So in preparation for this week's TED talk I decided to post the few tips I came up with to better my talk. I really don't like speaking in front of people, especially if they are not people I am very close with. Hopefully these tips can make me feel a little bit more confident and prepared. Wish me luck!
- Make sure to give a clear explanation of the topic. People in different disciplines may not be familiar with the topic, so the explanation needs to be simple and understandable. In order to reel people into my research, they at least have to first understand what it is about.
- Create a visual that will appeal to my audience. Since my audience is mainly college students, a creative, fun, or eye-catching visual would be most effective as opposed to a written piece of paper that a more professional audience might receive.
- Try to explain to the audience why this topic is important to them. Many times people are not interested in things until they realize how they can be affected by it.
- In preparation, practice my speech out loud to myself, timing it. This is to make sure it fits the time requirement and I am comfortable with what I am saying. I do not like necessarily enjoy giving presentations so hopefully that will make me feel more prepared.
- Make sure my argument is clear. I do not want my audience listening to my entire speech still not aware of what I am trying to tell them.
- Remember to make my attention grabber more clear. (Replacing “this” with antibiotic resistance.)
- Try to seem enthusiastic about my topic. I do not like presenting in front of people, but if I don't seem interested in my topic no one else will be either.
- Remember to get rid of any gum or any other distractions I may have before presenting.
- Signal to the audience I am finished with my speech. Saying “Thank you for listening,” or anything along those lines is a good signal to not leave the audience wondering if there's more.