Heard 20 lectures in the space of three days. Made observations on the way presentations were made rather than their actual content. Feel qualified enough to list down some things to keep in mind while making a presentation.
Things I feel work well:
1) Colour combinations:
Black on white or White on Black goes well on large screens. For well lit rooms, dark backgrounds dont strain eyes.
I heard a thesis defence(in german) on very sunny day. The simplest possible template was used with large fonts and yet I found everyone straining their eyes. Therefore,in general, I feel dark backgrounds are a tad more effective. And the colours (pics, videos, etc.) come off much better with dark backgrounds.
2) THE Question:
Must be able to summarise the main focus of the talk into one question. Introduce it in the beginning. Give the answer (ie basic result). Expand on this answer. As opposed to building up to the answer, in which case the audience loses the context of the work.
For each slide, mention how the data on the slide fits into the scheme of things and why it is relevant as opposed to what it is! It is very irritating to have people read out whats on screen.
3) Energy:
At least be enthusiastic about your own work!!! The audience loses interest in no time if the speaker himself seems like a old hag pissed off at life for putting him on stage. Smile. Acknowledge things you dont know or have not done. Generally, enjoy the attention.
4) The talk must be targeted at the type of audience it is delivered to. Distinguish between experimentalists and theorists as far as possible. One presentation for all conferences isnt going to work the same magic.
5) While concluding, its a good idea to ask the audience for suggestions on some problems you arent able to overcome.
6) The last slide should contain references and publications along with the usual thank yous.
The irritating things:
1)Words like "obviously" or "clearly". I felt like a complete idiot in the audience every time I dont follow the supposed obvious. I feel its a get out of jail trick for topics which the speaker would rather not discuss.
2) Face your audience. Turn to look at the screen. Point your bum to the screen. Not to the audience!
3) Use simple terms as far as possible. Omit as many technical details as you can. The lowest common denominator in the audience (me in this particular case :-) ) will not follow.
4) Labels and units on plots should have a large font. Its hard to follow whats going on with the graphs unless the variables and units are clearly visible.
5) No deliberate rehearsed humour for god sake!! I guess spontaneity works with humour. Only in context, of course.
6) Dont rush off slides.Thumb rule, at least a minute per slide. Give me some time to take notes!
7) No paragraphs please. As precise as possible. Usually, not more than 2 lines are needed.
8) Random inflections! A change of tone is fine if expressing surprise or joy at certain results. But otherwise,its absolutely hilarious.
9) Finally, during Q & A dont answer in yes and nos only. Expand a bit on the answer.
Also, as a suggestion, try using prosper or beamer LaTex based slides. The final effect is far better than Microsoft Powerpoint. Its like the difference between the Word and Latex output. Of course, they are harder to use. Online tutorials should help.
More than anything, this is just for my reference.
More than anything, this is just for my reference.
