Transcript Chromatographic Studies of Biomolecular Interactions

Some General Points To Consider For
an Effective Seminar
• Be Enthusiastic!
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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
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
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
GIVING A SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATION
David S. Hage
Chemistry Department
University of Nebraska
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)
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK
WHEN PREPARING
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What is the purpose of the seminar?
– convey results
– get “Buy” in for project
– scientific review
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Who is your audience?
– general vs. expert
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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
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What materials should you use?
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PowerPoint presentations are the overwhelming choice at scientific
conferences
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have a backup!
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*
Who is Your Audience?
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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*
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*
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*
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*
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”
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*
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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For a research presentation
– mention those who contributed to the work discussed in
your presentation.
– list all sources of pertinent funding.
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Reference ALL Articles From Which Data is
Presented
– usually on the same slide with the data
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Thank the audience for taking part in your
presentation.
THE QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD
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Allow time for questions at the end of the seminar.
Be familiar with your material so that you can answer
the questions.
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Treat all members of the audience who ask questions
with respect (even if they don’t do the same).
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Some questions may involve speculation. If they do,
state before you answer that this is what your doing.
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Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know the answer or
didn’t do the experiment.
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Take criticism gracefully.