusion, while these five factors were powerful on their own, what in my opinion made them particularly dangerous was their interlinked nature, where one would fuel the other…”

And so, in conclusion…

…when used well, signposting words will help YOU do well in your essays this year.

Just remember to make it obvious, and be specific – especially when it comes to numbers!

And once you’ve got your essay written and signposted, check out my guides for successful proofreading , and printing and binding , to make sure that you hand in a winning assignment!

For more help becoming a phenomenal essay and exam-answers writer, I am currently accepting clients for 1:1 coaching – read more and get in touch here .

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* Please note : Grammarly is one of very few products I’m sufficiently enthusiastic about to recommend to my readers, and I may earn a small commission if you sign up to Grammarly services through the above link.

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What Is Signposting in English and Why Does It Matter?

Published on, july 1, 2022, november 15, 2022, this article may contain affiliate links.

Signposting is a simple and easy-to-learn technique that can improve your listening, writing and even presentation skills. In fact, once you know this technique, you will see it everywhere! Let us explain it to you with this step-by-step guide.

Table of contents

A presentation is very similar to a school essay, if you think about it. Both have an introduction. Both have a conclusion. Both have a certain number of main points. An essay is a structured way of writing. A presentation is a structured way of speaking.

But when you read an essay, you know exactly where you are - you can look at the page and see if you are near the beginning of the essay or near the end. You can see which main point you’re reading, by glancing at the paragraphs.

What about when listening to a presentation? Do you know “where” you are? With a good presenter, the answer is yes! Because a good presenter uses a technique called signposting.

So what exactly is signposting?

Just like a signpost by the road that tells you where you are going, signposting in a presentation tells the listener what is coming next.

Here is an example:

Now that we have looked at the causes of work-related stress, let’s examine the solutions.

The first solution that I would like to highlight is…

The language used here clearly signals that the speaker is moving on from talking about the causes of stress to talking about the solutions.

When we use language like this, the structure of our presentation is clear and transparent to everyone listening. Remember, listeners like to know “where” they are in a presentation.

At the sentence level, we can use signposting language to show what we are about to say. Here’s an example:

The best thing about Steve is that he is a trustworthy friend.

The simple signposting phrase in bold tells the listener what to expect next in the sentence. It may seem like a trivial thing, but this style of communication greatly improves understanding.

Signposting can help you with your listening

So far, we have looked at signposting from the speaker’s point of view. However, signposting is also something that can help you with your listening.

Imagine that you hear this sentence:

George is a conscientious guy.

Let’s assume that conscientious is a word that you don’t know. Is the speaker saying something good about George or something bad? Did they say ‘conscientious' or ‘contentious’?

As a listener, you’ll still be puzzling over the word ‘conscientious’ as the speaker continues, and you will lose the flow of the conversation.

But, in fact, we usually speak like this:

What I like about George is that he is a conscientious guy.

Now that we can recognise the signpost (in bold), we can at least understand that being conscientious is a positive trait (it describes a person who likes to do the correct thing) and we know that the speaker didn’t say ‘contentious’ (argumentative). We can move on with the rest of the conversation.

If you are attending a lecture or a talk, listening for signposting language will help you structure your notes. As soon as you hear, “I’m going to mention three methods to lose weight…”, you can prepare a space to write method one, method two and method three.

You should especially listen out for cues that the speaker is moving on to a new topic, giving an example or ending the talk.

You need to listen for phrases like these:

• My next point is…
• The next main point is…
• The next thing I wish to highlight is…
• Now that we have discussed…, let’s move on to…
• For example…
• For instance…
• Here’s an example…
• To conclude…
• In conclusion…
• To conclude this talk, I would like to…

Signposting can help you with your writing

The main difference between writing and speaking is structure. When speaking, you simply say the first thing that comes to mind. But when writing, you take time to plan out what to say. You plan the order of your paragraphs and you plan the structure of your paragraphs (or at least, you should!).

However, simply planning out your structure is not enough. You need to make an effort to show the structure to the reader. We do this through signposting.

Imagine that you need to write a short essay or an article comparing large and small companies. The first paragraph might look like this:

Have you ever wondered whether it is best to work at a small or large company? This essay examines the advantages and disadvantages of both in order to help you make that decision.

Here are excerpts from the following paragraphs:

The benefits of working in a large company are … For example … On the other hand, large companies can be … An example is … A small company is good for … For instance … However, many small companies … A good example is … In conclusion …

Can you see how the signposting phrases make the structure clear to the reader? We can already see that the article will be easy to understand, no matter what the points are.

In the modern world, a large number of people skim and scan articles to get information quickly. The use of signposting makes it especially easy to do this.

Hence, if you use signposting, the speed readers of the world will thank you for it!

Signposting can help you with presentations

Remember how I said that a presentation is similar to an essay?

Look again at the signposting phrases that I suggested for an essay:

These same signposting phrases can be used in a presentation, too!

But let’s look at the introduction to a presentation. This is the part of a presentation where you lay out the structure of what is to come . Again, signposting phrases can help you do this.

Take a look at this introduction to a presentation on mental health issues at the workplace:

Have you ever felt stressed, neglected, alone or overwhelmed at the workplace? For some of us, these negative emotions can develop into serious mental health issues. As a workplace psychologist, I see this every day.

In my talk today, I’m going to discuss five different mental health issues. After that, I will walk you through ways to deal with each one. ‍ I will end my talk with a Q&A session where I’ll be glad to field any questions you may have.

After this simple introduction, the audience knows exactly what to expect. They will hear about five issues, followed by five solutions. They also know to expect a Q&A session. They’re now ready to begin the talk.

Signposting can help you in day-to-day communication

Casual, day-to-day conversation is not structured, like an essay or a presentation. Nevertheless, simple signposting at the sentence level can help us in daily communication.

Paula: Do you think this hat looks nice on me? Pablo: I don’t want to sound rude, but it looks quite silly.

Can you see what Pablo is doing here? He is afraid that he might upset Paula, so he leads in with a signposting phrase. This alerts Paula that he is going to say something sensitive and he wants her not to be upset. It also softens the harsh comment; we generally soften comments by saying them indirectly.

Here is a second example:

Pierre: There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about. Pietro: Oh no! Am I in trouble? Pierre: Not exactly, but I have been receiving complaints from your coworkers…

Notice how Pierre doesn’t mention complaints at the beginning of the conversation. Instead, he uses the signposting phrase in bold.This phrase indicates that the topic of discussion will be serious, and that is why Pietro wonders if he is in trouble.

Pierre uses this technique to set the tone and expectations for the conversation.

Note how the two examples shown here are quite subtle . Understanding subtle and indirect meanings is an advanced language skill. This means that it is something you should look out for as you move up from intermediate to advanced level English.

My advice is to listen out for more examples of this kind of signposting, and write them down in your notebook when you hear them. Your ultimate goal is to use them yourself.

Signposting can help you with the IELTS test

The concept of signposting is used throughout IELTS exams .

IELTS listening passages are carefully scripted to include signposts to help you. In IELTS reading, the signposting phrases help give context when you need to guess the meaning of a word or phrase.

You will also be expected to use signposting language when you write and speak, and the examiner will look for examples. If you use signposting language correctly, you will score marks for ‘coherence and cohesion’ (the logical flow and connection of your writing/speaking).

In the writing section of the IELTS, coherence and cohesion provide 25% of the total marks.

If you are able to use signposting phrases, but do not always use them correctly, that indicates a band 6 score. At band 7, signposting phrases are used correctly and appropriately. At band 8+, use of signposting approaches the skill level of a native speaker.

Some examples of signposting

Here is a list of example signposting language to get you started. Remember, there are many more than we can list here.

Introducing a topic

• The topic of today’s talk is…
• Today, I would like to discuss…
• What I wish to talk about today is…

Developing a point

• Additionally…
• Furthermore…

Contrasting…

• Nevertheless…
• Even though…

Emphasising a point

• The important thing is…
• It is important to note that…
• The vital thing to understand about this is…
• To summarise what we have discussed…
• In conclusion, what I would like to say is…

Embrace signposting as a major feature of English

Perhaps you had never heard of signposting before reading this article.

If so, then I hope this article has opened the door to a major feature of the English language. The more you know about signposting, the more you will see and hear it everywhere.

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Signposting words and Phrases to use in Essays

Every professor or instructor will tell you that they undoubtedly enjoy reading and grading an essay or academic task where signposting words and phrases have been used. This is a secret that only the top grade and talented students have discovered. It is the reason they score As.

Essays that have a logical flow, where signposting words and phrases have been used, are appealing to read. When you signpost, no one struggles to read through your essay, identify your thoughts, claims, counterclaims, and arguments. In the end, such essays achieve their intended purpose, which then earns you the best grade.

Any student who aspires to score the best grades for their essays must master the art of signposting. Not only in essays but also in other academic tasks, assignments, or homework. It is a skill that sets you miles ahead of the rest.

In this guide, we take you through the best practices of signposting using examples for illustration and deep understanding before giving you a list of signposting words and phrases.

What is signposting?

You are probably wondering, "what are signposts in writing?" Let us begin by defining signposting before we head on to focus on signpost examples. 

Signposting is a commonly used strategy when writing academic and professional papers. It refers to the use of phrases and words to guide readers through the content of a piece of written work such as an essay, research paper, term paper, proposal, or dissertation. It entails flagging the most significant parts of your arguments, signaling transitions, and clarifying any stakes of an argument.

Signposts are these words and phrases that help you articulate the structure of any given piece of writing to ensure that your writers flow with the ideas.

There are two classes of signposting: Major signposts and linking words and short phrases.

Major signposting entails the introduction , conclusion, and outlining of main arguments or the direction of arguments. It equally entails the use of opening phrases. On the other hand, linking words and short phrases encompass any connecting words that guide the readers through the main arguments by linking sentences, ideas, and paragraphs.

Example of signposting

To understand Biden's foreign policy for China, it is imperative to evaluate the policy direction of Trump's regime.

This example helps the reader to understand in advance that you will be taking them through the characteristics of Trump's foreign policy for China before exploring Biden's current foreign policy to China in a cross-comparative approach.

Another way to view the issue of global warming is'

In this example, you are trying to remind the reader that although you have covered some aspects of global warming, they should note another vital point.

How to Signpost in an Essay for more effortless Flow of Ideas

When you signpost, a reader whose mind is preoccupied can read your essay or piece of academic writing and understand your point without struggling. It is a bulletproof strategy that helps your readers comprehend each point. The readers can connect points, sentences, ideas, and paragraphs, which gives an ideal flow as they read.

Signposting also makes your writing enjoyable; you sound professional in your arguments. In addition, when you signpost, the structure of your essay, especially in the introduction, helps you present your arguments well.

Here are eight effective strategies , tips, and tricks you can use when signposting to write an essay that scores an A .

1. Use Verbs to Signpost

When introducing quotes or referring to the sources or references, use various verbs to signpost your readers that you are about to introduce a quote, then connect it to the main argument.

You can use verbs such as asserts, opines, contends, reasons, reports, concludes, demonstrates, claims, shows, concurs with, refutes, opposes, etc.

Be vigilant enough not to use the wrong verbs in a given context when using these verbs. Besides, ensure that you are precise. Use these verbs to endorse what the scholar said, refute or oppose what the scholar said, or compare the opinion of scholars on a given issue.

2. Use Retrospective Signposts to Reiterate

When writing an essay or dissertation, capturing your readers' attention becomes your ultimate goal. And while you capture their attention, you must also keep them motivated and engaged so they stick to your work.

One way to achieve this is by reminding the readers about the key points you have covered and where you are headed. You prepare your readers for what is coming.

You can use phrases such as "as is now evident," "as mentioned earlier," "in other words," "as a complement to the last point on," or "the main point is"

Using retrospective signposts can help you show how the previous points matter to the existing idea or argument. In addition, it helps the readers to take keen note of a point before introducing a new idea.

In most cases, you can do this at the end of paragraphs where you want to highlight the earlier point and expose its relevance to the essay question.

You can as well apply this strategy to your conclusion. Also, you can repeat complicated ideas, points, or arguments to avoid sparking controversy or creating abrupt surprises.

When you remind the readers about these key points, your intended direction, and your expected destination, you orient them through your reading to allow some good flow of ideas.

Repetition makes your readers get bored by reading something so many times. However, when you signpost these ideas, you help them see that you address a different point connected to the past ideas.

3. Effectively use Transitions

Transitions knit together ideas in an essay or academic writing task. Using transition words and phrases, you can link ideas in two sentences or paragraphs. You can use different transition words when writing, depending on your goal. Only ensure that your intention and the choice of a transition align.

You can illustrate your previous point using transitions such as 'for example,' 'for instance,' 'as an illustration,' or 'to further expound on.'

You can compare, show cause and consequence, or give additional points to what you have already covered. And when you use transitions, be wise enough not to overuse or place them for the sake of it.

Related Reading: How to write explosive compare and contrast essays.

4. Precisely use Signposts

Although signposting is intended for all the good reasons we have explained, your work will sound sloppy when abused. For instance, using words such as 'conversely' or 'however' in the wrong context makes you look foolish.

Resist any urge to sprinkle signposting words all over your written piece. Instead, you must be meticulous and link sentences, paragraphs, or ideas only when necessary.

Choose a transition or linking word that fits the context. For example, only use 'as a result' to signpost when the following idea is a consequence of an idea you previously wrote.

As usual, precise language will enable smooth and accurate communication with your audience; you must stick to it when writing your essay. 

Related Read: How to make good paragraphs in an essay.

5. Signpost in your introduction

 When signposting in the introduction, clearly elaborate:

• The overall aim of your essay, e.g., 'This essay argues'.'
• The main ideas you will discuss and in what order, e.g., 'First, second, third'.'
• The rationale of choosing your main argument for the topic, e.g., 'Given that'.' Or ''will form the key focus of this essay.'
• Quantify the content or aims of your essay, e.g., 'This essay discusses the three strategies'.'

In short, your introduction should present the essay's overall aim and share the points you discuss in the body paragraphs.

6. Signpost throughout the body paragraphs

You need to use paragraph breaks and subheadings to signpost through your essay. It is a way to keep the readers focused on the main points of your essay. However, you can only do this for long essays such as term papers, research papers, or dissertations.

Writing three to four sentences to effectively use paragraph breaks before starting another paragraph. Paragraph breaks are the single line space, indentation, or both that mark the end of one paragraph and the beginning of the next.

In your body paragraphs, you can tell your readers about specific points to come or what has been discussed already.

Example: Having discussed the overall direction of Trump's foreign policy, it is necessary to consider Biden's current policy.

You can equally use words and short phrases within the paragraphs. For example, you can use words such as 'Consequently,' 'as a result,' 'therefore,' 'alternatively,' or 'however' to signal direction.

7. Signpost in your conclusion

Like the introduction, the conclusion of an essay also plays a critical role - a signpost in your conclusion to bring some element of closure and close the loop for your readers.

To signpost well, look for the verbs you used in the introduction and use the same verbs in their past tense. For example,  "t his essay has discussed and concluded."

Ensure that your conclusion reminds the readers about the main points, arguments, and reasoning you have achieved in your essay and how your essay has answered the question.

A good essay outline should help you signpost ideas in your conclusion. That way, you can craft a conclusion that satisfies your readers' appetite.

8. Ensure that your topic is clear earlier on

Provide a rationale for choosing your topic early enough. Then, you have a few seconds to capture the attention of your readers, after which you either keep or lose their interest.

To have your readers engaged in reading your essay past the title, let the reader know the direction. Begin by writing a great hook , providing a detailed background, and explaining how the topic is relevant to your essay. Also, ensure that your main arguments are clear off the bat.

List of Signposting Words and Phrases for Essays

Now that you understand what it is, its significance, and various approaches to achieve it, let's have a quick look at the phrases and words or signposts that you can use in your essay.

Introducing new idea

• Firstly, secondly, thirdly'
• First, second, third'.
• The first/next/final section'
• The current debate'.
• The current issue'.

Adding similar points

• In addition
• On the same note

Specifying a particular idea

• Considering
• Specifically
• In particular
• More specifically
• In relation to
• In terms of
• With respect to

Giving examples or illustrating

• For instance
• For example
• As an illustration
• This can be explained by
• To further illustrate

Summarizing ideas

• To conclude
• As evident from the discussion
• As is clear from the discussion above
• To summarize
• In conclusion
• The main issue that is apparent
• The main points here
• It is clear that
• The strength of this approach

Making comparison

• On the one hand
• On the other hand
• Compared to
• In comparison
• In contrast
• This contrasts'
• This conflicts'
• This is contrary
• Another angle

Linking or developing a new idea

• Having said that'.
• Picking from the last point
• Having established
• To further understand'
• To elaborate further
• In addition to
• As well as'
• Another issue'
• Of equal importance
• Extending the argument further

Related Reading: How to write a compare and contrast essay.

Final Remarks

Signposting is a single ingredient that makes your essay stronger, more understandable, and more flowing. In addition, it improves the taste of your essay even when your instructor is in no good mood.

Using the signposting tips and tricks we have discussed can help you achieve so much, even when writing a short essay, as you would with a longer essay.

When creating a good flow, the instructor or professor can identify with your argument. You invite them to your world and keep them to the end of the essay. Even as you signpost, be meticulous just as you would with transition words. Ensure that you use it sparingly and as necessary.

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The Lexington Review

A Journal of Scholarly Writing from the Baruch College Writing Center

Signposting – Showing your reader where you’re going

Signposts , like traditional transitions, prepare a reader for changes in an essay’s direction. But rather than easing the shift from one paragraph to another, signposting signals a new section or mode of the writer’s argument. A signpost might, for example, indicate that the essay is:

• pausing for historical background or context;
• about to present a countering claim;
• raising a new question;
• turning to another writer’s ideas; or
• introducing a new method of analysis.

In addition to guiding readers, signposting also helps writers articulate and control arguments.

Here’s how one writer, John Baran , indicates how he will address a question he’s just raised:

“If an understanding of Madonna’s attraction to Kabbalah and how it affects her art is to be obtained, an explanation of Jewish Mysticism must be acquired first. Furthermore, in order to begin understanding Jewish Mysticism and its practices, it is imperative to examine some of the historical aspects of the oral traditions of Rabbinic Judaism” (Baran).

In these two sentences, the writer sketches two steps in his methodology. Firstly, he determines that the larger question of “Madonna’s attraction to Kabbalah and how it affects her art” requires knowledge of Jewish mysticism (sentence 1). In the second sentence, he gazes down the road a bit further, telling us that the first step in this knowledge of Jewish mysticism is a background in the “oral traditions of Rabbinic Judaism.” Not surprisingly, then, the next few paragraphs go on to provide this background. Notice that the writer not only alerts us to the upcoming sequence, but also marks its role in the larger project—exploring what all this has to do with Madonna’s work.

Later in this essay, the writer again signposts, this time to introduce a new source and indicate how he will use it:

“The expensive water and magic bracelets that [Kabbalah Center] members are obligated to purchase certainly are red flags, especially since both items are considered to hold powers of protection and healing. But the uses of such religious items are purely dogmatic, and the reasoning of dogma can only be argued by contrasting beliefs from other faiths. An argument against a religion which is based on the philosophy of another is not justification of declaring said religion a cult. Therefore, arguing about a religion’s spiritual practices may not lead to an answer. However, organizations such as The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) may supply some clarification and provide tools to assess a possible cult status” (Baran).

As the final sentence suggests, the writer moves from this paragraph into an assessment of Kabbalah Center practices using an ICSA text to generate evaluative criteria. His signpost thus indicates a turn to a new source and identifies the role it will play in developing the larger argument.

Next Steps:

If your essay needs some signposting, try this three-step process:

• Divide your essay into sections. Where are new sources or analytical methods introduced? Where are you setting up a sequence of background or historical context followed by analysis? Essentially, where do you shift from one kind of writerly work to another? Mark these turning points.
• Reflect on the whole. Now ask yourself how each turning point contributes to the larger essay. For example, John Baran writes that explaining the oral traditions of Rabbinic Judaism happens in order to help the reader understand Jewish mysticism. It’s important that you signpost not only to transition, but also to remind the reader of the essay’s organization. To do that, you need to know why each section does the work it does.
• Write the signposts.

Works Cited

Baran, John. “Mysticism and the Material Girl.”  Lexington Review . 1 Feb. 2010,  https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/lexingtonreview/journal/mysticism-and-the-material-girl/ .

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What is Signposting in an Essay

Table of contents.

Have you ever struggled to follow someone’s argument in their essay or struggled to organize your thoughts in your own writing? If so, then you may benefit from incorporating signposting into your writing. In this article, we will explore the definition of signposting in an essay, its importance, the different types of signposting, the benefits of using signposting, and how to effectively incorporate signposting into your writing.

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What is signposting in an essay?

Simply put, signposting in an essay means using words, phrases, or structures to guide your reader through your argument or narrative. By doing this, you make your writing more coherent and understandable. It helps the reader to see where they are in the essay and how the various parts relate to one another.

But why is signposting so essential in writing? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, it allows the writer to clarify their argument. When you use signposting, you make it clear what you’re trying to say and what you’re arguing for. This clarity is essential to help the reader understand your point of view and to make your writing more persuasive.

Secondly, signposting helps you present a clear and logical structure . By guiding the reader through your argument, you ensure that each part of the essay is connected and related to the previous and subsequent parts. This creates a cohesive and easy-to-follow essay that’s enjoyable to read.

Lastly, signposting makes the essay easier to read. It helps the reader to understand the flow of the essay and to avoid getting lost in the structure. This is especially important when you’re writing longer essays that require the reader to keep track of multiple ideas and arguments.

Types of Signposting

Transition Words and Phrases

One of the most common ways to use signposting is through the use of transitional words and phrases.

Transitional words and phrases are words that connect one idea to the next. They help to create a smooth flow between ideas and can be used to introduce or conclude an idea. They act as a bridge between different parts of your essay and make it easier for the reader to follow your argument.

For example, if you’re making a point and want to add more information to support it, you could use a transitional phrase like “additionally” or “furthermore.” These words signal to the reader that you’re going to provide additional information to support your point.

On the other hand, if you want to introduce a contrasting idea, you could use a transitional word like “however” or “although.” These words signal to the reader that you’re going to present a different point of view or idea.

Transitional words and phrases can also be used to conclude an idea or argument. For example, if you’re finishing up a point and want to transition to a new one, you could use a phrase like “in conclusion” or “finally.” These words signal to the reader that you’re wrapping up one idea and moving on to the next.

Some other examples of transitional words and phrases include “similarly,” “on the other hand,” “in addition to,” and “therefore.” By using these words and phrases, you can create a more cohesive and engaging essay that’s easy to read and follow.

So next time you’re writing an essay, try incorporating transitional words and phrases to create a smooth and logical flow between ideas. Your writing will be more coherent, and the reader will have an easier time following your argument.

Headings and Subheadings

Headings and subheadings are used to break up your essay into sections and to make it easier for the reader to navigate through your ideas. They can also help to provide a clear structure to your writing and to make your argument more organized and cohesive.

When using headings and subheadings, it’s important to make sure they’re clear and descriptive of the content that follows. For example, if you’re writing an essay on the effects of climate change, you could use headings such as “Introduction,” “Causes of Climate Change,” “Effects on the Environment,” and “Solutions.”

Headings and subheadings should be formatted consistently throughout your essay. Typically, main headings are centered and in bold font, while subheadings are indented and in italics or regular font. You can also use different levels of headings to create a hierarchical structure.

The use of headings and subheadings is especially important in longer essays, where the reader needs to keep track of multiple ideas and arguments. By using clear and descriptive headings, you can help the reader follow the flow of your argument and make it easier to find specific information within your essay.

In addition to being helpful for the reader, headings and subheadings can also make your essay more organized and easier to write. By breaking up your essay into sections, you can focus on one idea at a time and make sure that your argument flows logically and cohesively.

So next time you’re writing an essay, try incorporating headings and subheadings to create a clear and organized structure. Your essay will be more engaging and easier to follow, which will help you to communicate your ideas more effectively.

Topic Sentences

Topic sentences are sentences that introduce the main idea of a paragraph. They’re typically located at the beginning of the paragraph, and they help to signal to the reader what the paragraph is about. This makes it easier for the reader to understand the focus of the paragraph and how it relates to the essay’s overall argument.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on the importance of exercise, you could have a paragraph discussing the benefits of cardiovascular exercise. The topic sentence for this paragraph could be: “Cardiovascular exercise has numerous benefits for physical and mental health.” This sentence signals to the reader that the paragraph will be about the benefits of cardiovascular exercise.

Using topic sentences can make your writing more organized and easier to follow. They help to create a logical structure in your essay and ensure that each part of the essay is connected and related to the previous and subsequent parts.

Topic sentences can also help you stay focused when writing your essay. By starting each paragraph with a clear main idea, you can make sure that you stay on track and avoid going off on tangents.

In addition to being helpful for the reader, topic sentences can also make your writing more persuasive. By clearly stating your main ideas, you can make a stronger case for your argument and make it easier for the reader to understand your point of view.

Concluding Sentences

Concluding sentences are located at the end of a paragraph, and they summarize the main point of the paragraph. They’re the opposite of topic sentences, which introduce the main idea of a paragraph. Concluding sentences help to signal to the reader that the paragraph is ending and can also provide a smooth transition to the next point in the essay.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on the benefits of reading, you could have a paragraph discussing how reading can improve vocabulary. The concluding sentence for this paragraph could be: “In summary, reading is a great way to improve your vocabulary and expand your knowledge.” This sentence summarizes the main point of the paragraph and signals to the reader that the next paragraph will be about another benefit of reading.

Using concluding sentences can make your writing more organized and easier to follow. They help to provide closure to each paragraph and ensure that the reader understands the main point of the paragraph before moving on to the next one.

Concluding sentences can also help you to make your writing more persuasive. By summarizing the main point of the paragraph, you can reinforce your argument and make it more memorable for the reader.

In addition to being helpful for the reader, concluding sentences can also make your writing more engaging. By providing a smooth transition to the next point in the essay, you can keep the reader interested and ensure that they stay engaged with your writing.

Connectors and Discourse Markers

Connectors and discourse markers are words or phrases that establish the relationships between different parts of an essay. They help to create a cohesive and logical flow between ideas, and can be used to show cause and effect, contrast, or similarity.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on the effects of social media, you could use a connector like “because” to show cause and effect: “Because of the addictive nature of social media, users can experience negative effects on their mental health.” This sentence makes it clear that the addictive nature of social media is the cause of the negative effects on mental health.

On the other hand, you could use a discourse marker like “however” to show contrast: “Social media can be a great way to connect with others; however, it can also lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.” This sentence acknowledges the positive aspects of social media while also recognizing the potential negative effects.

Connectors and discourse markers can also be used to show similarity or emphasize a point. For example, you could use a connector like “similarly” to draw a comparison: “Similarly, television can also have negative effects on mental health.” This sentence draws a parallel between social media and television and shows that both can have negative effects.

Using connectors and discourse markers can make your writing more engaging and persuasive. They help to create a smooth and logical flow between ideas, and can make your argument more cohesive and easy to follow.

Benefits of Using Signposting in Your Essay

One of the main benefits of using signposting is that it ensures your writing is clear and easy to understand. Signposting helps the reader to follow the structure of your argument, which makes your writing more coherent. By using transitional words and phrases, headings and subheadings, topic sentences, and concluding sentences, you can guide the reader through your essay and ensure that each part is connected to the others.

Another benefit of using signposting is that it helps to create a logical structure in your writing. Signposting makes the essay more organized, and each part of the essay is connected and related to the previous and subsequent parts. This creates a more cohesive essay that’s enjoyable to read and easier to understand.

Using signposting also helps the reader to follow your argument. By guiding the reader through your essay, you can ensure that they understand your point of view and can engage with the content. Signposting also ensures that the reader does not get lost in the essay’s structure, which can be especially important in longer essays or complex arguments.

In addition to these benefits, using signposting can also make your writing more persuasive. By creating a clear and logical structure, you can make a stronger case for your argument and ensure that the reader understands your point of view.

How to Incorporate Signposting into Your Writing

To use signposting effectively, you should start with a clear and coherent argument. Identify the key points and ideas that support your argument and make sure that they are organized logically. Then, use the different types of signposting, such as transition words and phrases, headings and subheadings, and topic sentences to guide the reader through your argument.

One tip for using signposting effectively is to be consistent in your use of different types of signposting. Use a consistent format for headings and subheadings, and make sure that your use of transition words and phrases is consistent throughout the essay.

It’s also important to use signposting in a way that’s appropriate for the type of essay you are writing. In a persuasive essay, for example, you can use signposting to introduce the main arguments and their supporting evidence. In a narrative essay, signposting can be used to help the reader understand the different parts of the story and how they relate to each other. Regardless of the essay type, it’s important to use signposting consistently throughout the essay.

In addition to these tips, it’s also a good idea to use online tools and resources to help with the signposting process. Tools like Grammarly and Hemingway can help you identify areas where you can improve your writing, including your use of signposting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the most common mistakes is to overuse or misuse signposting. Overusing signposting can make the essay appear repetitive and confusing. Using too many transition words and phrases or unnecessary headings and subheadings can be overwhelming for the reader and detract from the main argument. It’s important to use signposting judiciously and only when necessary. Use it to guide the reader through the argument or narrative and avoid using it as filler content.

On the other hand, not including enough signposting in your work can also be a mistake. This can make the essay appear disorganized and difficult to follow. It’s important to use signposting throughout the essay to help guide the reader through your argument or narrative. This includes using transition words and phrases, clear and descriptive headings and subheadings, and topic sentences and concluding sentences. Without sufficient signposting, the reader may get lost in the essay’s structure and miss important information.

Another common mistake is not using signposting consistently throughout the essay. It’s important to use a consistent format for headings and subheadings and to use transition words and phrases consistently throughout the essay . This creates a more cohesive and logical structure, making it easier for the reader to follow your argument or narrative.

In conclusion, signposting is an essential element of effective writing. It helps to make the essay more coherent, understandable, and engaging. The different types of signposting, including transition words and phrases, headings and subheadings, topic sentences, concluding sentences, and connectors and discourse markers, can be used to guide the reader through the argument or narrative. By using signposting consistently throughout your writing, you can improve its clarity and organization. So next time you’re writing an essay, make sure to incorporate signposting to make your writing more effective and engaging.

• Last Edit 15 AUG 2023

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Essay Writing Hints: Signposting

It’s all very well to say you should be signposting your essays or your masters dissertation, but what exactly does this mean?

Essay example – poor signposting

Take a look at the following passage.  It demonstrates what happens when you ignore the importance of signposting:-

Professor Jo Carter is a renowned expert on forensic science, however, she is better known for her crime writing mysteries.  She first began writing in the ‘Whodunnit?’ genre when she was studying for her PhD, but it wasn’t until her fourth novel, and the introduction of the popular Chief Inspector Matthius that she sprang to fame.

The University will be holding it’s annual meeting on 5th June.  There will be a dinner with wine, and tickets are priced at£45.  All proceeds will go to the library fund.

There doesn’t appear to be any connection between these two paragraphs.  It’s almost as though they were collected at random.  Then at the bottom of the passage was the line:-

Professor Carter will be the after dinner speaker.

Now the connection between Professor Carter and the university’s annual meeting are made clear.  But your readers shouldn’t have to work this hard to work out the connection between your paragraphs .  How do you avoid this sort of issue in your writing?

Essay Structure – Breaking It Down

Have a look at the following sentence examples.  What sort of information would you expect to read next?

The MP put forward forceful arguments to curb expenditure on the hospital.

They study looked at the amount of platinum used in the creation of different brands of mobile phone.

Property prices in Dublin fell rapidly after the election.

It is widely believed that the use of calculators in exams has led to declining numeracy skills amongst students.

You can get a sense of the sort of material that ought to follow these sentences.  As the reader, you would be startled if any one of these sentences was followed by, say, a line about the film industry in 1950s Los Angeles.  You are expecting a particular sort of information to follow.  There is more essay guidance about sentences elsewhere in the blog.

You need to detach yourself from your own essay writing in the same way.  Look at each sentence and try to imagine what your reader expects to see next.  You may need to add some linking phrases or signalling words in order for it to make sense.  Need more help on this?  Post a comment below to let us know.

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What it means for the Supreme Court to throw out Chevron decision, undercutting federal regulators

FILE- Gulls follow a commercial fishing boat as crewmen haul in their catch in the Gulf of Maine, in this Jan. 17, 2012 file photo. TExecutive branch agencies will likely have more difficulty regulating the environment, public health, workplace safety and other issues under a far-reaching decision by the Supreme Court. The court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday overturned a 1984 decision colloquially known as Chevron that has instructed lower courts to defer to federal agencies when laws passed by Congress are not crystal clear. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

The Supreme Court building is seen on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Executive branch agencies will likely have more difficulty regulating the environment, public health, workplace safety and other issues under a far-reaching decision by the Supreme Court .

The court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday overturned a 1984 decision colloquially known as Chevron that has instructed lower courts to defer to federal agencies when laws passed by Congress are not crystal clear.

The 40-year-old decision has been the basis for upholding thousands of regulations by dozens of federal agencies, but has long been a target of conservatives and business groups who argue that it grants too much power to the executive branch, or what some critics call the administrative state.

The Biden administration has defended the law, warning that overturning so-called Chevron deference would be destabilizing and could bring a “convulsive shock” to the nation’s legal system.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, said federal judges “must exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority.”

The ruling does not call into question prior cases that relied on the Chevron doctrine, Roberts wrote.

Here is a look at the court’s decision and the implications for government regulations going forward.

What is the Chevron decision?

Atlantic herring fishermen sued over federal rules requiring them to pay for independent observers to monitor their catch. The fishermen argued that the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act did not authorize officials to create industry-funded monitoring requirements and that the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to follow proper rulemaking procedure.

In two related cases, the fishermen asked the court to overturn the 40-year-old Chevron doctrine, which stems from a unanimous Supreme Court case involving the energy giant in a dispute over the Clean Air Act. That ruling said judges should defer to the executive branch when laws passed by Congress are ambiguous.

In that case, the court upheld an action by the Environmental Protection Agency under then-President Ronald Reagan.

In the decades following the ruling, Chevron has been a bedrock of modern administrative law, requiring judges to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of congressional statutes.

But the current high court, with a 6-3 conservative majority has been increasingly skeptical of the powers of federal agencies. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch have questioned the Chevron decision. Ironically, it was Gorsuch’s mother, former EPA Administrator Anne Gorsuch, who made the decision that the Supreme Court upheld in 1984.

What’s at stake?

With a closely divided Congress, presidential administrations have increasingly turned to federal regulation to implement policy changes. Federal rules impact virtually every aspect of everyday life, from the food we eat and the cars we drive to the air we breathe and homes we live in.

President Joe Biden’s administration, for example, has issued a host of new regulations on the environment and other priorities, including restrictions on emissions from power plants and vehicle tailpipes , and rules on student loan forgiveness , overtime pay and affordable housing.

Those actions and others could be opened up to legal challenges if judges are allowed to discount or disregard the expertise of the executive-branch agencies that put them into place.

With billions of dollars potentially at stake, groups representing the gun industry and other businesses such as tobacco, agriculture, timber and homebuilding, were among those pressing the justices to overturn the Chevron doctrine and weaken government regulation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed an amicus brief last year on behalf of business groups arguing that modern application of Chevron has “fostered aggrandizement’’ of the executive branch at the expense of Congress and the courts.

David Doniger, a lawyer and longtime Natural Resources Defense Council official who argued the original Chevron case in 1984, said he feared that a ruling to overturn the doctrine could “free judges to be radical activists” who could “effectively rewrite our laws and block the protections they are supposed to provide.”

“The net effect will be to weaken our government’s ability to meet the real problems the world is throwing at us — big things like COVID and climate change,″ Doniger said.

More than just fish

“This case was never just about fish,’' said Meredith Moore of the environmental group Ocean Conservancy. Instead, businesses and other interest groups used the herring fishery “to attack the foundations of the public agencies that serve the American public and conserve our natural resources,’' she said.

The court ruling will likely open the floodgates to litigation that could erode critical protections for people and the environment, Moore and other advocates said.

“For more than 30 years, fishery observers have successfully helped ensure that our oceans are responsibly managed so that fishing can continue in the future,’' said Dustin Cranor of Oceana, another conservation group.

He called the case “just the latest example of the far right trying to undermine the federal government’s ability to protect our oceans, waters, public lands, clean air and health.’'

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey called the decision a fitting follow-up to a 2022 decision — in a case he brought — that limits the EPA’s ability to control greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The court held that Congress must speak with specificity when it wants to give an agency authority to regulate on an issue of major national significance.

Morrisey, now the GOP nominee for governor, called Chevron “a misguided doctrine under which courts defer to legally dubious interpretations of statutes put out by federal administrative agencies.”

A shift toward judicial power

The Supreme Court ruling will almost certainly shift power away from the executive branch and Congress and toward courts, said Craig Green, a professor at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.

“Federal judges will now have the first and final word about what statutes mean,″ he said. “That’s a big shift in power.″

In what some observers see as a historic irony, many conservatives who now attack Chevron once celebrated it. The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was among those who hailed the original ruling as a way to rein in liberal laws.

“Conservatives believed in this rule until they didn’t,’' Green said in an interview.

In recent years, conservatives have focused on “deconstruction of the administrative state,’' even if the result lessens the ability of a conservative president to impose his beliefs on government agencies.

“If you weaken the federal government, you get less government,’' Green said — an outcome that many conservatives, including those who back former President Donald Trump, welcome.

The ruling will likely “gum up the works for federal agencies and make it even harder for them to address big problems. Which is precisely what the critics of Chevron want,” said Jody Freeman, director of the environmental and energy law program at Harvard Law School.

Types of Signposting: 10 Examples of Signposts in Speech

Have you ever noticed that sometimes it feels like the presenter is guiding you on a journey with his or her speech? When considering a speech, a signpost is crucial as it helps to keep the audience’s attention and navigate them through the speech.

What is signposting in Speech? 

Signposts can be displayed as a physical change of direction or a deliberate movement of the speaker. It is a speech technique that helps you connect what you’re about to say next with what you said previously.

In this article, you will learn more about the types of signposts and the examples of signposting for effective audience engagement.

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Types of Signposting in Speech

1. single words signposting, 2. short phrases signposting.

Signposting can be achieved with short phrases such as; in conclusion, in contrast, an additional point is, etc.

3. Whole sentence/Long phrases signposting

Long phrases can also be used for signposting, and they include: having discussed the liability of the research, I want to leave you with the following thoughts, this report will next address its validity, etc.

4. Visual Cues Signposting

How to effectively use signposting in public speaking.

Alex Lyon, Communication skills expert and coach, shares a ton of valuable insights and tips on youtube about how to become a better speaker and presenter. Here’s a video on how to more effectively use signposts in public speaking.

Examples of Signposts in Speech

Examples to use while moving on to a new point:

“Now, let’s move on to point number 3, where we will be discussing…”

“Now that we have discussed…, I would like to talk about…”

From these examples, you can see how indicative the language of movement is, taking the audience from one point to another.

If you need to go into details on a point or about a topic, the use of signposts gives the audience the signal of expansion.

“Let me talk more in-depth about…”

Using these signposts will enable the audience to know there is more information coming on a particular topic or area. It also makes the audience aware that the speaker is still on the same topic but will be discussing it in more details.

“Conversely, …”

This signpost gives the audience a clearer idea of what the speaker is conveying.

When trying to change a topic completely, it is of high importance that the audience are aware so that they can go along with you on the journey.

“As a side note…”

Going off on a tangent during a speech sometimes help get or bring back the audience’s attention.

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“Moreover …”

“This is really important, therefore, I am going to say it again…”

“Recapping on the previous point I made about…”

“Remember when I said…”

This mostly occurs when you tell a story at the beginning of your speech. You may be able to draw a lot of learnings from that particular story.

Summaries are quite important when giving a speech. You create a point, elaborate the point, and then summarize that very point.

Summarizing a speech gives the audience a better understanding of the information you have passed across to them in a nutshell.

“To summarize the report…”

“In conclusion…”

When the audience hears a concluding signpost, they often pay more attention because they can pick up somethings they must have missed during the main speech.

One of the Types of Signposting – Visual Signposts in Speech

For instance, as you are closing your presentation and share your final remarks, you may go into a Q&A session and showcase an image saying that. (We shared this above)

After going through all the phases of delivery of your speech, you can also share a final THANK YOU slide, which will signal the END of your presentation for the audience.

A speech without a clear structure will fail to win the audience’s interest, whereas an effectively used signposting gives the audience confidence and helps them navigate their way through the speech.

Ryan Mclean. What is Signpost in Public speaking? 9 Examples .

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The President Can Now Assassinate You, Officially

Under this new standard, a president can go on a four-to-eight-year crime spree and then retire from public life, never to be held accountable.

United States Supreme Court justices pose for their official portrait on October 7, 2022, in Washington, DC.

Welp, Donald Trump won. The Supreme Court today ruled that presidents are entitled to “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution for official acts, then contended that pressuring the vice president and the Department of Justice to overthrow the government was an “official act,” then said that talking to advisers or making public statements are “official acts” as well, and then determined that evidence of what presidents say and do cannot be used against them to establish that their acts are “unofficial.”

The ruling from the Supreme Court was 6-3, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, on a straight party-line vote, with all the Republican-appointed justices joining to give the president the power of a king. While some parts of the federal indictment against Trump will be remanded back down to the district-court trial judge to determine whether any of Trump’s actions were “unofficial” (“unofficial” acts, the court says, are not entitled to immunity), Trump’s victory in front of the Supreme Court is total. Essentially, all he has to do is claim that everything he did to plot a coup was part of his “official” duties, and the Supreme Court provided no clear method or evidentiary standard that can be used to challenge that presumption.

Legally, there are two critical things to understand about the totality of the court’s ruling here:

• The immunity is absolute
• There is no legislative way to get rid of what the court has given

On the first point, the immunity granted to Trump in this case far exceeds the immunity granted to, say, police officers or other government officials, when they act in their official capacities. Those officials are granted “qualified” immunity from civil penalties. Because the immunity is “qualified,” it can be taken away (“pierced” is the legal jargon for taking away an official’s qualified immunity). People can bring evidence against officials and argue that they shouldn’t be given immunity because of the gravity or depravity of their acts.

Not so with Trump. Presidents are now entitled to “absolute” immunity, which means that no matter what they do, the immunity cannot be lost. They are always and forever immune, no matter what evidence is brought to bear.

Moreover, unlike other officials, presidents are now entitled to absolute immunity from criminal charges. Even a cop can be charged with, say, murder , even if they argue that killing people is part of their jobs. But not presidents. Presidents can murder, rape, steal, and pretty much do whatever they want, so long as they argue that murdering, raping, or stealing is part of the official job of the president of the United States. There is no crime that pierces the veil of absolute immunity.

And there is essentially nothing we can do to change it. The courts created qualified immunity for public officials, but it can be undone by state or federal legislatures if they pass a law removing that protection. Not so with absolute presidential immunity. The court here says that absolute immunity is required by the separation of powers inherent in the Constitution, meaning that Congress cannot take it away. Congress, according to the Supreme Court, does not have the power to pass legislation saying “the president can be prosecuted for crimes.” Impeachment, and only impeachment, is the only way to punish presidents, and, somewhat obviously, impeachment does nothing to a president who is already no longer in office.

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Under this new standard, a president can go on a four-to-eight-year crime spree, steal all the money and murder all the people they can get their hands on, all under guise of presumptive “official” behavior, and then retire from public life, never to be held accountable for their crimes while in office. That, according to the court, is what the Constitution requires. 

There will be Republicans and legal academics and whatever the hell job Jonathan Turley has who will go into overdrive arguing that the decision isn’t as bad as all that. These bad-faith actors will be quoted or even published in The Washington Post and The New York Times . They will argue that presidents can still be prosecuted for “unofficial acts,” and so they will say that everything is fine.

But they will be wrong, because while the Supreme Court says “unofficial” acts are still prosecutable, the court has left nearly no sphere in which the president can be said to be acting “unofficially.” And more importantly, the court has left virtually no vector of evidence that can be deployed against a president to prove that their acts were “unofficial.” If trying to overthrow the government is “official,” then what isn’t? And if we can’t use the evidence of what the president says or does, because communications with their advisers, other government officials, and the public is “official,” then how can we ever show that an act was taken “unofficially”?

Take the now-classic example of a president ordering Seal Team Six to assassinate a political rival. According to the logic of the Republicans on the Supreme Court, that would likely be an official act. According to their logic, there is also no way to prove it’s “unofficial,” because any conversation the president has with their military advisers (where, for instance, the president tells them why they want a particular person assassinated) is official and cannot be used against them.

There will doubtless be people still wondering if Trump can somehow be prosecuted: The answer is “no.” Special counsel Jack Smith will surely argue that presenting fake electors in connection with his cadre of campaign sycophants was not an “official act.” Lower-court judges may well agree. But when that appeal gets back to the Supreme Court next year, the same justices who just ruled that Trump is entitled to absolute immunity will surely rule that submitting fake electors was also part of Trump’s “official” responsibilities.

Why Aren’t We Talking About Trump’s Fascism? Why Aren’t We Talking About Trump’s Fascism?

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There is no way to change that outcome in the short term. In the long term, the only way to undo the authoritarianism the court has just ushered in is to expand the Supreme Court . Democrats would have to win the upcoming presidential election and the House and the Senate. Then Congress would have to pass a law expanding the number of justices on the Supreme Court; then the Senate would have to pass that law as well, which, at a minimum, would likely have to include getting rid of the filibuster. Then the president would have to sign such a bill, and appoint additional Supreme Court justices who do not think that presidents should be kings—and then those justices would have to be confirmed. And all of that would have to happen before the current Supreme Court hears whatever Trump appeal from his January 6 charges comes up next, because if court expansion happens after the current Supreme Court dismisses the charges against him, double jeopardy will attach and Trump can never be prosecuted again under a less-fascist court.

So, since that’s not going to happen, Trump won. He won completely. He tried to overthrow the government, and he got away with it. I cannot even imagine what he’ll try if he is actually given power again, knowing full well that he will never be held accountable for literal crimes.

If you ever wondered what you’d have done in ancient Rome, when the Roman Republic was shuttered and Augustus Caesar declared himself the “first” citizen of Rome, the answer is: whatever you’re doing right now. It’s what you would have done during the Restoration of King Charles II in England, and what you would have done when Napoleon declared himself emperor of France. This, right here, is how republics die.

And the answer that cries out from the abyss of history is that most people, in real time, don’t care. Republics fall because most citizens are willing to give it away. Most people think that it won’t be that bad to lose the rule of law, and the people who stand to benefit from the ending of republican self-government tell everybody that it will be OK. When the Imperium came to be, the Romans didn’t realize that they were seeing the last form of European self-government for 2,000 years, and the ones who did were largely happy about it.

For my part, I assume that like Mark Antony’s wife, Fulvia, defiling the decapitated head of Cicero, Martha-Ann Alito will be jabbing her golden hairpin into my tongue for criticizing the powerful soon enough. But I’m just a writer. I wonder what the rest of you will do as the last vestiges of democracy are taken away by the Imperial Supreme Court and the untouchable executive officer they’ve just created.

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Elie Mystal

Elie Mystal is  The Nation ’s justice correspondent and the host of its legal podcast, Contempt of Court . He is also an Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center. His first book is the New York Times bestseller Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution, published by The New Press. Elie can be followed @ElieNYC .

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