Abstract
In his 2014 paper, Friman provided 15 recommendations for behavior analysts wishing to improve their public speaking skills and encouraged the field to view public speaking as a mechanism through which we can more broadly disseminate our science. Although some behavior-analytic research exists on the topic of public speaking, this body of literature is small, and many empirical questions remain. Little is known regarding which skills need to be targeted to improve public speaking and what successful public speakers in our field do to be effective and entertaining. In this study, we identified and interviewed the 10 most frequently invited public speakers at major behavior-analytic conferences. We then coded transcriptions of the interviews using qualitative analysis to generate a preparation checklist for presenters, a considerations list for behavior analysts training mentees on presentation skills, and a feedback form for those wishing to improve their public speaking skills.
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Author Note
We honor the late Dr. Tristram Smith, whose interview was conducted shortly before his untimely passing. We also thank the research assistants who served as data coders: Shelby Bryeans, Alex Guendulain, Chelsea Helm, Savauna Lacey, and Christina Warner. The content of this article does not reflect an official position of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
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Implications for Practice
This paper
• helps behavior analysts learn strategies to improve their public speaking skills,
• offers guidance to those teaching behavior analysts on how to effectively shape public speaking skills,
• provides specific behaviors that behavior analysts can engage in to deliver high-quality public speaking events (via an easy-to-use checklist), and
• provides researchers with several ideas for future studies to encourage continued research on this underinvestigated topic.
Appendices
Appendix A: Public Speaking Feedback Form
For each speaker behavior that follows, please rank the presentation using the following 5-point Likert scale and record comments regarding positive and negative aspects of the presentation in the space provided. Please read all items carefully before rating.
Appendix B: Public Speaking Preparation Checklist
Appendix C: Considerations for Supervisors/Mentors
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Heinicke, M.R., Juanico, J.F., Valentino, A.L. et al. Improving Behavior Analysts’ Public Speaking: Recommendations From Expert Interviews. Behav Analysis Practice 15, 203–218 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00538-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-020-00538-4