The Oral Presentation

Abstract

The oral presentation is the hallmark of scientific communication. Standing in front of an audience talking about your scientific endeavours is one thing, but holding the audience’s attention in the palm of your hand while still delivering your message in a captivating manner is a different thing entirely. That said delivering a powerful and memorable oral presentation is not that difficult; it does, however, require that you focus a little less on your slide show and more on the presentation itself. Often people think of an oral presentation as being just a slide show, but they could not be more wrong. The slide show is a visual aid that can help you convey your message in an inspiring way, but the presentation is in fact …you! If you do not accept this role you will be unlikely to succeed. Do not try to hide. You are the presentation!