When preparing a presentation you should always consider some key elements. Keeping them in mind will reduce the amount of re-working you’ll have to do as it evolves and will result in a more streamlined and effective end-product.

<B>Rate: </B>The optimal rate for a scientific talk is about 120 words per minute. If it is any faster, the audience will lag behind, won’t absorb additional information and will lose track of the ideas. When you speak too slowly, the listeners may become bored. Use pauses and repeat critical information.

<B>Opening:</B> The opening should catch the interest and attention of the audience immediately, while avoiding trite filler phrases (Thank you for having me . . .) and technical jargon.

<B>Transitions: </B>The link between successive elements should be planned carefully, smoothly, and logically. You should make the relation between successive elements clear to the audience.

<B>Conclusion: </B>Summarize the main concepts you’ve discussed, and how your work relates to issues you’ve raised. Aim to help your audience achieve high retention of this final information. Signal that the summary is beginning (“In summary, ...”), but don’t begin it too soon or else the audience will start to leave before you finish!

<B>Length:</B> Don’t run over! Ever! Shorten your talk by removing details, concepts and information, not by eliminating words. If it becomes absolutely essential to supply details, supplement your presentation with a handout. Make about 10% more handouts than you think you’ll need. Always leave time for a few questions at the end of the talk.

Remember that there is no point in giving a presentation if the audience isn’t listening. You should make a big effort to help them stay interested in what you have to say. It is therefore appropriate to use techniques to retain audience interest, provided these techniques don’t detract from the content or professionalism of the talk.