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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

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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