The material was supported by an educational grant from Ferring How to Present a Scientific Lecture P. Devroey

Science and Types of Communication Goal: Innovation –Written Abstract Peer reviewed manuscript –Oral communication Presentation of abstract Small group seminar Invited lecture Press conference

Science and Its Processes Creative Mechanism of action –Pilot studies –Observational studies –Randomized controlled trials –Evidence Based Medicine

Considerations Hard science (world first and proven)? Which is the focus of the talk? Ethical reflections? What do I want you, as the audience, to remember? (take home message)

Hostmanship Guest and host Feeling welcome Experience of added value

Basic Principles of Hostmanship Knowledge (authority: gravitas) Take care Dialogue Helicopter view House style

Personal Considerations Inspiration Educational Aesthetic Challenge Surprise

Format of Lecture Transparent Forward – looking Modest Clear Conscious Constructive Supportive Trustworthy Appreciative Wise Decisive Passionate

Preparation of Presentation Presentation Planning Practice

The Triangle Concept Slides AudiencePresenter Laser or Mouse

The Mouse Concept Slides MouseAudience

The Podium Concept Projection Speaker (moving) Chairs Audience Laser (sitting)

Seven Basic Rules of a Presentation Never more than 7 lines per slide One slide per 50 seconds Color: for legibility and emphasis Focus with references Tonality Body language “Travelling” from one slide to another

How Not To The accurate detection of underlying reproductive abnormalities helps to guide individual management decisions and maximize ART treatment outcomes. Clinical evaluation of the infertile couple may be grouped into five categories: semen analysis, the post-coital test (PCT), assessment of ovulation, uterine and tubal evaluation, and laparoscopy (Balasch, 2000). Of these, semen analysis, mid-luteal phase serum progesterone level and tubal patency evaluation comprise the initial basic patient work-up (Crosignani and Rubin, 2000). However, the use of several fundamental elements of infertility testing is still contentious, and evidence suggests that the current World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the standard investigation of the infertile couple are poorly followed in Europe (Rowe et al., 1993; Balasch, 2000). Semen analysis Humans have a low proportion of ‘normal’ sperm compared with many other species. Although relatively few studies of semen analysis have been performed in men with proven fertility, there is a high degree of overlap in semen characteristics between fertile and infertile men (Guzick et al., 2001). High-quality semen analysis has diagnostic value for gross male infertility conditions (such as azoospermia or globozoospermia), but the predictive value of an individual semen analysis is less robust when moderate numbers of motile sperm are present (Comhaire, 2000).

Semen analysis comprises sperm concentration, motility and morphology. No isolated semen analysis measures have been shown to be diagnostic of infertility in large studies (Guzick et al., 2001). In an effort to increase the value of semen analyses, results have been incorporated into complex prediction models (Snick et al., 1997; Hunault et al., 2004). However, the output of these models has large confidence intervals and results must be interpreted cautiously (Snick et al., 1997; Hunault et al., 2004). Evidence suggests that the WHO recommendations for performance of semen analysis and reporting of results are adhered to poorly in routine laboratory practice (Keel et al., 2002; Riddell et al., 2005). Despite the availability of established systems to improve staff training in semen assessments, such as ESHRE courses (Bjorndahl et al., 2002), the majority of laboratories still do not have accurate methods or appropriate training systems. Thus, semen analysis results are often variable. The demonstrated absence of standardization and strict quality control for semen analysis undermines the diagnostic and prognostic value of the test. Despite the limitations described, semen analysis is routinely used to evaluate the fertilization potential of the male partner in infertile couples. Semen analysis outcomes also guide management decisions and often influence the choice of expectant management, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Greater standardization of semen analysis and accurate laboratory evaluation is clearly needed to improve the prognostic value of semen analysis (Ombelet et al., 2003). Furthermore, high-quality studies are required to identify threshold levels that are predictive of treatment outcome to assist decision-making for ART treatment. Sperm function tests may offer greater predictive power than traditional semen analysis but require strict validation prior to use in routine clinical practice How Not To (1/2)

How Not To What is the etiology of the luteal phase defect in stimulated cycles? –Oocyte retrieval? –GnRH agonist? –hCG? –Stimulation? –Combination of those factors? HR 1996; FS 2000; JCM 1985

How To What is the etiology of the luteal phase defect in stimulated cycles? –Oocyte retrieval? –GnRH agonist? –hCG? –Stimulation? –Combination of these factors? Fatemi Human Reproduction 2000 Fauser Human Reproduction 2008 Blockeel Human Reproduction 2009

Preparation What do I need to tell the audience? How can I maintain focus? How can I keep the audience interested? What did I publish? KISS - Keep It Straightforwardly Simple Wording

Wording During the Lecture: Opinions Versus Evidence NO I feel I think There is a trend to prove My personal view is HR 1996; FS 2000; JCM 1985 YES It is observed A tentative interpretation of the data is So far it’s not significant The meta-analysis did show

Planning Story Coda Take home message (return to key points for emphasis) Wording

Considerations on Personal Guidelines Brain and behavior have to be in balance Fluent wording Constructive and innovative Transparent but provocative Focus on strategies and structures Traveling from slide to slide

Prerequisites for Speaker Creativity Hotel Transparent rational behavior Convincing about change and novelty (progressive versus conservative) Global interest Personal niche –Room (cocooning) –Monastery (isolation) –Airplane (detached) Traveling from slide to slide

Considerations on Provocation Notwithstanding an unacceptable and immoral act according to the Vatican (1987), ICSI and TESE ICSI which we developed, led and will lead, to the birth of millions of children Is this observation not an inspiring contradiction dedicated to the temple of humanity? (Guayasamin, Quito) Traveling from slide to slide

Conclusions Preparation: –Paramount importance Podium concept: –Mandatory Eye contact and body language: –Crucial The triangle concept: –Facilitates communication

CODA Hostmanship Innovative story: ICSI All men can be the father of their own child ICSI is applicable globally Thousands and millions of children are, and will be born tomorrow, through ICSI Aknowledgements to Melissa Defreyne