Dazzle 'em with style : the art of oral scientific presentation / Robert R.H. Anholt.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Mastering the art of communicating scientific information is more critical than ever for a successful career in science and technology. Scientists today must be able to effectively convey sophisticated information to a broad audience that may include students, colleagues around the world, regulatory bodies, granting agencies, legislators, and the lay public. In this engaging and lively book, the author provides a step-by-step guide to the complete process of making a scientific presentation from preparation to delivery. It offers numerous examples highlighting what to follow and what to avoid. This revised edition covers the effective use of PowerPoint(tm) and other computer-based presentation programs. It also includes a handy checklist, new illustrations, and tips on handling an audience in a foreign country.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Preface (p. xi)
• Introduction (p. xv)
• 1 Preparing a Scientific Presentation (p. 1)
• Identify Your Audience (p. 1)
• Scheduling Your Presentation (p. 4)
• Structure Your Material (p. 5)
• Know Your Stuff (p. 10)
• Rehearse (p. 13)
• Prepare-Then Relax (p. 14)
• Be Professional and Gracious (p. 16)
• Expectations of Your Hosts (p. 18)
• Dress Appropriately (p. 20)
• Important Points to Remember (p. 25)
• 2 The Structure of a Scientific Presentation (p. 29)
• The Title: Information in a Nutshell (p. 29)
• Context and Perspective: Zooming In (p. 30)
• Zooming in from a Major Overarching Principle (p. 31)
• Zooming in from a Historical Perspective (p. 35)
• Telling a Story (p. 37)
• The Importance of a Central Focus (p. 40)
• Constructing the Plot (p. 42)
• Providing Focus by Constructing a Hierarchical Series of Questions (p. 44)
• Mainstream and Sidetracks (p. 49)
• Providing Emphasis on a Topic by Relative Time Spent Discussing It (p. 52)
• Different Perspectives for Different Audiences (p. 53)
• Avoid Backtracking (p. 55)
• Formulation and Argumentation (p. 56)
• Avoid Jargon (p. 58)
• Express Yourself Precisely (p. 59)
• Handling Disagreement Graciously (p. 60)
• Recognize Limitations Up-front (p. 62)
• The Conclusion: Brief and to the Point (p. 64)
• Incorporating Future Directions During Interviews (p. 66)
• Never Go Overtime (p. 67)
• Some Basic Principles of How to Structure a Presentation (p. 68)
• Important Points to Remember (p. 69)
• 3 Visual Displays: How to (and Not to) Use Them (p. 73)
• The Power of PowerPoint (p. 73)
• Keeping It Clear and Simple (p. 75)
• Tables, Graphs, Diagrams, and Text (p. 76)
• Communicating Complexity (p. 89)
• The Dangers of PowerPoint (p. 93)
• Simplicity Is Classy (p. 96)
• Internet Access (p. 98)
• Compatibility and Backup (p. 99)
• Video, Audio, and Props (p. 101)
• Handouts (p. 103)
• The Old-Fashioned Blackboard (p. 105)
• Poster Presentation: The Young Scientist's Debut Performance (p. 108)
• Keep It User-Friendly and Simple (p. 109)
• Interacting with Poster Viewers (p. 110)
• Important Points to Remember (p. 114)
• 4 Delivery (p. 119)
• Voice Control and Eye Contact (p. 119)
• Challenges for Nonnative English Speakers (p. 121)
• Speak Up (p. 122)
• Effective Use of the Stress Position (p. 124)
• Avoid the Rising Intonation (p. 126)
• Slow Down (p. 127)
• Breaking the Monotony (p. 128)
• Repetition (p. 130)
• The Power of Silence (p. 132)
• Eye Contact (p. 136)
• Posture and Gestures (p. 139)
• Enthusiasm: The Indispensable Ingredient (p. 145)
• Answering Questions (p. 148)
• Dealing with Unexpected Questions (p. 152)
• Evaluating the Critics: How Did You Really Do? (p. 155)
• Important Points to Remember (p. 156)
• Appendix A Checklist for Presentations (p. 159)
• Appendix B Evaluation Form (p. 163)
• Index (p. 167)

Author notes provided by Syndetics