Imagine a conference where the coffee breaks come too soon, there's no snoring from the back row, and the Q&As must be extended because the audience is curious and wants to learn more.
With more focus on presentation technique and science communication we can get there.
I have broad experience with doing scientific presentations, and even more experience with listening to non-inspiring ones.
Let's work together to achieve more inspiring and impactful science communication.
Why spend time an resources on creating good scientific presentations?
What's the big deal? Just throw some figures together, say some words about it, and get back to work to do science.
But what is the value of your research if it's not communicated?
What is your goal for your work? Regardless of what you are trying to achieve, it cannot happen in a vacuum. If you want your work to have value, it needs to be communicated. And the more effectively it can be communicated, the bigger the impact.
Raise your hand if you have ever attended a scientific presentation that was boring and uninspiring.
Raise your hand if you have ever done a scientific presentation that was boring and uninspiring for others..
Many scientists are not aware of the quality of their own presentations. I have a few ideas of why this is the case:
Why are so many scientific presentations helplessly boring?
- Scientists are good at science - not necessarily so good at science communication.
- Scientists are often blinded by their own knowledge and can easily forget that others don't know all the things they do.
- Making a good presentation with a clear message, that is both inspiring and memorable, takes time and effort.
- Scientists often want to do everything themselves and be independent of others.
A few words about feedback:
Asking for feedback from others can feel intimidating...! To let others point out weaknesses in your own work can be rough even for the most rigid self-esteem. But the reality is that your work will have weaknesses that you will not be able to see yourself, independently of whether you let others point them out or not. By requesting feedback, you give yourself the opportunity to do something about them. Be bold.
