Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Effective Public Speaking …and that is how earth scientists will solve everything! This was an incredible presentatio n The science and methods were explained very well It was like the he was explaining it directly to me

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Effective Public Speaking Four Important Steps 1.Understand your Goals! 2.Keep it Simple! 3.Be Prepared! 4.Unforgettable Delivery!

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Understand Your Audience Who are you speaking to? Scientists at a conference or technical meeting? Scientists a round-table discussion? Clients or potential clients? Colleagues in a meeting or board room? The local rotary or environmental club? High school students? Elementary school classroom?

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Understand Your Audience What are their interests and prior knowledge or opinion? Scientists at a conference or technical meeting? Scientists a round-table discussion? Clients or potential clients? Colleagues in a meeting or board room? The local rotary or environmental club? High school students? Elementary school classroom?

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Keep it Simple You are the expert. Your audience is not. Provide a few major points Make your point early and often Provide adequate information to explain each point However, limit the details Use visual aids that are simple and easy to understand Example: Political campaign speeches Use visual aids that are simple and easy to understand Consider adapting and annotating figures from other resources to fit with your presentation style or language Bring your message to your audience’s level Avoid using language or terms that may be unfamiliar to your audience

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Be Prepared You can not “over-prepare” Use note cards, note pads, or have a monitor in view Memorization is not required However, do not read from your notes Anticipate questions Prepare a few extra visual aids Keep you presentation on time Orally rehearse your presentation several times Video tape yourself Give the presentation in the mirror Give the presentation to colleagues, friends, or family Provide handouts of any visual aids you may be using Practice, Practice, Practice…

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Unforgettable Delivery Develop an Effective Structure to your Presentation Begin with something to get the audience’s attention Strong introduction Provide an early “wow” factor Tie your points together with transitions and effective visual aids Use phrases like “Next…” or “Now that we have talked about our methods, let us move to our results” Be Energetic Vary the pace of your presentation (speed up and slow down) Use pauses for emphasis Example: MLK’s “I have a Dream…” speech Tell you own story somewhere in your presentation The audience wants a personal connection Helps provide credibility that you are expert Leave the audience with something to think about Provide a final “wow” factor Consider posing a final question to the audience

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Unforgettable Delivery Develop an Effective Presentation Style Become a sales-person! Look at the audience when you speak Provide a personal connection Make sincere eye contact with all sections of the audience Minimize distracting body language Do not walk around or rock back and forth Do not fiddle with something Speak clearly and at an appropriate volume Speak with conviction (convince your audience) Consider using a touch of humor in your presentation Tell a short embarrassing moment in your life Avoid long jokes (this is not a stand-up routine)

Earth Science SeminarM. D. Eastin Remember: There is no “perfect” speaker… Improvement only comes through practice… Final Words of Wisdom: Know your stuff. Know whom you’re stuffing. Know when they’re stuffed. Effective Public Speaking