Connect with transitions

“And now I am going to talk about …”

This is probably the most common “transition” that I hear, especially when a scientific speaker moves from one slide to the next. The problem with this is approach is that it really doesn’t transition at all.

Specifically, it fails to make a connection, which is the main purpose of the transition.

Passion for science? Better than sex?

I’ll never forget the day when Jane, my boss at that time, called me into her corner office for one of her famous “professional development discussions”. Perhaps because I was a young manager Jane felt compelled to offer me extra career advice and guidance whenever she felt I had gotten off-track. Usually it was good advice, but this day was different.

Secrets to sounding conversational

A recent client of mine asked me the following…
“Can you help me put together a word list of “small” words to help me sound more conversational. Since my first language isn’t English, often we have very little conversational practice and instead focus on the formal written structures. So I need some help to know which words I should use to sound more conversational.

How to make better slides

Few scientific and technical professionals receive formal training in presentation skills, let alone design skills to improve the graphic display of their data.

Presentation Skills Critique: Green Architect

Listen to an interesting talk then read my critique of the presentation skills.

Peter Busby is a well-known architect specializing in ‘green’ design. You only need to listen to the first few minutes to understand my review. Listen to the rest if you have time. It’s an interesting and educational talk. I enjoyed it.

Science in 60 seconds?

Links that you might find useful, educational, perhaps entertaining

Quirky, entertaining and informative, Science Update is a daily, 60-second feature audio podcast covering the latest discoveries in science, technology and medicine.

How many slides?

Answers to your questions! Submit one today.

Q: How many slides do I use for a ten minute presentation?
A: It depends. Read on for the details.

If you ask a general presentation skills “pundit” you are likely to hear the rule of thumb that says “one slide per minute”. Even some suggest up to as many as 3 slides per minute.

Microphone tips

Tip: Always request to use a wireless microphone it helps you to focus and connect with your audience without worrying about being heard.

Recently, I was fast-forwarding through a video tape of a conference proceeding trying to find “my” speaker –the person who had scheduled a one-on-one private coaching session.

Copyright Lisa B. Marshall ©2012-2016. All Rights Reserved. Photo of Lisa B. Marshall by Joan Ford Photography.