SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 41
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
International License. The terms of this licence allow you to remix, tweak, and build upon this work
non-commercially, as long as you credit me and license your new creations under the identical
terms.
Quasi-permanent URL: pne.people.si.umich.edu/PDF/howtotalkslides.pdf

How to Give an Academic Talk
Paul N. Edwards
School of Information and Dept. of History

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Today



What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard
How to engage your audience







Physical presence and vocal techniques

Using presentation software
Timing
Rehearsal: the key to success
Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Today



What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard
How to engage your audience







Physical presence and vocal techniques

Using presentation software
Timing
Rehearsal: the key to success
Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
The awful academic talk







Speaker sits down
Speaker reads
Monotone
Sentences long, complex, jargon-filled
Exceeds time limit

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Why are so many talks so terrible?





Stage fright
Academic culture(s)
Public speaking skills aren’t taught




Students learn from professors’ bad habits

Most talks aren’t rehearsed

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Listening is hard work






Conference audiences: many talks over many hours
Job talks: many candidates
Limits to human attention span (~40 minutes)
Competing distractions




Other talks
Internet/email
Other concerns

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Purposes of public speaking



Communicate arguments and evidence
Persuade audience that they are true

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Structures and contents





A talk is not a paper
Give away your punch line: summarize
Claims and evidence




What matters is why

Focus on main points



What do you want your audience to remember?
What can your audience remember?

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Purposes of public speaking





Communicate arguments and evidence
Persuade audience that they are true
Engage (excite, interest, entertain)



The forgotten purpose
Mistake: equate “engaging” with “superficial”

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Today



What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard
How to engage your audience







Physical presence and vocal techniques

Using presentation software
Timing
Rehearsal: the key to success
Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Why engage and entertain?





To communicate and persuade…
You need your audience’s full attention
…and your audience needs your help to maintain
focus

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Engaging your audience

Physical presence


Sitting vs. standing





Talking vs. reading
Moving vs. standing still




Be the dominant animal

Always face audience

Make eye contact!



Or at least look like it
Don’t “side” the room

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Engaging your audience

Vocal production


Loud and clear!






Breathe!
Use the diaphragm





Talk to the back row

Speak from the
belly, not the head
Belly opens on
inhale, contracts on
exhale

Use sound
reinforcement
Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Engaging your audience

Vocal technique


Things to watch out for:






Uptalk
Monotone
Like, y’know, ummmm…

The sound of authority:
speak at the low end of
your range

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Engaging your audience

Take control of the environment




Temperature
Light
Noise and distractions

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Today



What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard
How to engage your audience







Physical presence and vocal techniques

Using presentation software
Timing
Rehearsal: the key to success
Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Using presentation software

Less is more





Text: keep it simple
Use images!
Slide backgrounds: simple, bright
Avoid glitzy special effects

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
death by powerpoint
About Powerpoint
 Less is more
 20-30 words per text slide
 USE images
 USE ability to have many slides

 Practice!
 Don’t watch screen -- use your laptop or notes

 Slide backgrounds: simple, bright
 Backup, backup
About Powerpoint
 Less is more
 20-30 words per text slide
 USE images
 USE ability to have many slides

 Practice!
 Don’t watch screen -- use your laptop or notes

 Slide backgrounds: simple, bright
 Backup, backup
Rs calculated using Fick’s 1o law of diffusion
using Moldrup et al. 1999 model

Critical parameters:
CO2
P
Flux= -Ds C z
Ds/Da=
Ds

Da

s

s= silt + sand
b

m
Rs as a function of T,
other ways to use
powerpoint

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
a word

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
or an image

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
climate change

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
even more
radical:

don’t use it

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Using presentation software

Less is more



If you use video: keep it short
Don’t talk to the screen


Use your laptop or notes

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Today



What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard
How to engage your audience







Physical presence and vocal techniques

Using presentation software
Timing
Rehearsal: the key to success
Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Timing





Respect your audience, and your
colleagues: finish on time!!
Use a timer or watch
Know what you can skip…





…and it’s not your conclusions.

Don’t draw attention to mistiming
Create a standard slide length

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Today



What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard
How to engage your audience







Physical presence and vocal techniques

Using presentation software
Timing
Rehearsal: the key to success
Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Practice, practice, practice!





Rehearsal matters more than slide prep
Time yourself
Improvising? Practice, and account for the time!

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
practice!!!!!
Murphy’s Law: planning for disaster





Use your own laptop
Backup, backup, backup!!
Bring a printout
Imagine (and plan for) the
worst possible audience

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Summing up: usually better…








Talk
Stand
Move
Speak loudly
Face the audience
Make eye contact


or fake it








Focus on main
arguments
Summarize at beginning
and end
Use visual aids
Finish within time limit
Rehearse
Respond to audience

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Today



What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard
How to engage your audience







Physical presence and vocal techniques

Using presentation software
Timing
Rehearsal: the key to success
Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Troubleshooting


Difficult people





Interruptions
Heckling

Difficult vocal problems





High-pitched voices
Quiet voices
Second-language issues

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Troubleshooting


Difficult rooms






Dark
Large, without sound reinforcement
Steep pitch

Difficult audiences





Very small
Not your field
Hostile

Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Emulate excellent speakers
Not just what they say —
 But what they do


Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014
Whatever you practice,
you get good at…

“How to Give an Academic Talk” (written version):
pne.people.si.umich.edu/PDF/howtotalk.pdf
Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan

22 January 2014

More Related Content

Similar to How to Give an Academic Talk Guide

Dealing With The Media 231107
Dealing With The  Media 231107Dealing With The  Media 231107
Dealing With The Media 231107Tracy Playle
 
Powerful Presentations P Point
Powerful Presentations P PointPowerful Presentations P Point
Powerful Presentations P PointKarise McNenney
 
ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment
ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment
ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment Tina Barclay
 
Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning
Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning
Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning Dr. David Kabugo
 
Audio Feedback Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative Engagement
Audio Feedback  Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative EngagementAudio Feedback  Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative Engagement
Audio Feedback Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative EngagementAndrew Middleton
 
Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education
Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education
Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education Mathew Varghese V
 
Preparation for public speaking.pptx
Preparation for public speaking.pptxPreparation for public speaking.pptx
Preparation for public speaking.pptxSharif Mohd Zaki
 
Oral and Audio-Visual Presentation
Oral and Audio-Visual PresentationOral and Audio-Visual Presentation
Oral and Audio-Visual PresentationJasper John Cinatad
 
Businsee communicattion
Businsee communicattion Businsee communicattion
Businsee communicattion Syed Ahmed
 
The art of public speaking how to prepare for presentations
The art of public speaking  how to prepare for presentationsThe art of public speaking  how to prepare for presentations
The art of public speaking how to prepare for presentationsAbdulla Aziz
 
Presentation Skills By Dale Carnegie
Presentation Skills By Dale CarnegiePresentation Skills By Dale Carnegie
Presentation Skills By Dale Carnegiezainabedi
 
Presentation Techniques
Presentation TechniquesPresentation Techniques
Presentation TechniquesJan Ingemansen
 
C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15
C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15
C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15Javni
 
Presentation skills
Presentation skillsPresentation skills
Presentation skillssaad usmani
 
LINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective Presentations
LINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective PresentationsLINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective Presentations
LINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective Presentationstechlig
 

Similar to How to Give an Academic Talk Guide (20)

Dealing With The Media 231107
Dealing With The  Media 231107Dealing With The  Media 231107
Dealing With The Media 231107
 
Powerful Presentations P Point
Powerful Presentations P PointPowerful Presentations P Point
Powerful Presentations P Point
 
ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment
ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment
ALTC 2019 presentation- An online barrier assessment
 
Dc naf dsp pbl ppt 1
Dc naf dsp pbl ppt 1Dc naf dsp pbl ppt 1
Dc naf dsp pbl ppt 1
 
Audio-Visual Materials
Audio-Visual MaterialsAudio-Visual Materials
Audio-Visual Materials
 
Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning
Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning
Podcasts to foster pre primary teacher-trainees’ home-based learning
 
Audio Feedback Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative Engagement
Audio Feedback  Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative EngagementAudio Feedback  Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative Engagement
Audio Feedback Adopted And Adapted To Facilitate Formative Engagement
 
Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education
Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education
Key Concepts in selection and use of media in nursing education
 
Preparation for public speaking.pptx
Preparation for public speaking.pptxPreparation for public speaking.pptx
Preparation for public speaking.pptx
 
Presentation skills
Presentation skillsPresentation skills
Presentation skills
 
Oral and Audio-Visual Presentation
Oral and Audio-Visual PresentationOral and Audio-Visual Presentation
Oral and Audio-Visual Presentation
 
Businsee communicattion
Businsee communicattion Businsee communicattion
Businsee communicattion
 
The art of public speaking how to prepare for presentations
The art of public speaking  how to prepare for presentationsThe art of public speaking  how to prepare for presentations
The art of public speaking how to prepare for presentations
 
Overview principles of effective presentations
Overview principles of effective presentations Overview principles of effective presentations
Overview principles of effective presentations
 
GDNet Presentation Skills Training for Awards and Medals Finalists
GDNet Presentation Skills Training for Awards and Medals FinalistsGDNet Presentation Skills Training for Awards and Medals Finalists
GDNet Presentation Skills Training for Awards and Medals Finalists
 
Presentation Skills By Dale Carnegie
Presentation Skills By Dale CarnegiePresentation Skills By Dale Carnegie
Presentation Skills By Dale Carnegie
 
Presentation Techniques
Presentation TechniquesPresentation Techniques
Presentation Techniques
 
C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15
C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15
C:\Fake Path\16401541 Ch15
 
Presentation skills
Presentation skillsPresentation skills
Presentation skills
 
LINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective Presentations
LINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective PresentationsLINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective Presentations
LINKS Slides from February 2011 - Bob Novello on Effective Presentations
 

Recently uploaded

Food processing presentation for bsc agriculture hons
Food processing presentation for bsc agriculture honsFood processing presentation for bsc agriculture hons
Food processing presentation for bsc agriculture honsManeerUddin
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Mark Reed
 
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...Nguyen Thanh Tu Collection
 
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONTHEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONHumphrey A Beña
 
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatEarth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatYousafMalik24
 
Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)
Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)
Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)cama23
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)lakshayb543
 
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for ParentsChoosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parentsnavabharathschool99
 
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxBarangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxCarlos105
 
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4MiaBumagat1
 
Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17
Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17
Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4JOYLYNSAMANIEGO
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17Celine George
 
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptxMusic 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptxleah joy valeriano
 
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptxKarra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptxAshokKarra1
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Celine George
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptxiammrhaywood
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Food processing presentation for bsc agriculture hons
Food processing presentation for bsc agriculture honsFood processing presentation for bsc agriculture hons
Food processing presentation for bsc agriculture hons
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
 
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
 
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONTHEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
THEORIES OF ORGANIZATION-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
 
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatEarth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
 
Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)
Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)
Global Lehigh Strategic Initiatives (without descriptions)
 
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
Visit to a blind student's school🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯(community medicine)
 
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for ParentsChoosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
 
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxBarangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
 
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxFINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
FINALS_OF_LEFT_ON_C'N_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
YOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxYOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE GOT EMAIL_FINALS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxYOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
ANG SEKTOR NG agrikultura.pptx QUARTER 4
 
Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17
Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17
Difference Between Search & Browse Methods in Odoo 17
 
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
Daily Lesson Plan in Mathematics Quarter 4
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 3 STEPS Using Odoo 17
 
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptxMusic 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
Music 9 - 4th quarter - Vocal Music of the Romantic Period.pptx
 
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptxKarra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
Karra SKD Conference Presentation Revised.pptx
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
 

How to Give an Academic Talk Guide

  • 1. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. The terms of this licence allow you to remix, tweak, and build upon this work non-commercially, as long as you credit me and license your new creations under the identical terms. Quasi-permanent URL: pne.people.si.umich.edu/PDF/howtotalkslides.pdf How to Give an Academic Talk Paul N. Edwards School of Information and Dept. of History Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 2. Today   What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard How to engage your audience      Physical presence and vocal techniques Using presentation software Timing Rehearsal: the key to success Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 3. Today   What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard How to engage your audience      Physical presence and vocal techniques Using presentation software Timing Rehearsal: the key to success Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 4. The awful academic talk      Speaker sits down Speaker reads Monotone Sentences long, complex, jargon-filled Exceeds time limit Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 5. Why are so many talks so terrible?    Stage fright Academic culture(s) Public speaking skills aren’t taught   Students learn from professors’ bad habits Most talks aren’t rehearsed Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 6. Listening is hard work     Conference audiences: many talks over many hours Job talks: many candidates Limits to human attention span (~40 minutes) Competing distractions    Other talks Internet/email Other concerns Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 7. Purposes of public speaking   Communicate arguments and evidence Persuade audience that they are true Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 8. Structures and contents    A talk is not a paper Give away your punch line: summarize Claims and evidence   What matters is why Focus on main points   What do you want your audience to remember? What can your audience remember? Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 9. Purposes of public speaking    Communicate arguments and evidence Persuade audience that they are true Engage (excite, interest, entertain)   The forgotten purpose Mistake: equate “engaging” with “superficial” Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 10. Today   What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard How to engage your audience      Physical presence and vocal techniques Using presentation software Timing Rehearsal: the key to success Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 11. Why engage and entertain?    To communicate and persuade… You need your audience’s full attention …and your audience needs your help to maintain focus Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 12. Engaging your audience Physical presence  Sitting vs. standing    Talking vs. reading Moving vs. standing still   Be the dominant animal Always face audience Make eye contact!   Or at least look like it Don’t “side” the room Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 13. Engaging your audience Vocal production  Loud and clear!    Breathe! Use the diaphragm    Talk to the back row Speak from the belly, not the head Belly opens on inhale, contracts on exhale Use sound reinforcement Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 14. Engaging your audience Vocal technique  Things to watch out for:     Uptalk Monotone Like, y’know, ummmm… The sound of authority: speak at the low end of your range Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 15. Engaging your audience Take control of the environment    Temperature Light Noise and distractions Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 16. Today   What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard How to engage your audience      Physical presence and vocal techniques Using presentation software Timing Rehearsal: the key to success Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 17. Using presentation software Less is more     Text: keep it simple Use images! Slide backgrounds: simple, bright Avoid glitzy special effects Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 19. About Powerpoint  Less is more  20-30 words per text slide  USE images  USE ability to have many slides  Practice!  Don’t watch screen -- use your laptop or notes  Slide backgrounds: simple, bright  Backup, backup
  • 20. About Powerpoint  Less is more  20-30 words per text slide  USE images  USE ability to have many slides  Practice!  Don’t watch screen -- use your laptop or notes  Slide backgrounds: simple, bright  Backup, backup
  • 21. Rs calculated using Fick’s 1o law of diffusion using Moldrup et al. 1999 model Critical parameters: CO2 P Flux= -Ds C z Ds/Da= Ds Da s s= silt + sand b m
  • 22. Rs as a function of T,
  • 23. other ways to use powerpoint Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 24. a word Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 25. or an image Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 26. climate change Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 27. Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 28. even more radical: don’t use it Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 29. Using presentation software Less is more   If you use video: keep it short Don’t talk to the screen  Use your laptop or notes Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 30. Today   What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard How to engage your audience      Physical presence and vocal techniques Using presentation software Timing Rehearsal: the key to success Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 31. Timing    Respect your audience, and your colleagues: finish on time!! Use a timer or watch Know what you can skip…    …and it’s not your conclusions. Don’t draw attention to mistiming Create a standard slide length Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 32. Today   What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard How to engage your audience      Physical presence and vocal techniques Using presentation software Timing Rehearsal: the key to success Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 33. Practice, practice, practice!    Rehearsal matters more than slide prep Time yourself Improvising? Practice, and account for the time! Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 35. Murphy’s Law: planning for disaster     Use your own laptop Backup, backup, backup!! Bring a printout Imagine (and plan for) the worst possible audience Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 36. Summing up: usually better…       Talk Stand Move Speak loudly Face the audience Make eye contact  or fake it       Focus on main arguments Summarize at beginning and end Use visual aids Finish within time limit Rehearse Respond to audience Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 37. Today   What public speaking is for, and why it’s hard How to engage your audience      Physical presence and vocal techniques Using presentation software Timing Rehearsal: the key to success Troubleshooting: handling difficult situations Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 38. Troubleshooting  Difficult people    Interruptions Heckling Difficult vocal problems    High-pitched voices Quiet voices Second-language issues Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 39. Troubleshooting  Difficult rooms     Dark Large, without sound reinforcement Steep pitch Difficult audiences    Very small Not your field Hostile Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 40. Emulate excellent speakers Not just what they say —  But what they do  Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014
  • 41. Whatever you practice, you get good at… “How to Give an Academic Talk” (written version): pne.people.si.umich.edu/PDF/howtotalk.pdf Paul N. Edwards, University of Michigan 22 January 2014