Presenting yourself
From EESwiki
There is a twofold aim with every talk: Getting your message across and presenting yourself as a professional. Of course, these aims go hand-in-hand: If you get your message across, this is the most important indication of professionalism. And, vice-versa, if you look self-confident and professional, your audience is much more ready to listen to you and to believe what you say. So here is the general rule:
“You” and your professionalism is not the topic of your talk! You must demonstrate it by how you do it!
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And a few additional rules:
Do not lower the expectations of the audience by apologizing!
“I have a cold / did not have enough time / did not understand, but tried my best / etc.” Message: “My talk is not so good, but it is not my fault – please do not hit me”
Expectations are usually low anyway: you need to raise them!
What I have to say is important!
First convince yourself that this is really the case. Attitude matters!
Expert trick: Start with question (“Do you know how many clear examples of sympatric speciation are known?”) with the aim to force people focusing on your issue. If the question is not answered immediately, an elevated level of attention can be maintained.
Being nervous is not a problem!
It's not only you: everybody is nervous
Some tension and elevated levels of adrenaline are actually helpful
Usually, people see much less of your nervousness than you think
What helps: trial talk, especially well-prepared start of the talk, eye contact with friendly person in the audience, prepared notes for “just in case” (and you won't need them)
Body language is key!
Stand relaxed, but upright
Do not hide behind the computer / projector: the audience needs to see you
Expert trick: Before you start the talk, silently walk two or three steps toward the audience (“silent attack”).
You are in charge!
And not the instructor of the course, chairman of the conference, ...
Keep things under control (e.g. regulate light, stop and react if there is noise, short-cut your talk if you are running overtime)
Expert trick: Let the audience vote on something (“Who of you has ever heard of ... ?”) Message: I am in charge.
Expert trick: Call for action at the end of the talk (at least: “I am ready to take your questions”)
