How to give a scientific talk M. Stute & S. Pfirman Department of Environmental Science Barnard College/Columbia University Dallas Abbott Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory

Guidelines for giving scientific talks structure tables figures preparation of presentation giving the presentation questions and answers

Structure basic rule structure say what you are going to say (1-3 main points) say it then say what you said (summarize main points) keep in mind why and to whom you are giving this presentation structure subject, author(s) overview background information conclusion

Tables tables are useful for a small amount of data include units indicate data source if they are not your own should be legible on 3 x 5 index card

Esopus Creek Discharge of the Esopus Creek (Coldbrook, NY) and precipitation at Slide Mountain, NY (source: USGS/NCDC)

Esopus Creek Discharge of the Esopus Creek (Coldbrook, NY) and precipitation at Slide Mountain, NY (source: USGS/NCDC)

Figures ‘1 figure  1000 words’ keep figures simple, consider using color figures should be readable and understandable explain axes and variables include reference on figure

Figures... create a summary cartoon with major findings or illustration of the problem, show it at the beginning and the end can use web sources for cartoons (include reference to website) the entire figure should be visible

Preparing the presentation average not more than 1 slide per minute use key words or ‘bullets’ (~3-7 per page) avoid using complete sentences use presentation software (e.g. MS Powerpoint now standard) use color only for clarification speelcheck

Preparing the presentation... allow at least one minute per slide make sure you are familiar with the projection equipment and Powerpoint practice your presentation stay within the time limit! try speaking too loud to get a feeling where the upper limit is avoid reading the presentation make notes on slides indicating key points

Giving the presentation experienced speakers: speak freely look directly at audience inexperienced speakers: put outline and key points of your presentation on slides put additional notes on index cards this procedure helps: comfort: you don’t have to remember what to say eyes are on the slide not on you key points are there for people who weren’t listening

Giving the presentation... do not black out parts of figures stand where the figures can be seen look at people during presentation don’t worry about stopping to think be enthusiastic do not forget acknowledgements and give proper credit ending your talk: say ‘thank you’ then pause and say: ‘Any questions?’ don’t rush (especially for non-native audience)

Questions and answers concerned about questions? ask people to hold their questions until the end if someone asks a question that you will answer later in your talk, say so prepare for difficult questions (prepare extra slides?) keep your answers short and to the point don’t say that question is bad, just ask them to rephrase it if you can’t answer the question immediately, ask them to meet you afterwards