Delivery

"The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public." - George Jessel

Studies of communication show that:

Scientifically trained audiences will probably absorb somewhat more than the general population from content and a little less from the other two factors. Even considering a more sophisticated audience, however, the numbers clearly show that nonverbal signals speak volumes and are very important in getting your message across. To be most effective, the scientific speaker needs to develop a delivery style that incorporates good body language, pleasant facial expressions and a confident, yet relaxed, tone of voice.

Use a well-modulated speaking voice and a conversational tone. Practice using a microphone with someone in the room to help you find your best public speaking volume. Speaking either too softly or too loudly conveys inexperience. Speak clearly and distinctly. Speaking too quickly portrays nervousness (if not terror) and a lack of self-confidence.

Make eye contact with members of the audience. Use the visual feedback you get from them to assess how your talk is being received. If they seem to be drifting off, pick up the pace. If they seem confused or unsure, slow down and repeat important points. Try to have your eyes on the audience 90 % of the time you are speaking, particularly at the opening, the closing, and at the end of each emphasized statement.
Smile. A smile at the opening and here and there in your presentation sends a powerful nonverbal signal to the audience that you are comfortable, selfassured and in control. An occasional smile will help you to relax and will increase your rapport with the audience. But the smiles must be genuine and at appropriate times in your talk.

Vary the pace of your words. Pauses are essential to a strong delivery. Pause after the introduction of a new key point and after displaying a new visual to give the audience a chance to make the transition.

Watch your posture. Standing rigidly, gripping the sides of the lectern, tells your audience that you are far from relaxed and confident. Draping yourself over the lectern is too informal and conveys indifference.

Gestures add emphasis to your words and can even provide an outlet for nervousness, but use them judiciously Too many and too flamboyant gestures the ultimate detract from what you are saying. what The thing to remember is that, while you are speaking, you are in charge of the gathering. You control the pace and the tone. You must gain the audience's confidence and capture its attention. It is up to you to interact with the audience and assess its reaction to your presentation. You are responsible for staying on schedule. You are presiding.

Q & A Pointers
 It's not enough that you made it through your talk. Now you must subject yourself to cross-examination and do so while thinking on your feet. Q & A sessions can definitely be tricky but, remember, while you are at the podium you are in charge. You can and must control the exchanges. Experienced speakers offer the following thoughts to help you avoid or defuse awkward situations, keep the questions on track and enable you to maintain your poise, dignity and control of the session.

  1. To encourage your audience to ask questions, call for them in a way that suggests you expect and want them. "What questions do you have?" is an active solicitation whereas "Any questions?" is rather unconvincing. If you have a lapel or corded microphone, come from behind the lectern for the Q & A session. This is the most interactive part of your presentation, so eliminate the barrier of the lectern. The audience needs a moment or two to make the transition from listening to speaking, to formulate their questions and, in some cases, to get up the courage to ask a question before the audience. Wait a minute or so and if no one asks a question, ask one yourself. That will generally get things rolling.

  2. Always repeat or restate a question from the floor. Even in small groups, a question from the front row may not be heard at the rear of the room. In large rooms, it is essential even when floor microphones are provided for questions.
  3. Respond simply and directly

    Don't allow yourself to get sidetracked or to ramble. That consumes the time for other questions and gives the impression that you are not entirely sure of the question or the answer. If short, simple answers are not adequate, tell the audience you wili make yourself available after your talk to answer in more detail.

  4. Don't bluff.

    If you don't have the answer, say so. Then amplify: "That data won't be available for several months" or "Sorry, that's outside my area of expertise." Then offer a helpful solution: "I'll find out and get back to you' or "That's Joe Smith's field. See me later and I'll tell you how to contact him." Virtually no one has all the answers all the time. It's helpful, therefore, to compose a short mental list of responses that say "I don't know" so you won't get flustered and lose your composure.

  5. Don't lose your cool.

    Never respond defensively, with irritation or with anger. Such responses show that you have lost control of yourself and your presentation. Train yourself to resist the impulse to fight back or put down the questioner with a snappy reply when a hostile, negative or belligerent question comes from the floor. If the question can be restated positively, do so, answer it and move on. If not, firmly, yet diplomatically, state that this is not the time or place for that debate. but offer to discuss it after your presentation. Then move on.

  6. If someone asks about something explicitly covered in your talk, answer anyway.

    Perhaps you did not make the point clearly enough. This time, try another approach. If, for example, you covered the point in your talk with graphs and charts, respond to the question with a summary of the most important data covered in the visual material. If your talk progressed step-by-step to a conclusion, in response to a question you might begin with the conclusion and work backwards.

  7. If someone repeats a question that's already been asked, the general guidance is don't answer it again.

    "I believe we've already covered that' usually works. On the other hand, if the second question indicates that your first response was inadequate or confused the audience, do take another stab at it.

  8. If someone tries to turn a question into a long-winded speech, politely, but firmly, stop him or her.

    First, raise your hand. Most people will respond to this nonverbal signal to stop speaking. Then, you might say: "To have time for the other questions and so the audience will be clear on what you're asking, would you please give us your question now" The audience will appreciate this indication that you are responsibly controlling the session and that you value their time.

    If someone asks a totally irrelevant question, respond by saying that really is not part of your topic.

    However, (if you're feeling generous) you could say: "It sounds like an interesting subject."

  9. The speaker can give permission for short interruptions, "for the purpose of clarifying a point or figure," especially with a smaller audience.

    Carefully prepared talks and good visuals, however, will lessen the need for such interruptions from the audience. If an interruption is for more than a quick point of clarification, ask the individual to please hold the question for the Q & A session.

  10. If you run out of time, apologize for being unable to take every question.

    Offer to make yourself available after your presentation.

  11. Give a short statement to close your Q & A session, then thank your audience for their questions and interest.


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