How to give a technical talk David A. B. Miller Stanford University 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

David Miller, Stanford University Summary How to organize your talk Tips for your viewgraphs How to practice and present your talk Anyone can give a good talk! 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

Organizing your talk - content what do I put in the talk? what is the “30 second version” of your talk (the “elevator speech”)? put in the material that leads up to and supports this you should always be able to give the 30 second version of your talk 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

Organizing your talk - time how do I make my talk fit into the time? do not put in too many viewgraphs you will not get through more than 1 viewgraph per minute at most take material out or simplify what you will say while still supporting your 30-second version do not simply talk faster! 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

Organizing your talk - structure how do I structure the talk? overall structure tell them what you’ll tell them summary tell them it the body of the talk tell them what you’ve told them conclusions 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

Organizing your talk - story the talk should not be a “stamp collection” i.e., a mere collection of facts with no plot think of the body of the talk as a story the flow of a story will hold the attention of your audience make it easier for you to remember what you wanted to say 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

Technical points for viewgraphs you should be able to read everything on the viewgraph from a distance of ~ 7 times the size of the viewgraph don’t make your writing too small otherwise the people at the back of the room cannot see it If you have to make your writing very small, you have too much on the viewgraph anyway be very careful with “color-on-color” writing simple dark text on a clear (white) background works well in all lighting and projection conditions red on blue or blue on red are particularly bad your viewgraph should be clear and uncluttered do not put too much on one viewgraph the audience will not take it in anyway red on blue blue on red Your message should be clear from the viewgraph even if you never say a word 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

Style points for viewgraphs try to avoid making all of your viewgraphs just bulleted lists use pictures and graphic objects to help make points use animations, special effects, or (especially!) jokes very sparingly only use them if they help make the talk clearer do not try to make your talk “flashy” that will only distract from your message use the core story to make the talk interesting “KISS” principle “keep it simple, stoopid!” 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

How to present your talk – basic technique make eye contact this establishes a bond between you and your audience and holds their interest do not read your talk remember the story of your talk, and the words will follow your viewgraphs will remind you of the story speak clearly, slowly enough, and loudly enough talk to the person at the back of the room 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

How to present your talk - manner never be, or feel, apologetic about your talk the audience want to hear it, otherwise they would not be there be enthusiastic about your own talk if you are not interested in it, no one else will be! don’t worry about being nervous! don’t panic take time to gather your thoughts if you need to take a deep breath, and go on 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

David Miller, Stanford University Practicing your talk practice the talk in front of a mirror, looking at yourself in the mirror this prevents you from reading the talk, it gets you used to making eye contact it may reveal any possibly distracting mannerisms give the talk many times to yourself the words for the talk will then start to flow naturally 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University

David Miller, Stanford University Conclusions Organize your talk to support the 30-second version of your message to give a clear story that the audience will follow Your viewgraphs should be clear and simple, interesting but not “flashy” Practice by giving the talk many times to yourself, with a mirror When you give the talk speak as if to the person at the back of the room let the story drive your words have fun and be enthusiastic!!!! 4/10/2019 David Miller, Stanford University