Introduction
During the first lecture we introduce you to the course structure itself. How the course works, who is teaching the course, how you’ll be evaluated, what you’ll be learning, and more importantly, how you’ll be learning. We recommend that you listen to our podcast where Jason and Djuddah discuss the role of science communication, plus the discussion with prof. Tõnu Lehtsaar.
What we discuss
We discussed what makes an academic presentation, and actually, we did not come up with a real textbook example, primarily because we don’t need to follow a textbook example of what it should. Important points of an academic presentation (as all presentations) is that you use techniques of persuasion (convince your audience about your particular perspective), instruct and educate your audience (show, demonstrate, and help others learn what you have learned), and finally to inform them, and inform them what is new or interesting. Consider these in line with your ability to connect and build meaningful relationships.
The other important point to use is setting out a roadmap of your story and making sure you guide (using signposts and directions) your audience through that elaborate roadmap (whether it’s a straight road from a-z, or a touristic road which leads from a-z-c-k etc.). You can start at the end or end at the beginning. Just make sure you guide them and that you make clear what the value is of your talk.
Examples to reflect on
We have a whole database of examples that will help us to find our voice and make our presentations memorable (for ourself and the audience). Here are some examples we have selected for you:
- Craft Conference 2019 on UTTV
- Ted Conference Angela Lee Duckworth
- 3MT Grand Final 2019 from 7:20
- EATAW 2017 Session Sarah Haas – about using questions at the beginning
From ideas to practice
To get you thinking about the practical assignments consider already thinking about:
- Think outside the box — what could you do with your topic that would be different?
- How would you like to start your presentation? Prepare the first minute of your presentation, the first words, the transition words, the directionality, etc.
- How would you like to end your presentation? Prepare the ending of your story (the take home message), the value.
- Create an outline for your presentation. Build that roadmap, envision that roadmap.
- Share them now and with the group (online) — ask questions about it.
