Today I will be discussing

You usually place this right after your initial greeting. Think of it as the second sentence of your performance. First, you say 'Hi everyone,' and then you drop this phrase to anchor the room. You follow it with your main noun phrase or a list of points. For example: Today I will be discussing the new marketing strategy. It works best when followed by a brief 'hook' or a 'why' statement. Don't just say the topic; say why they should care. If you're feeling fancy, you can add an adverb like briefly or extensively to manage their expectations. Just don't say extensively if you only have three minutes, or you'll see people start looking for the exit.

This is a classic 'Formal' to 'Semi-Formal' expression. You’ll hear it in boardrooms, university lecture halls, and TED Talks. It is perfect for professional emails where you are outlining a meeting agenda. However, it’s a bit too stiff for a casual coffee catch-up. If you tell your best friend, Today I will be discussing my lunch options, they might think you’ve finally lost your mind or spent too much time on LinkedIn. It belongs in spaces where there is a clear speaker-and-audience dynamic. On social media, it’s great for a YouTube intro or a serious LinkedIn video, but maybe too heavy for a quick TikTok dance video.

Imagine you are a travel vlogger starting a video. You might say, Today I will be discussing the hidden gems of Tokyo that nobody tells you about. It creates instant intrigue. Or, in a job interview, when they ask about your experience: Today I will be discussing how my background in coding can help your team scale. It shows you are treating the interview like a professional pitch. Even in a heated family meeting about where to go for Christmas, using this phrase can actually calm people down by making you sound like the only adult in the room. Just use it sparingly at home unless you want your siblings to start throwing sofa cushions at you.

Use this phrase when you have a structured message to deliver. It’s perfect for the start of a school presentation, a business pitch, or a formal report. It’s also incredibly useful for written summaries at the top of a long document. If you’re a gamer streaming a tutorial, this phrase helps your viewers know exactly what level or mechanic you’re covering. It’s the 'professional' button you press when you want to be taken seriously. If you're nervous, saying these five words can actually help you find your rhythm because they are so predictable and solid.

Avoid this during a first date unless you want it to be the last date. It’s also not for quick updates. If your boss asks 'Is the report done?' don't reply with Today I will be discussing the status of the report. Just say 'Yes, I sent it.' Overusing this phrase in casual settings makes you sound like a robot or someone who is constantly trying to sell a multi-level marketing scheme. Also, avoid using it if you don't actually have a plan. There’s nothing worse than saying Today I will be discussing X and then realizing you forgot your notes.

Many learners forget the be or the -ing ending. Remember, this is a continuous action! Another mistake is using it for things that aren't 'discussions.' If you’re just showing a picture, say 'I will be showing you.' Discussion implies talking through ideas. Don't use it for something that takes two seconds, like 'Today I will be discussing how to open a door.' Unless it’s a very complicated door, of course.

If you want to sound a bit more modern, you can try I’m going to be talking about. This is very popular in American tech circles and YouTube. For something even more formal, try I would like to present. If you are in a rush, I’ll cover is a great shorter version. In British English, you might hear I shall be addressing, which sounds very 'Oxford Professor.' On the flip side, the 'Silicon Valley' version is often just Let’s dive into. Choose your variation based on whether you're wearing a suit or a hoodie.

Is it okay for a school essay? Yes, it’s a standard way to introduce a thesis in the introduction. Can I use it on a podcast? Absolutely, it’s the most common way to start a solo episode. Is Today I am discussing the same? Almost, but will be sounds slightly more planned and professional. It adds a layer of 'I have prepared this for you.'