Scientific Presentations: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Today, my husband's group and my group kicked off a mini-series focused on scientific presentation styles with our group members. We explored how presentation slides should be designed, what they should contain, and what to avoid. I firmly believe that no matter how thrilling your project is, if you don't connect with your audience and convey your excitement, you've lost them—this is the classic "death by PowerPoint."
Instead of delivering a traditional lecture, we encouraged reflection and guided our members to discover their own presentation styles. We sparked discussions by showcasing example slides from our own presentations, ranging from our master's studies to PhDs and current work. There were definitely some "gems" on how not to do it, but it also highlighted how presentation style can make or break a project. There's no one right way to present—it has to fit your personal style.
A big part of supervision is helping our team members develop their skills and confidence to navigate the academic world. Our experienced lab members did a great job analyzing, but I am also extremely proud of our newest team members, our current bachelor's students. They joined the discussion and voiced their own opinions. It was a real discussion between our team members, and that was delightful to see! It was a fun and engaging session, especially seeing some of my own examples that were really, really questionable (though I was really proud of them in 2017 😄).
Reflecting on the session, I realized how crucial it is to foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Supervision isn't just about guiding research; it's about nurturing growth and confidence. By encouraging open discussions and allowing team members to express their opinions, we help them develop critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate the complexities of the academic world.
Seeing our bachelor's students actively participate and contribute to the discussion was particularly rewarding. It reminded me that effective supervision involves recognizing and valuing the input of all team members, regardless of their experience level. Their fresh perspectives often bring new insights and ideas that can enrich the entire group's understanding.
In the end, the session was a great reminder that scientific presentations are not just about conveying information—they're about connecting with your audience and making them feel your excitement. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and finding your own style is key to delivering impactful presentations.