Listening to a Talk on a New Subject

1. Trust Motives of Speaker. You can be sure the speaker thinks
   • Research topic is interesting;
   • Results of research are interesting;
   • You can understand the talk.
   
   
2. What is Aim of Talk? Try to figure out
   • Object of the research;
   • Method(s) of the research;
   • Central conclusions of the research.
   
   
3. Take Notes. In this way, you find out whether you can answer the questions above. Often by trying to write down what is important you concentrate on what matters, even if the speaker doesn't.
   
   
4. Ask Questions.
   • Even right at the start, many will share your questions.
   • Questions on motivation are always appropriate.
   • Questions on talk's conclusions are always appropriate.
   
   
5. Don't Give Up.
   • Make understanding the talk a game.
   • Sit next to someone more informed than you.
   • If really confused, ask that person quietly during the talk.
   • Afterwards, chat with that person or with someone else who asked questions about the talk, topic or results.
   
   
6. Final points.
   • Keep your cool; don't get mad at speaker.
   • Looking at speaker tells the speaker you want to understand.
   • Talks are an ideal source of info outside your field of research.