Listening to a Talk on a New Subject

• 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.
  
  
• What is Aim of Talk? Try to figure out
  • Object of the research;
  • Method(s) of the research;
  • Central conclusions of the research.
  
  
• Take Notes. They help you answer the questions above. Often, trying to write down what is important helps you concentrate on what matters, even if the speaker doesn't.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Final points.
  • Keep your cool; don't get mad at speaker.
  • Looking at speaker tells the speaker you want to understand.
  • Talks are a quick source of info outside your experience.