Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 16
Presentations
Members [ use ] a close, naked, natural way of speaking; natural
expressions; positive expressions; clear senses; a native easiness:
bringing all things as near the Mathematical plainness, as they
can.
Bishop Thomas Sprat
History of the Royal Society
You, having a large and fruitful mind, should not so much labour
what to speak as to find what to leave unspoken. Rich soils are
often to be weeded.
Francis Bacon
Letter to Coke
Scientists often have to talk about their work in front of an audience. Even experienced
speakers can feel intimidated when they have to give a presentation, but the main
challenges can be addressed with a straightforward approach based on good prepa-
ration, careful development of materials, and familiarity with the possible pitfalls.
A nervous researcher needs practice to become an accomplished public speaker, but
with the right approach even a first talk can be successful.
The purpose of a presentation is to introduce a research program and persuade the
audience that the work is significant and interesting. There can be inaccuracies or
generalizations that would be unacceptable in a paper, while obvious mistakes—or
even correct statements that have not yet been justified—may be criticized immedi-
ately. Detail that is essential to a paper is often of little value in a presentation, so the
principles of organization and presentation are quite different to those of a write-up.
Research presentations—primarily talks or seminars, but also posters—are the
topic of this chapter. Some issues, such as speaking skills and good design of slides,
are applicable to any form of presentation; while other issues are more specific.
Experiencewith any kind of audience is of value, but may be only a partial preparation
for learning to talk about research.
 
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