This year, I had the fortune of attending the 5th Neurons in Action Conference (NIA). After the high expectations set by the previous edition I attended in 2019, I can confidently say that NIA 2023 did not disappoint. Prior to the grand opening, we had the privilege of attending a workshop on scientific presentations conducted by Dr. Ali Jawaid. During the workshop, he taught us how to… PAT our RAT. I know it sounds intriguingly suspicious, so if you're curious, keep on reading.
The first point Dr. Ali emphasised is something we can all agree upon: being an excellent scientist alone will not guarantee a successful career in science. Alongside the obvious requirement of strong writing skills for publishing research papers, one must also be a captivating presenter. But what does that mean? It means you need to know how to present your work not only in a professional manner but also in a way that is accessible and interesting to the audience. This skill will help you establish connections, foster collaborations, and, in some cases, secure funding.
Two crucial factors play important roles in a scientific talk, and finding the right balance between them determines your success. These factors are intellect and emotions. Dr. Ali Jawaid suggests the following ratio, depending on the type of talk you wish to deliver:
Intellect | Emotions | Type of talk |
90 | 10 | Thesis Committee Meetings/ Progress Reports |
80 | 20 | Plenary Lectures/ Chalk Talk |
70 | 30 | Flash/ Pitch Talk |
60 | 40 | TED-like |
Now, you might be wondering what exactly "intellect" and "emotions" entail. The first factor refers to the amount of scientific data, terminology, and arguments you should include. The second factor describes the level of emotional content and factors you should incorporate to create a so-called "framing effect." The framing effect can be best described as a way to positively influence someone, in this case, through the lens of science.
Let’s move on to PAT the RAT by Dr Ali Jawaid. This mnemonic technique helps you structure your presentation in a clear and memorable way.
P for prepare - Practise your presentation beforehand. This may sound obvious, but did you know that the most effective way to practice is to do so in front of a stranger? While giving a speech in front of a mirror can be an option, it won't provide you with feedback on your performance. Instead, try to find a willing stranger who can listen to your talk and provide comments on both the content and your delivery.
A for anticipate – During your talk you will encounter two types of people – those who are interested in your presentations and those who are not. In this step, try to gain interest in both groups. How? Use the technique of 3 feeds. Firstly, feed on – tell your audience what’s on the menu. Secondly, feed forward – describe the problem that you are planning to tackle in your research. Thirdly, feedback – tell your audience how you are planning to resolve it.
T for target – Target your audience. Whenever possible, refer to other talks. This will prove to your audience that you are not only a performer but also a great listener and collaborator.
R for relax – Use breathing exercises to regulate your emotions and nervous system. Dr Ali Jawaid proposed a fantastic exercise during which we focused on long breaths combined with touch stimulation of our foreheads. If performed for a few minutes this technique aids relaxation and clears up the mind. Still feeling anxious? Did you know that excitement and anxious state share the same biochemical properties? Try tricking your mind that instead of being stressed you are feeling excited for your talk. Now, you’re ready to go!
A for articulate – Navigate your audience through interjections, starting with “wow”, followed by an “alright” moment, ending with a “damn!”.
T for translate – Simplify your talk and try to include a relatability factor by providing real life examples, if possible.
A while back, I wrote a post about the keys to delivering a successful poster presentation, which you can access here. In revisiting that topic, I've come across a notable difference between my recommendations and those shared by Dr. Ali Jawaid. It revolves around the crucial aspect of practice. While I advocated for practising out loud in an empty room, Dr. Ali Jawaid emphasises the value of practising in front of a stranger. I must admit, I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Ali Jawaid's approach. Practising in front of a stranger offers unique benefits. However, I also understand that public speaking can be daunting for many individuals. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, I'd suggest starting with practising in the comfort of an empty room. Taking this initial step allows you to familiarise yourself with your own voice and the experience of standing before an imaginary audience. As you gradually build confidence, you can then take the next stride and invite a friend or even a stranger to join you for a practice session. Their presence and feedback will provide valuable insights and help refine your presentation skills. Remember, it's all about taking small steps and finding what works best for you. Whether you begin in solitude or venture straight into practising with others, the key is to steadily progress and embrace the opportunity to improve.
As someone who has received extensive education in public performance, I was pleasantly impressed by the amount of information I gained from this workshop. The tips and tricks I've shared in this post represent only a fraction of what Dr. Ali Jawaid presented during his talk. We delved into different types of scientific talks and the key features of preparing for each one. If you feel like you've missed out, worry not! You still have the opportunity to attend Dr. Ali Jawaid's workshop from September 20th to 23rd, 2023, during the International Congress of the Polish Neuroscience Society, which will be held in Toruń, Poland. Hurry up! Abstract submission and travel grant applications are open until June 11th.
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