Presentation Skills for Scientists and Engineers: The Slide Master - Paperback

by Jean-Philippe Dionne (Author)

INTRODUCTION

1.0 - Introduction to this book

1.1 - Get inspired by documentaries

BASICS

2.0 - Don't compete with yourself! Avoid text

2.1 - Provide visual info exactly when needed

2.2 - Stick to the same fonts

2.3 - Leave the template aside

2.4 - Choose a white background

2.5 - Use color! But don't abuse!

2.6 - Choose the right screen ratio

2.7 - International audience?

2.8 - Slides reviewed for approval?

ANIMATIONS

3.0 - Avoid fancy animations

3.1 - Option 1: Animate on multiple slides

3.2 - Option 2: Use animation tools

3.3 - Group to facilitate animations

3.4 - Animate your bullet points

3.5 - Apply exact positioning

3.6 - Do you use too many animations?

3.7 - Introduce "pop-ups"

3.8 - Maximum number of slides allowed? Use animations!

IMAGES

4.0 - Use simple and clean photographs

4.1 - Avoid close-up photos!

4.2 - Complement with Internet images

4.3 - Generate your own silhouettes

4.4 - Use the screen capture button

4.5 - Use CAD, FEA software to generate illustrations

4.6 - A bit of Photoshop

4.7 - No Photoshop or equivalent?

4.8 - Layout images for perfect balance

4.9 - Grey out images to remove emphasis

VIDEOS

5.0 - Limit the number of movies

5.1 - Automatic or manual activation?

5.2 - Replace videos by series of still images

5.3 - Generate your own short videos/animations

5.4 - Your video does not work?

5.5 - Should you use sound?

GRAPHS

6.0 - Invest time on your graphs

6.1 - A graph for each key finding

6.2 - Favor histograms vs. scatter plots

6.3 - Make data points clearly visible

6.4 - Use minimalist axes and grids

6.5 - Apply legends directly on data

6.6 - Use icons and images on graphs

6.7 - Add values directly on graphs

6.8 - Beware when zooming histograms

6.9 - Animate your graphs

6.10 - Show credibility

6.11 - Change the graph's aspect ratio

TABLES

7.0 - Replace tables by graphs

7.1 - Create tables "externally"

7.2 - Animate your tables

7.3 - Use icons in your tables

MATHS

8.0 - Avoid math and equations

8.1 - Use just enough significant digits

8.2 - Put values in perspective

8.3 - Manage metric vs. Imperial units

STRUCTURE

9.0 - What to do with the cover page?

9.1 - Ditch the table of contents

9.2 - Keep track of progress?

9.3 - Use appropriate slide titles

9.4 - Start with a question, or odd fact

9.5 - Have clear objectives and scope

9.6 - Use "flashbacks" as conclusion

9.7 - Use last slide for acknowledgments

INTERACTIONS

10.0 - Get interactive! Use action buttons

10.1 - Use existing slide elements as action buttons

10.2 - Take advantage of action buttons during the question period

PRACTICE

11.0 - Never learn your text by heart

11.1 - Short talk, long practice (and vice-versa)

11.2 - Second language? Avoid t

Back Jacket

This book provides concise and effective tips spanning all relevant areas to deliver engaging scientific presentations. Readers will strengthen their skills in preparing, practicing and delivering presentations at both physical and virtual conferences and seminars. Best practices for structuring presentations and elements to include and those to exclude such as detailed sections on the use of videos, animations and tables are included. Common errors often seen in scientific presentations are highlighted along with tips on how to interact with audiences and keep them engaged. This will be a valuable resource for scientists in all areas of chemistry and materials science as well as engineers who wish to elevate their scientific presentations.

Author Biography

Jean-Philippe Dionne, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (McGill University, Canada) has authored a number of scientific publications (conference proceedings, journal or magazine articles) in the field of personal protective equipment during his 20-year career in the industry. He has spent countless hours preparing and delivering presentations for scientific conferences and other events in various forms throughout his career.