Technically Speaking Dr. Sarah Wang Duane Long

Outline Importance Elements of a Good Talk Presentation Style

Importance To Inform and Convince Others  What you have done and how well.

"Success in engineering and research depends as much upon the ability to present an idea convincingly as it does upon the ability to perform calculations and experiments.” - T. O. Richards, General Motors Corporation

Elements Know Your Topic Know Your Audience Know the Format

Knowing Your Topic Research Prepare more info than needed  Allows you to adapt to your audience if needed  “Safety net”

Knowing Topic Contd Informative Entertaining Concise

Know Your Audience Pitch to their level Stay within your time limit  Respect your audience  Courtesy to following speakers and moderators Set the rules before you begin  E.g., allow interruptions for questions or save questions for the end.

Presentation Style Outlining your talk Your Composure Visual Aids Good Intro

Style Contd Presentation Notes Your Voice Body Language Tips

Prepare a Detailed Outline Introduction Body  Categorical  Scientific Method  Chronological  Elimination  Spatial  Compare-contrast  Problem-Solution Conclusions Specify goals Focus on main points Use key words (Note that you will hand in your detailed outline for grading as part of this lab.)

Composure Competence Composed  Look comfortable  Let go of podium – use hand gestures appropriately Likeability  Smile  Make friends with the audience Dynamic  Be enthusiastic

Visual Aids Relevant Readable Simple  Use a readable font size (> 24 pt)  Use standard math notation for equations  Avoid programming symbols (e.g., *, ^) Power Point Physical Models or Product Video clips Schematics  Use simple block diagrams (from Pre-lab) Photographs  Digital photos during construction and testing

Your Introduction Memorize your first line “word for word” Use industrial examples to hook the audience  Establish relevance  Develop audience interest  Consider using an abbreviated outline of presentation Gives the audience a “road map” of what is coming Not necessary for short presentations (< 15 minutes)

Presentation Notes Use visual aids as prompts Look at your audience or projected images (not the screen on your laptop) Use proper names for symbols (e.g., say, “thermal conductivity,” instead of “k-value.” Summarize your presentation before asking for questions Avoid monotone speech Use pauses between complex ideas Look professional

Voice Quality Speak loudly enough for all to hear. Make sure your voice is varied in pitch and dynamics. Speak in a resonant tone. Make your voice rise and fall appropriately; don’t run out of steam at the end of a sentence. Speak at a medium pace. Generally, speak more carefully and slowly than you normally do. Speak toward the audience. Briefly glance at slides.

Body Language Use appropriate movement. Move and position your hands naturally. Use inclusive gestures (no crossed arms). Maintain good posture (no leaning against the podium or shoving both hands in pockets). Do not make distracting tics or noises. Maintain good eye contact. Stand and face the audience.

Do Not Let Your Bullet Points Speak for You Your job is to create meaning so the audience understands the significance of your work. Do not simply read your bullet points. Explain: Provide “connective tissue” between bullet points.

Anticipate Questions Repeat questions  Give yourself time to formulate a response  Allow other audience members to hear the question Try to incorporate your response into your presentation Inappropriate questions are best answered after the presentation Its “OK” to say, “I don’t know.” Learn to “think on your feet.”

Reflection Do your statements unintentionally curl up like questions, or do you use the word “like,” like, way too much? You may be subtly impairing your image. Here are some suggestions to prepare

Practice, Practice, Practice … Practice out-loud Pace your talk  Actual presentation is typically 20% longer than practice time Stay within the allotted time Eye contact Speech  Articulate consonants  Use loudness, pauses, silence to stress points Video record practice presentations