1. Michael Thoennessen Graduate Student Seminar Oct. 12, 2009 How to Prepare a Scientific Talk  This is not a lecture about how to give a talk  One example of encouraging “independent” research  Independent does not mean “alone”  Take initiative  Watch, observe, and practice…  Where to start? Google: “How to Prepare a Scientific Talk”Google: “How to Prepare a Scientific Talk”  Local information: Intra – Information for Graduate Students!! Intra – Information for Graduate Students!!

2. Michael Thoennessen Graduate Student Seminar Oct. 12, 2009 What to do… 1.Know your audience 2.Stick to the time allotted 3.Tell a simple story 4.Emphasize the big picture 5.Develop clean transitions 6.Limit the data tables and jokes 7.Practice, practice, practice 8.Dress appropriately 9.Welcome questions 10.Breathe and smile C&EN 87, #17, 44 (2009) 1.Prepare your material carefully and logically 2.Practice your talk 3.Don’t put in too much material 4.Avoid complex equations… 5.Have only a few conclusion points 6.Talk to the audience not to the screen 7.Avoid making distracting sounds 8.Polish your graphics 9.Convey your excitement about your work 10.Answer questions appropriately and graciously University of Virginia, Dept. of Chemistry, Graduate Studies, Career Center Website (2009)

3. Michael Thoennessen Graduate Student Seminar Oct. 12, 2009 References 1.Spectacular Scientific Talks C&EN 87, #17, 44 (2009) http://pubs.acs.org/cen/employment/87/8717employment.html http://pubs.acs.org/cen/employment/87/8717employment.html 2.10 Steps to Preparing a Great Scientific Talk Univ. of Virginia, Dept. of Chemistry, Grad. Studies, Career Center (2009) http://chem.virginia.edu/graduate-studies/test-links-pg/how-to-prepare-and-present-a-scientific-talk / http://chem.virginia.edu/graduate-studies/test-links-pg/how-to-prepare-and-present-a-scientific-talk / 3.Advice to Beginning Physics Speakers James C. Garland, Physics Today 44, Issue 7, 42 (1991) https://intra.nscl.msu.edu/gradresources/files.php https://intra.nscl.msu.edu/gradresources/files.php 4.What’s Wrong With Those Talks N. David Mermin, Physics Today 45, Issue 11, 9 (1992) https://intra.nscl.msu.edu/gradresources/files.php https://intra.nscl.msu.edu/gradresources/files.php 5.The Woman Physicist’s Guide to Speaking Heidi Newberg, Physics Today 58, Issue 2, 54 (2005) https://intra.nscl.msu.edu/gradresources/files.php https://intra.nscl.msu.edu/gradresources/files.php 6.How to Give an Academic Talk Paul N. Edwards, School of Information, University of Michigan (1998-2008) http://www.si.umich.edu/~pne/PDF/howtotalk.pdf http://www.si.umich.edu/~pne/PDF/howtotalk.pdf

4. Michael Thoennessen Graduate Student Seminar Oct. 12, 2009 What not to do… That’s one example: …or…or

5. Michael Thoennessen Graduate Student Seminar Oct. 12, 2009 Where to Get Help  INTRA: Graduate Student Resources This talk will be posted there and can be used as template  Google…  Ask other students, postdocs, advisors for powerpoint tips  Show slides to advisor (for advice)  Watch others give presentations  Practice, practice, practice…  Videotape your presentation: Contact Jon Whiting (whiting@nscl.msu.edu)whiting@nscl.msu.edu