Making presentations: What you need to know Part 1: How to present a seminar

Introduction Effective blend of data and concepts Competent and logical progression of facts and ideas Self confident approach Information based on the knowledge of your audience

Seminars vs. papers Seminar  Informal  Styles vary between presenters  Interaction is the key Paper  Formal  Must follow a set style  No interaction with the reader

Stage fright A little is good, a lot is not “If you don’t know, chances are no one else does” Remember, you are the expert

Key concepts “Engage gear before opening your mouth” CNN Dec.1, 2003 'Foot in mouth' prize for Donald Rumsfeld Comments regarding no finding of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Rumsfeld, renowned for his uncompromising tough talking, received the prize for the most baffling comment by a public figure. "Reports that say something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know," Rumsfeld told a news briefing. "We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns -- the ones we don't know we don't know."

Four key concepts 1. Why you did the work 2. How you did the work 3. The outcomes 4. Significance of your findings and their relationship to other studies

More key concepts Limit the number of ideas in your presentation  Better to discuss 2 ideas very well, than a broader range that flash by your audience Consider repeating significant points  Begin with an outline and refer back to it again later  Relate what is said to what is shown

1. The outline Q. How do I accomplish the key concepts? A. The outline  Q. What do I want to tell my audience?  A. What I did, how I did it, and why I think it’s important.  Q. What order do I want to tell them?  A. If it sounds logical to me, it will sound logical to them.

2. Preparing the seminar Part 2.

3. Rehearsals One-off seminar must be rehearsed Make sure that:  Your seminar fits into the time alloted (*critical*)  Is interesting and comprehensive  Spoken words and visual aids are complementary Informal rehearsals: privacy of your room Formal rehearsals: in front of colleagues, friends

4. Delivery A. Delivery style (see yourself through your work)  Enthusiastic  Articulate and interesting (voice projection, variation in pace)  Confident and professional in your approach  Dressed in an appropriate manner  Be aware that your seminar may not be the first of the day

4. Delivery B. Using notes  Copious notes impose monotony not spontaneity  You may not be able to read your notes due to dim lights  What if you drop your notes or loose a sheet?

4. Delivery What to do in place of detailed notes? 1. Condense notes  Make only a few short (numbered) reference cards. Only possible if you have rehearsed 2. Cueing around visuals  Together with condensed notes, this is a foolproof technique  Will only work is you have rehearsed

4. Delivery Humour  A two-edged sword  Use sparingly  Be prepared to modify if your joke doesn’t work  Some jokes just don’t work Behavour  Maintain eye contact, no mumbling, no excessive pacing, talk to your audience not the black board, stop fidgeting etc.

Before the seminar begins Recheck your notes Make certain you know how to use the room (projector, microphone, lights, laser pointer etc.) Relax and compose yourself

Question time “At the end of my first seminar when the lights came on, I thrust my hands deep into my trouser pockets and relaxed. The relief that I felt because all had gone well was premature. My zip broke irrepairably to reveal a set of brilliant scarlet jocks as I stood high on the dias overlooking the assembled crowd! So, don’t relax at question time - the seminar isn’t over yet!” Dr. Roger Lethbridge

Question time Awkward because you have little control over it Don’t panic: if the work is good you should be OK Answer questions positively and don’t be afraid to admit imperfections If you don’t know, admit it!