You might ask, “Are you looking for a lecture format that is focused on research or a more interactive audience experience?” In most cases, plan to involve the audience through interactive activities. While the types of activities might differ, the involvement will help the audience participate.
For example, in a scientific talk before a group of specialists, you may not need to explain all of your jargon and can jump into in-depth topics more quickly. [2] X Research source Depending on your audience, you may also choose to directly engage with controversial topics or shy away from them. You can even get to the venue a bit early and try to talk with some audience members to get a better feel for the room prior to directing your seminar. You might ask one of the attendees, “What made you want to attend this particular seminar?” If you are in a professional setting, consider talking to some of the attendees ahead of time to see what they would like to learn.
For example, if you are planning to use a slide presentation, then you’ll want to make sure that the room is equipped with a good projection system.
Be aware that it takes anywhere from 1-2 minutes for an audience member to read through a slide along with you. Therefore, don’t overload your presentation with slides or you will never finish. Instead, go with pictures that can accompany the information that you are providing directly to your audience. [5] X Research source You can also use other visual styles, such as models, posters, flyers, or brochures. Don’t feel forced into sticking with slides and instead consider dipping into your creative side, if the seminar format supports this.
If the paper that you circulate is a work in progress, you might say so on the draft itself and then repeat this at the start of your seminar. This way audience members will know that you welcome constructive criticism and other ideas.
After each practice session, make notes on the sections that are working well and those that still need some refining.
If you arrive 15-30 minutes beforehand that is usually enough time to accomplish everything that you need to do prior to starting the session. If it is a large seminar or a seminar that relies heavily on technology, you might consider arriving up to an hour early.
Be humble as you introduce yourself, but stress your credibility in this subject. Instead of assuming that you know more about your audience, just let them know what experience you have. If someone else introduced you, make sure that they have a copy of your biography in advance. Bring an extra copy with you. When it’s time for you to speak, you might say a few quick words about your passion for this project and offer your thanks to the organizers for the opportunity to speak with your audience today.
For example, if you are giving a seminar focusing on a chronological topic, such as the development of the U. S. Civil War, make sure to give your audience plenty of warning before you jump time periods.
For example, if you have a slide with a photo of Lincoln, then you could build upon that by discussing his time in office or his personal background. This information doesn’t need to be spelled out alongside the image. Print out a copy of your slides and keep it in front of you as you speak. This will remind you which slide is coming up next so that you can smoothly transition to the next point.
An icebreaker activity at the beginning of the seminar helps lighten the mood and grab people’s attention. You can break up large groups into small groups to have them discuss a problem, question, or point.
For example, you might say, “Well, I’ve reached the end of my time, but I would love to talk about any of these issues in response to any questions that you have. ”
When planning your seminar, make sure to leave time at the end to answer questions. Prepare a short statement to wrap up the talk after the Q&A session is over. Try to thank each person for their question after answering it. If a particular person tries to dominate the question session, you can offer to speak with them after. If you don’t know the answer to a particular question, it is okay to say, “That is an excellent question, but I do not have that exact information. ”[10] X Research source
It might help to write, “Speak clearly,” in the margins of your presentation notes. This will remind you to keep up your voice mid-presentation. To practice projecting your voice, stick your tongue all the way out and say a nursery rhyme, like Humpty Dumpty. Afterward, say the same rhyme normally. You’ll notice that you can project your voice more clearly after doing this exercise.
For example, you might say, “I just noticed that that figure in column 3 is not up to date as of today, so the more accurate number would be…”
To help transition between points, move to another part of the room or change places when you move through certain points. If you want to emphasize a point, stop your body completely. Plant your feet together and take a pause before saying the sentence.
