Some General Points To Consider For an Effective Seminar Be Enthusiastic!Be Enthusiastic! –do not speak in a monotone voice –do not read your slides –gesture, move about (within reason) –look at and engage your audience –have fun and be yourself Do Not Make your Audience Work.Do Not Make your Audience Work. –speak clearly, loudly and slowly –speak to the audience NOT to your slides –make your slides simple and easy to read

Some General Points To Consider For an Effective Seminar Do Not Try To Cover Too Much MaterialDo Not Try To Cover Too Much Material –focus on the important information Be Professional, But Not ReservedBe Professional, But Not Reserved –treat audience with respect Be Prepared and OrganizedBe Prepared and Organized –know your subject matter –come early View Seminar as a Story to be ToldView Seminar as a Story to be Told Use Your Nervousness ProductivelyUse Your Nervousness Productively –be prepared –stay focused

A SEMINAR DESCRIBING THE METHODS, APPROACHES, TECHNIQUES, STYLES AND SKILLS FOR GIVING A SUCCESSFUL, EFFECTIVE, PRODUCTIVE, INFOMRATIVE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SEMINAR THAT WILL ENABLE YOU TO SUCCESSFULLY ADVANCED IN YOUR CAREER OF CHOICE, GEARED TOWARD NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS, FIRST-TIME and NOVICE SEMINAR SPEAKERS Robert Powers Chemistry Department University of Nebraska

GIVING A SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATION David S. Hage Chemistry Department University of Nebraska

Seminar Outline The Introduction – “Tell the audience what you are going to tell them”The Introduction – “Tell the audience what you are going to tell them” –Important Background Material  Give Overall Perspective –Scientific Relevance (Big Picture)  Give All Audience Members Same Foundation –Bullet List of Important Topics (Table of Contents)  Use Throughout Highlight the Progress The Main Body of the Presentation – “Tell them”The Main Body of the Presentation – “Tell them” The Conclusion – “Tell them what you told them”The Conclusion – “Tell them what you told them” –Summarize the Important/Main Points (Take Home Message)

KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN PREPARING What is the purpose of the seminar? What is the purpose of the seminar? – convey results – get “Buy” in for project – scientific review Who is your audience? Who is your audience? – general vs. expert How much time do you have for your presentation? How much time do you have for your presentation? – good rule of thumb: two minutes of presentation per slide  20 to 25 slides for a 45 minute seminar What materials should you use? What materials should you use? – PowerPoint presentations are the overwhelming choice at scientific conferences – have a backup!

What is the Purpose of Your Seminar? To Present Your Research?To Present Your Research? To Review a Topic?To Review a Topic? To Begin a Discussion?To Begin a Discussion? *Use the purpose of the seminar guide you in preparing for your talk*

Who is Your Audience? Students?Students? Faculty?Faculty? Scientists in Your Field?Scientists in Your Field? Scientists in a Different Field?Scientists in a Different Field? A General Audience?A General Audience? *Choose materials and a level of discussion that is appropriate for your audience*

How Much Time Do You Have For Your Presentation? How much material can be covered?How much material can be covered? –focus on the important issues How much time must be used for an Intro.?How much time must be used for an Intro.? –give only background that is need to understand content/relevance. How much time must be left for questions?How much time must be left for questions? –typically 5-10 minutes *Always stay within your allotted time*

What Materials Should You Use? 35 mm SlidesOverhead Transparencies PowerPoint SlidesVideotapes Web ResourcesChalkboard/Wipe Board *Choose a medium that fits with your time slot, audience and subject matter*

General Rules for a Successful Seminar Know your subjectKnow your subject Be organizedBe organized Check the pronunciation & meaning of unfamiliar wordsCheck the pronunciation & meaning of unfamiliar words Practice, practice, practice…Practice, practice, practice… *The better prepared, organized, and rehearsed you are, the easier it will be to give your presentation*

Preparation of Seminar Materials Use an Easy-to-See Size (NOT a Small One)Use an Easy-to-See Size (NOT a Small One) Use Clear, Contrasting Colors (NOT or Colors)Use Clear, Contrasting Colors (NOT Loud or Similar Colors) Avoid Clutter or Too Much Material/SlideAvoid Clutter or Too Much Material/Slide Use Graphs, Figures, Animations, etc.Use Graphs, Figures, Animations, etc. Check for Errors in Your SlydesCheck for Errors in Your Slydes Always Acknowledge Outside SourcesAlways Acknowledge Outside Sources Do Not Overdue “Special Effects”Do Not Overdue “Special Effects”

SUMMARY This is the last thought that you leave with your audience, so make it good. This is the last thought that you leave with your audience, so make it good. Use short statements to summarize the main points of your talk. Use short statements to summarize the main points of your talk. Keep your points pertinent to your presentation, rather than using this a chance to add in new points. Keep your points pertinent to your presentation, rather than using this a chance to add in new points. *Leave the audience with a positive impression*

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS For a research presentation For a research presentation – mention those who contributed to the work discussed in your presentation. – list all sources of pertinent funding. Reference ALL Articles From Which Data is Presented Reference ALL Articles From Which Data is Presented – usually on the same slide with the data Thank the audience for taking part in your presentation. Thank the audience for taking part in your presentation.

THE QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD Allow time for questions at the end of the seminar. Allow time for questions at the end of the seminar. Be familiar with your material so that you can answer the questions. Be familiar with your material so that you can answer the questions. Treat all members of the audience who ask questions with respect (even if they don’t do the same). Treat all members of the audience who ask questions with respect (even if they don’t do the same). Some questions may involve speculation. If they do, state before you answer that this is what your doing. Some questions may involve speculation. If they do, state before you answer that this is what your doing. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know the answer or didn’t do the experiment. Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know the answer or didn’t do the experiment. Take criticism gracefully. Take criticism gracefully.