Giving presentations

Abstract

Scientists often have to talk about their work in front of an audience. The success of a talk depends on factors such as the skill of the speaker and the audience’s interest in the topic. There are many common problems in presentation of talks that can be addressed by careful preparation and familiarity with the possible pitfalls. Only practice can turn a nervous researcher into an accomplished public speaker, but with the right preparation even a first talk can be successful.

Members [use] a close, naked, natural way of speaking; natural expressions; positive expressions; clear sense; 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