21-04-2012, 01:47 PM
How to Effectively Communicate Science and Scientific Research to a Broad Audience
How_to_effectively_communicate_science.ppt (Size: 3.25 MB / Downloads: 43)
Be Professional
If you look sloppy – the audience will feel sloppy
If you look professional the audience will have an expectation of quality
Don’t play with toys – keys, etc
Don’t miss-use the pointer
Don’t do annoying things!
Speak clearly
Be confident
Believe in what you are presenting
Be on time
Start and finish on time
Have quality presentation materials
Be confident in your presentation style
Speak in a positive and projecting manner
Smile don’t scowl at your audience
Never say
Jargon is often a show stopper for the public
Even scientists from different fields often struggle with technical terms from one field to another
e.g. biology terms compared with those used in physics and chemistry
If scientists struggle – imagine how hard it is for the general public!
Monitor the Audience Response
Are they paying attention?
Are you facing blank faces?
Are people responding – nodding heads, smiling, etc?
Are they taking notes or “praying” to their Blackberries?
Concluding your presentation
Remember to repeat what you told the audience – (this is your conclusion)
When you have finished, always acknowledge your colleagues, friends, family or support group that allowed you to be where you are
Finally thank the audience for their attention. (Never ask for questions) End with “Thank you very much for your attention”
Summary
To be an effective communicator you must:
Become a professional presenter
Have a very clear understanding of the area
Believe in what you are presenting
Define your audience
Respect your audience
Use effective examples to demonstrate your points
Be factual rather than opinionated
Monitor the audience response