10 essential components of a great science presentation
TRANSCRIPT
10 Essential Components of Great Science PresentationsImprove your communication &
slidesJovana J. Grbić, PhD
Science Outreach Manager, BioData [email protected]
Please visit us at:www.labguru.com
“Any scientist who couldn’t explain to an eight-year-old what he was doing was a charlatan.”–Kurt Vonnegut
Presentation Skills Are Essential…
Credit: XKCD Comics
All scientists must give presentationsEvery stage of career – until career endsUnique opportunity to convey results to a large audienceAgenda Today:
10 essential components of a good presentationFollow-up questions at Facebook.com/Labguru or @LabguruThink of questions later? Ask: [email protected] slides for FREE at Slideshare.net/Labguru
…For EVERY Scientist!
Boring or pedantic speaking styleOverly barren, simplistic or (on the other extreme) overly-busy slidesFocusing on unimportant detailsNot engaging with audience
Key Mistakes/Areas to Avoid
END RESULT: Your research and results are not communicated!
Avoid odd-looking fonts or fonts smaller than size 24Distracting template or colorsParagraphs of content or hardly any contentArtistic transitionsConfusing graphicsVerbatim contentMinimize bullets!
1. Slide Design - Basics
You try figuring this graph out!!!
TO AVOID: Barren Or Busy
BORING! No engagement! Way too much information! No flow!
Good title – multiple purposes“50/50” content ruleBalance engaging graphics with essential informationNo more than 2 thematic key ideas per slide
2. Slide Content - Intermediate
GOOD EXAMPLE!
Guy Kawasaki “10-20-30” RuleDon’t read your slides – ideas as jumping off pointsLaser pointer overloadDon’t obscure slidesEach slide is a mini-presentationKnow your audience
3. Slide Incorporation - Advanced
Eye contactNo external distractionsClear, easy-to-understand dictionPostureNotes or no notes?Engaged audience
4. Body Language Essentials
The Steve Jobs X-FactorCharismaSurpriseEmotionPassionPersonalityStorytelling…
5. Speaking Style & Engagement
Structuring your talk like a story: beginning, middle and endA great story has a great purpose – always give meaningful contextStumbling blocks and experiments that led to your great conclusion – build on discoveriesScience lacks a “The End” Leave time for Q&A, if possible
6. Storytelling For Scientists 101
Start with a paper outlineMake a rough PowerPoint presentation – doesn’t have to be perfectDo a dry run of the talkChange slide order, add in graphics, make the slides “talk-ready”Give yourself a break before the presentation – learn materialReview the slides the day of your talk
7. Separation Is In Preparation
Consistency is the keyCheck to make sure your connection is workingDo the slides look OK?Double check for errors or pictures/videosHave a backup planStress relief techniques
8. Good Presentation Habits
Take a public speaking courseTake a communications or creative writing courseRecord or videotape your talksAsk colleagues and staff for critical feedbackToastmasters InternationalNever stop improving…
9. Use Self-Improvement Tools
Content is king – how do you want to be remembered?Consider using a unique technology
Cloud-based talkVideosDemonstrations
Be differentTell a joke!
10. Be Memorable!
Please visit us at:www.labguru.com
How Most Labs Operate…
Online, cloud-based lab management system
Access anytime, anywhere
256 bit encryption
Daily and monthly backups
Context across all projects and lab resources
Labguru Overview
Context Across Research Tools
Molecular and specimen collections
Knowledge collections Digest + collaboration
Storage + ordering
FREE student accounts – try out Labguru for yourself!Academic account at the lab or institute level – maximize your collaboration!Industry accounts for the unique needs of pharmaceutical and biotech companiesStartup packages and incentivesCustomer support and training availableContact us today!
Labguru Packages
Do. More. Science.
Improve Your Presentations!Order and start using Labguru management software
New PI and startub lab packages and specials availableDownload a copy of our slides at Slideshare.net/LabguruRead the Labguru blog for tips and articlesGot additional questions? We will answer them at [email protected] your research and presentation skills toolkit to jump-start your career!
10 Essential Components of Great Science PresentationsImprove your communication &
slidesJovana J. Grbić, PhD
Science Outreach Manager, BioData [email protected]