Nearly all employers highlight the need to demonstrate exceptional communication and presentations skills to obtain employment and have sustained success in a position. Just as with writing, building your presentation style is always a work in progress. At the 2016 SOT Annual Meeting, you can spend some quality time improving your craft by attending the “Talksicology”: Effective Oral Presentation Techniques session on Wednesday, March 16, 5:00 pm–6:20 pm in Room 220 of the convention center. This session is designed to be engaging and interactive.
The first part of the workshop will be the analysis of a “flawed” presentation in real time in which the audience will use smart phone-based technology (Poll Everywhere) to rate and discuss the presentation. This exercise will be followed by short sessions from three experts from academia and industry who will provide examples and techniques for oral presentations specific to (1) a research seminar, (2) an interview, and (3) a situation in which the scientists must communicate to the media or lay public.
Wow! What a great way to spend a Wednesday afternoon and learn something new. Barbara Kaplan is chair of this session that originated in the Graduate Subcommittee and is endorsed by the Education Committee, Career and Resource and Development Committee, and the Postdoctoral Assembly. Speakers also include SOT 2013–2014 President Lois D. Lehman-McKeeman and Steven Hermansky.