How to give a scientific talk

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

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

3. Structure • basic rule • 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

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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