1. Some General Points To Consider For an Effective Seminar
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.
speak clearly, loudly and slowly
speak to the audience NOT to your slides
make your slides simple and easy to read

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

3. Robert Powers Chemistry Department University of Nebraska
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

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

5. Seminar Outline
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 Conclusion – “Tell them what you told them”
Summarize the Important/Main Points (Take Home Message)

6. KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN PREPARING
What is the purpose of the seminar?
convey results
get “Buy” in for project
scientific review
Who is your audience?
general vs. expert
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?
PowerPoint presentations are the overwhelming choice at scientific conferences
have a backup!

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

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

9. How Much Time Do You Have For Your Presentation?
How much material can be covered?
focus on the important issues
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?
typically 5-10 minutes
*Always stay within your allotted time*

10. What Materials Should You Use?
35 mm Slides Overhead Transparencies
PowerPoint Slides Videotapes
Web Resources Chalkboard/Wipe Board
*Choose a medium that fits with your time slot, audience and subject matter*

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

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

13. SUMMARY
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.
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*

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 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
usually on the same slide with the data
Thank the audience for taking part in your presentation.

15. THE QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD
Allow time for questions at the end of the seminar.
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).
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.
Take criticism gracefully.