How to give a technical talk

1. How to give a technical talk David A. B. Miller Stanford University David Miller, Stanford University

2. Summary • How to organize your talk • Tips for your viewgraphs • How to practice and present your talk Anyone can give a good talk! David Miller, Stanford University

3. Organizing your talk - content • what do I put in the talk? • what is the “30 second version” of your talk (the “elevator speech”)? • put in the material that leads up to and supports this • you should always be able to give the 30 second version of your talk David Miller, Stanford University

4. Organizing your talk - time • how do I make my talk fit into the time? • do not put in too many viewgraphs • you will not get through more than 1 viewgraph per minute at most • take material out or simplify what you will say • while still supporting your 30-second version • do not simply talk faster! David Miller, Stanford University

5. Organizing your talk - structure • how do I structure the talk? • overall structure • tell them what you’ll tell them • summary • tell them it • the body of the talk • tell them what you’ve told them • conclusions David Miller, Stanford University

6. Organizing your talk - story • the talk should not be a “stamp collection” • i.e., a mere collection of facts with no plot • think of the body of the talk as a story • the flow of a story will • hold the attention of your audience • make it easier for you to remember what you wanted to say David Miller, Stanford University

7. Technical points for viewgraphs • you should be able to read everything on the viewgraph from a distance of ~ 7 times the size of the viewgraph • don’t make your writing too small • otherwise the people at the back of the room cannot see it • If you have to make your writing very small, • you have too much on the viewgraph anyway • be very careful with “color-on-color” writing • simple dark text on a clear (white) background works well in all lighting and projection conditions • red on blue or blue on red are particularly bad • your viewgraph should be clear and uncluttered • do not put too much on one viewgraph • the audience will not take it in anyway red on blue blue on red Your message should be clear from the viewgraph even if you never say a word David Miller, Stanford University

8. Style points for viewgraphs • try to avoid making all of your viewgraphs just bulleted lists • use pictures and graphic objects to help make points • use animations, special effects, or (especially!) jokes very sparingly • only use them if they help make the talk clearer • do not try to make your talk “flashy” • that will only distract from your message • use the core story to make the talk interesting • “KISS” principle • “keep it simple, stoopid!” David Miller, Stanford University

9. How to present your talk – basic technique • make eye contact • this establishes a bond between you and your audience and holds their interest • do not read your talk • remember the story of your talk, and the words will follow • your viewgraphs will remind you of the story • speak clearly, slowly enough, and loudly enough • talk to the person at the back of the room David Miller, Stanford University

10. How to present your talk - manner • never be, or feel, apologetic about your talk • the audience want to hear it, otherwise they would not be there • be enthusiastic about your own talk • if you are not interested in it, no one else will be! • don’t worry about being nervous! • don’t panic • take time to gather your thoughts if you need to • take a deep breath, and go on David Miller, Stanford University

11. Practicing your talk • practice the talk in front of a mirror, looking at yourself in the mirror • this prevents you from reading the talk, • it gets you used to making eye contact • it may reveal any possibly distracting mannerisms • give the talk many times to yourself • the words for the talk will then start to flow naturally David Miller, Stanford University

12. Conclusions • Organize your talk • to support the 30-second version of your message • to give a clear story that the audience will follow • Your viewgraphs should • be clear and simple, interesting but not “flashy” • Practice by giving the talk many times to yourself, with a mirror • When you give the talk • speak as if to the person at the back of the room • let the story drive your words • have fun and be enthusiastic!!!! David Miller, Stanford University