Things I've learnt as a doctoral student about presenting research
February 17, 2023
I am no expert but I have been to multiple conferences not just to speak but to listen. I am proud to say I did a pretty decent job at speaking but also heard way better talks from brilliant speakers.
Here I am sharing some ideas/tips I learned from different workshops (eg from Duncan during PDS scholars, present with confidence workshops), listening to others, and my mistakes.
Here I am sharing some ideas/tips I learned from different workshops (eg from Duncan during PDS scholars, present with confidence workshops), listening to others, and my mistakes.
- Being vulnerable- you are human and have a story to share
- How do you want others to see you?
- Remember the best thing anyone said to you?
- Changing Pace, expression, gestures, tell a story
- Choose words carefully and then enunciate them clearly - Pen between teeth exercise for 1min
DONT be CRAP!! ASK!
Who is your audience?
Academics, industry, school kids, investors
Why they are interested?
Collaborations, methodology, similar work
Does it help me achieve my goal?
Idea/ Story out
Open PowerPoint at last
Three parts of Storytelling
Beginning: Introduce characters, set the curiosity, and Start with the problem!
Concepts of the hook!
Ted talk kind of opening line. Let's change the world!
If your research is very niche:
Zoom way out of your research, try to look at it 10-20 years of time what your research will lead to?
Middle: Solution
End: Outcome
No question? I think I did a great job.
Delivery
What are you doing? how it makes your audience feel?
-smiling, friendly
-get a Positive emotional response
-arm movement
-make it engaging
-image association
What are you doing? how it makes your audience feel?
-smiling, friendly
-get a Positive emotional response
-arm movement
-make it engaging
-image association
Communicate with Confidence
- Word selection: An assertive phrase enhance leadership and confidence I recommend, I propose, I expect, I urge, I advice. Stay away from "I think," "I believe," "I suppose," "I suggest," "I guess," all of which lessen the strength of your message. This ensures that the power of your idea is matched by the power of your words.
- Replace "could" with "should"
- Replace "if" with "when"
- Replace "can" with "let"
- Raise your voice a level high not yell when want others to listen to you or in crowded conversation
- Communicate and think like a Journalist: in writing or talking, what will be your headlines?
- Dont repeat negative comments someone makes
- Topics of interest: Learn a few recent stats
Statistics that support your perspective. You don't need to be a walking encyclopedia, but a few stats are very compelling.
- Know your own stars and answer the question you wanna be asked
- Overthinker? Lower your expectation, unrealistic or perfectionist expectations
- Change your self-talk: Affirmations like I am more than enough, I can do hard things, I am meant to be here, and everyone else is winging it too.
