Turning the Idea into a Talk

Assessing the audience

Don't bore them, but don't omit essential details.

Adjust technical level so audience takes away science content.
   in contrast to paper aimed at non-technical audience.

Figures

Audiences expect illustrations with occasional sound bits.

Seek out and develop good visual material to illustrate points.

Web is a good place to search. Many images can be manipulated.

     (Tools: xv, scanners, Photoshop. Ask friends for help.)

Emphasize figures for biggest positive impact on talk's success.
 

Coverage

The old adage -- a young professor covers a lot; an old professor uncovers a little -- is good to keep in mind. Restrict your topics so you can do a good job on them: effective, clear communication.
 

Take home message

What do you want the audience to carry away?

What one thing? Is there a need for two or three messages?
 

Preparing

Do sentence outline (one main point per viewgraph).

Then revise it.   (revise = tighten/cut & rewrite/reorder)

• What is point of each viewgraph?
• What order leads inexorably to planned take-home message?

Headlines

Put main point as headline on vg — written to fit on single line.