GIVING A SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATION

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GIVING A SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATION

• David S. Hage
• Chemistry Department
• University of Nebraska

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Seminar Outline

• The Introduction Tell the audience what you
  are going to tell them
• The Main Body of the Presentation Tell them
• The Conclusion Tell them what you told them

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KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN PREPARING

• What is the purpose of the seminar?
• Who is your audience?
• How much time do you have for your presentation?
• What materials should you use?

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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
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Who is Your Audience?

• 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
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How Much Time Do You Have For Your Presentation?

• How much material can be covered?
• How much time must be used for an Intro.?
• How much time must be left for questions?

Always stay within your allotted time
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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
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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
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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
• Check for Errors in Your Slydes
• Always Acknowledge Outside Sources

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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
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• For a research presentation, mention those who
  contributed to the work discussed in your
  presentation.
• For a research presentation, list all sources of
  pertinent funding.
• Thank the audience for taking part in your
  presentation.

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THE QUESTION ANSWER PERIOD

• Allow time for questions at the end of the
  seminar.
• Be familiar with your material so that you can
  answer the questions.
• Treat all members of the audience who ask
  questions with respect (even if they dont do the
  same).
• Some questions may involve speculation. If they
  do, state before you answer that this is what
  your doing.