Tips for success: Giving an effective research talk

Abstract

For many scientists, their working life can be charted as a series of talks: lab meetings, journal clubs, research seminars, and job talks. Based on the sheer volume of attended and given talks, one might think that nearly any scientist should be an expert speaker. As we are all painfully aware, that's not so. Giving an effective talk is a learned skill, built largely on preparation and practice. Presented here are tips from five panelists, each known for their informative, well-organized, and engaging style: Nicole King, PhD, Michael Levine, PhD, Susan McConnell, PhD, Denise Montell, PhD, and Sean Morrison, PhD. While their advice focuses on improving research seminars (departmental seminars, society meetings, and public lectures), they also offer many helpful tips for enhancing general public speaking skills. Developmental Dynamics 239:3492-3496,

Advising residents on how to present an article in a journal club

“…It would be worthwhile if presenter frames an objective for the presentation 11. Defining an objective would help in selection of article and to decide on content of presentation 12.…”

“…Reading and comprehending a journal article is an art in itself 10. The other aspect lies in how effectively the article can be presented to an audience 11 12. In the broad area of communication skills, this could be one of the important components that every postgraduate medical student must learn 13–15.…”