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WHEN THE SCIENTIST PRESENTS: AN AUDIO AND VIDEO GUIDE TO SCIENCE TALKS
This book looks at the presenting scientist from a novel the presenter-host. When scientists give a talk, the audience (“guests”) expects the title of the talk to determine presentation content, they require understandable slides, and they demand visible and audible scientific authority. To each expectation corresponds a set of personal (voice, host qualities, time control), technical (presentation tools and slide design), and scientific (Q&A, slide content).The author takes an original human factor view of the presentation delivery, in which the audience is easily distracted, rapidly forgetful, and increasingly impatient. Thus, insightful pointers are given on how to deliver the talk, how to craft the slides, and how to prevent the computer from rendering the presenting host-scientist into a “ghost”. In addition, the book goes in-depth over the treatment of questions by examining the motives and style of the questioners, and advising on how best to answer to each type of questioner.The book comes with a DVD for audio and video examples, and includes essential PowerPoint and Keynote techniques that a presenter cannot live without.
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2009
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16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 14, 2020
A very applicable book
It's a very good book for anyone in a scientific career. I particularly enjoyed all the tips on how to utilize PowerPoint and it's features
It's a very good book for anyone in a scientific career. I particularly enjoyed all the tips on how to utilize PowerPoint and it's features
April 22, 2017
Jean-Luc Lebrun, a trainer of researchers and scientists from A*STAR Research Institutes, provides meaningful insights for a Scientist to present considering all different angles. Lebrun explores the four key areas a Scientist should focus on which are content selection, audience expectations, PowerPoint or Keynote slides and the presenter. What is unique is Lebrun’s take on how the Scientist should look at himself or herself as someone hosting a presentation. See below for some tips or considerations Lebrun provides.
These are the five knock-outs that were explored to prevent disconnect between the presenter and the audience:
A rushed-through title slide: “The title is the structuring element of the whole presentation” so be sure the title of the presentation makes sense and that there is an appropriate time spent on presenting the title slide.
Slide complexity: “What is complex to the non-expert is simple to the expert with extensive prior knowledge”. Know your audience and design your slides and talk accordingly.
Fast talking: You can lose people by talking very fast, especially the non-natives and it is encouraged to slow down.
Fast-pacing: Fast-pacing usually occurs two thirds of the way when they realize they are running out of time.
Slide disorganization: “A disconnected story is one where the audience is unable to see the logic of progression in your slides”. The slides should be logical to the audience where they can follow along.
Some of the key tips taken from the book to remember before presenting:
(1) Memorize your introduction and conclusion, as it will help you start on autopilot and alleviate the nervousness that comes with starting the presentation and anticipating the questions that may follow the conclusions.
(2) When you are the presenter, you are also the host as if you are hosting the party. Prepare accordingly to take control of the possible things that may effect your presentation.
(3) Tailor the five types of slides, introduction, hook, map, story and conclusion slides and your talk to your audience – their background, expertise level, influence in the industry and what they may be interested in hearing about.
(4) In order to speak with confidence, control your adrenaline, control your breathing, control your muscular stress, and control your hydration.
(5) Consider five knockouts that can be the reason for disconnect between the audience and the presenter: rushed-through title slide, complex slides, fast-talking, fast pacing, and disorganized slides.
(6) During a Question and Answer session at the end, rephrasing questions can help with understanding the right question, processing and thinking of the answer and to allow for the audience to hear the question.
(7) To assure there is no disregard of the audience, presenters can disregard their stage fright and see themselves as hosts in front of guests than victims.
These are the five knock-outs that were explored to prevent disconnect between the presenter and the audience:
A rushed-through title slide: “The title is the structuring element of the whole presentation” so be sure the title of the presentation makes sense and that there is an appropriate time spent on presenting the title slide.
Slide complexity: “What is complex to the non-expert is simple to the expert with extensive prior knowledge”. Know your audience and design your slides and talk accordingly.
Fast talking: You can lose people by talking very fast, especially the non-natives and it is encouraged to slow down.
Fast-pacing: Fast-pacing usually occurs two thirds of the way when they realize they are running out of time.
Slide disorganization: “A disconnected story is one where the audience is unable to see the logic of progression in your slides”. The slides should be logical to the audience where they can follow along.
Some of the key tips taken from the book to remember before presenting:
(1) Memorize your introduction and conclusion, as it will help you start on autopilot and alleviate the nervousness that comes with starting the presentation and anticipating the questions that may follow the conclusions.
(2) When you are the presenter, you are also the host as if you are hosting the party. Prepare accordingly to take control of the possible things that may effect your presentation.
(3) Tailor the five types of slides, introduction, hook, map, story and conclusion slides and your talk to your audience – their background, expertise level, influence in the industry and what they may be interested in hearing about.
(4) In order to speak with confidence, control your adrenaline, control your breathing, control your muscular stress, and control your hydration.
(5) Consider five knockouts that can be the reason for disconnect between the audience and the presenter: rushed-through title slide, complex slides, fast-talking, fast pacing, and disorganized slides.
(6) During a Question and Answer session at the end, rephrasing questions can help with understanding the right question, processing and thinking of the answer and to allow for the audience to hear the question.
(7) To assure there is no disregard of the audience, presenters can disregard their stage fright and see themselves as hosts in front of guests than victims.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews