Final answer:
The verbal signpost in the question is 'previewing,' which indicates that the speaker will outline main points, functioning as guidance for the audience on what to expect from the presentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The verbal signpost in the given statement is previewing. This is because the phrase “let’s consider the initial points to be covered” serves as an indication to the audience that the speaker is about to outline the main points or topics that will be discussed, which is a characteristic of previewing. Signpost language is crucial in presentations and speeches as it helps to guide the audience through the flow of the presentation, signaling transitions, conclusions, or shifts in topic.
Other forms of signpost language can be transitions that indicate when the presenter is moving from one idea to another, or summarizing when quickly revisiting the key points mentioned. When crafting a presentation, using parallelism and repetition within signposts can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the communication.