PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS... and how to give them Tony Key Department of Physics University of Toronto

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS Introduction Some Generalities Preparation Giving the Talk Discussion and Wrap-up Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations

Some Generalities Inform NOT Teach - Time very limited Audience sophisticated Many people fail because they conclude that the fundamentals simply do not apply in their case M.L. Chichon Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations

Some Generalities AIDS Power Point Videos – time consuming Blackboard/Whiteboard Flip chart – small groups Demonstrations – before a discussion Handouts – after your talk! Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations

Some Generalities Use sans-serif type NOT serif type face NOT fancy! Dark background, light letters Large font size (this is Arial 28) Limit ideas per slide Your name on each slide Bring each idea up as you talk about it Graphs NOT tables Power Point Tips and Traps Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations

Use sans-serif type NOT serif type face NOT fancy! Dark background, light letters Large font size (this is Arial 28) Limit ideas per slide Your name on each slide Bring each idea up as you talk about it Graphs NOT tables

A Model Figure Concentration analysis: A quantitative assessment of student states. Lei Bao, Edward F. Redish, American Journal of Physics, 69(S1), S45-S53, ( Avoid at all Costs!) Some Generalities GRAPHS

Professional Presentations Intensity of Xrays Wavelength Tube Voltage Low Wavelength CUTOFF X-RAYS: Intensity as a function of Wavelength

% of Audience Paying attention Time ~ 6 mins USE OF GRAPHS Attention span ~ minutes ~ 10 mins ~ 5 mins General Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations Some Generalities

Power Point Tips and Traps PP doesn’t give the presentation! You do! Work required! Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations Use sans-serif type NOT serif type face NOT fancy! Dark background, light letters Large font size (this is Arial 28) Limit ideas per slide Your name on each slide Bring each idea up as you talk about it Graphs NOT tables

Preparation WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE? Don’t overestimate Them (KISS !) WHO ARE YOU? What is your purpose? Communicate ideas Get a job Get a degree Get yourself known (do an assignment!) Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations

Preparation Aim for SET – BODY – CLOSURE Write it out Flow Chart : “Brain Map” Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations

Aim for SET – BODY, CLOSURE Write it out Note form – main points Organize Live Audience Video ~ 100 words/minute Rehearse Your main job! Summarize & Condense If it’s not essential, CUT it OUT ! Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations Preparation Flow Chart : “Brain Map”

Rehearse -- AGAIN Design a Security Blanket Notes, including inessentials Anticipate questions Prepare hard copies Check the room Computer set-up Use of remote Clear tables Clean board (Spare bulb?) Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of Toronto Preparation

Giving the Talk - TECHNICALITIES Computers, props, demos, models, etc. Don’t read the talk Summarize at the end Get out of the way – don’t obscure your slides! Unless you must! Use prompt cards Use your slides FINISH ON TIME! Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations

It’s OK to be nervous Be Enthusiastic Speak to the audience, not the screen Don’t mumble – speak loudly and slowly Vary tone Avoid fillers – “um”, “ah”, “OK”, “I mean” Make eye contact, one at a time Don’t sway, don’t be too rooted Take time to pause and breathe Check your stance Be light, use jokes Giving the Talk - PERSONALITY Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of Toronto Professional Presentations

Anxiety is excitement without breath F. Perls Prepare well - rehearse Use visual aids – such as PowerPoint! Carry background notes Get there early Make eye contact, one at a time Stand on two feet Breathe START! Tips to Counteract Anxiety Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations Giving the Talk

Repeat the Question QUESTIONS Let the Chairman do her job! Don’t Bullshit Be Gracious, Polite If you don’t know, say so, - promise an answer later Never, ever, be rude or lose your temper Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations Giving the Talk

Room Materials Security Blankets CHECKLIST Toilet Dress appropriately Check fly, bra strap Encourage yourself Notes Handouts Personal Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of TorontoProfessional Presentations Giving the Talk

Take a Deep Breath and START Giving the Talk Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of Toronto

That’s all Folks! Tony Key, Department of Physics, University of Toronto