Presenting Scientific Findings at Conferences

Think about the last presentation you sat through. Do you remember anything from it? Probably not. Most presentations fail because they are: ❌ Overloaded with bullet points ❌ Devoid of emotion ❌ Data dumps with no clear story The good news? You can make your presentation unforgettable with these 7 simple shifts: 1. Start with a Hook, Not an Intro Most presenters begin with "I'm excited to be here today..." and lose the audience immediately. Fix: Grab attention from the start. Example: “Your company is losing $10M a year—and you don’t even know why.” 2. Tell a Story, Not Just Data People remember stories, not statistics. Instead of listing facts, wrap them in a compelling narrative. Fix: Use the “Problem → Struggle → Solution” technique. Example: "Before using our system, Sarah’s team spent 3 hours a day on reports. She tried different tools, but nothing worked—until she found our solution. Now? Just 15 minutes a day." 3. Use Contrast & Surprise The brain is wired for novelty. If your presentation sounds predictable, people will tune out. Fix: Vary your tone, pace, and visuals. Drop in an unexpected question, statistic, or pause to keep them engaged. 4. Say Less, Mean More Too much information overloads the audience. They’ll remember nothing. Fix: Cut the fluff. Stick to one core message per slide, per section, per speech. 5. Make It Visual Bullet points don’t inspire. Images and metaphors do. Fix: Instead of saying “Our product is faster,” show a race car next to a bicycle. 6. End with a Bang, Not a Fizzle Most presentations end with “Thank you” and no real impact. Fix: Leave them with one key idea and a clear next step. Example: “If you only take away one thing today, let it be this…” 7. Master the Pause Most speakers talk too fast and leave no room for ideas to sink in. Fix: Silence is power. Pause after key points to let them land. 💡 A great presentation isn’t about information—it’s about transformation. Make your next one impossible to forget. What’s the most memorable presentation you’ve ever seen? Drop a comment below! ⬇

I have a confession to make. I have been guilty of putting people to sleep during my presentations. Unfortunately, not once, but many times. I could blame it on the complexities of tech topics or the dryness of the subject. I could always console myself by saying that at least it's not as sleep-inducing as financial presentations (sorry, my friends in Finance). Deep down, though, I knew that even the most complicated and dry topics could come alive. As with anything, it's a skill and can be improved upon. Thus, I turned to my friend Christopher Chin, Communication Coach for Tech Professionals, for some much-needed advice. He shared these 5 presentation tips guaranteed to leave a lasting impression: 1/ Speak to Their Needs, Not Your Wants Don’t just say what you like talking about or what your audience wants to hear. Say what your audience needs to hear based on their current priorities and pain points: that sets your presentation up to be maximally engaging 2/ Slides Support, You Lead Slides are not the presentation. You are the presentation. Your slides should support your story and act as visual reinforcement rather than as the main star of the show.  Consider holding off on making slides until you have your story clear. That way, you don’t end up making more slides than you need or making slides more verbose than you need 3/ Start with a Bang, Not a Whisper The beginning of a presentation is one of the most nerve-wracking parts for you as the speaker and one of the most attention-critical parts for your audience. If you don’t nail the beginning, there’s a good chance you lose the majority of people. Consider starting with something that intrigues your audience, surprises them, concerns them, or makes them want to learn more. 4/ Think Conversation, Not Presentation One-way presentations where the speaker just talks “at” the audience lead to dips in attention and poorer reception of the material. Consider integrating interactive elements like polls and Q&A throughout a presentation (rather than just at the very end) to make it feel more like a conversation. 5/ Finish Strong with a Clear CTA We go through all the effort of preparing, creating, and delivering a presentation to cause some change in behavior. End with a powerful call to action that reminds your audience why they were in attendance and what they should do as soon as they leave the room. By integrating these, you won't just present; you'll captivate. Say goodbye to snoozing attendees and hello to a gripped audience. 😴 Repost if you've ever accidentally put someone to sleep with a presentation. We've all been there!

You’ve heard the advice, “Use stories in your presentations because people respond to stories!” Great advice. BUT… Your story won’t grab your audience’s attention and communicate your message unless it has these 6 elements. In fact, it could even have the opposite effect! Every story you use as the foundation of your high-stakes presentations needs to have: 1. A logical structure. A story needs a beginning, middle, and end with clear turning points between each section. Don't just jump between ideas randomly. Map your presentation flow on paper first so you can physically move sections around. The most persuasive structure builds toward your most important point. 2. An Emotional structure. In the middle of your story, create a rise of conflict where tension builds. This might be when your audience realizes their current approach isn't working or market conditions are changing rapidly. Plan moments where this tension rises before providing a cathartic resolve. Your audience will stay engaged through this emotional journey from tension to resolution. 3. A clear goal. The protagonist in your story must have something they're seeking–an objective that drives the narrative forward. In your presentation, position your audience as the hero pursuing something important. Whether it's reconciliation of different viewpoints or finding the solution to a pressing problem, make sure this goal is crystal clear. 4. Meaningful conflict. Every story needs the hero to face obstacles. This conflict might be with themselves, with others, with technology, or even with nature.  When preparing your presentation, identify what's standing in the way of progress. Is it internal resistance? Market challenges? Technical limitations? Acknowledging these conflicts shows you understand the real situation. 5. A resolution. Every narrative needs to resolve the conflict, though resolution doesn't always mean a happy ending. It could end positively (comedy), negatively (tragedy), or be inconclusive, requiring your audience to take action to determine the outcome. For business presentations, this inconclusive ending can be particularly effective as it prompts decision and action. 6. A lesson worth learning. While rarely stated explicitly (except in fairy tales), every story teaches something. Your presentation should leave your audience with a clear takeaway about what approaches to emulate or avoid. The quality of your story often determines the quality of your high-stakes presentations. Take time to really think through the stories you’re using. Hand-selecting the best ones will help you leave a lasting impact on your audience. #Presentation #StorytellingInBusiness #PresentationSkills

One great presentation can do what multiple applications can't. Over the years, my presentations have earned awards, speaking invitations, and opportunities I never applied for. Most recently, at MAA MathFest 2024, someone from the audience approached me and said: "Your talk was so engaging. You made such a complex topic accessible." On the spot, he invited me to speak to high school students in Chicago. Full expenses paid + speaker fee. Here is the framework I use every single time... (You might want to save this.) 1. Know your audience before you make a single slide → Kids? Public? Policy makers? Academics? → Your job is to design your talk to suit them. → Picture one person in the audience, let's call them "Bola." 2. Map out the entire talk first → Write the takeaway from each slide in one sentence. → Connect each slide logically to the next. → Ask yourself: Will Bola digest this information? 3. Ditch the jargon → Would Bola understand this? → If not, go back to the drawing board. → Use simple, plain English. 4. Make it visual → One message per slide. Big font. Bullet points. → Use visuals or illustrations instead of text (if possible.)  → The moment your audience starts reading your slides, you've lost them. 5. Practice as you build each slide → After creating each slide, ask: What will I say here? → This reveals what to add, remove, or fix as you go. → Once done, practice the full presentation again. 6. Never read off your slides during delivery → Deliver like you're telling a story. → Everything on screen is just supporting visuals. → Know your slides inside out. Keep eye contact. 7. Use your body language intentionally → Don't stare at the ceiling, ground, or stand frozen. → Your movement and energy speak louder than words. → This automatically communicates confidence and authority. Great presentations aren’t about showing how smart you are. They’re about making your audience feel something... curiosity, clarity, and inspiration. That’s what makes you memorable. And that’s what opens doors. --- PS: What's ONE thing that's helped you improve your presentations? PPS: Want to see this framework in action? Link to the Chicago talk is in the comments. ♻️ REPOST if this was useful. Thanks!

What I learned from my first science slam workshop Less than two weeks ago, I gave my first science slam — and I was instantly hooked. I absolutely loved the experience. Wanting to take things further, I joined a science slam workshop. It might seem ironic to do the workshop after the performance, but sometimes learning sticks better once you've had a taste. Here are the takeaways I’ll carry with me into the next round: 🔑 Less is more. Ten minutes is the official limit. If you’re worried that your talk won’t fit into ten minutes, trust that it definitely won’t work in twelve. Aim for 9:30. Keep it tight, clear, and punchy. 🎭 Authenticity beats perfection. You don’t have to be the funniest person in the room or a natural performer. But you do have to show up as yourself. If the audience can feel why your topic matters to you, it has a real chance of mattering to them too. 🧵 Structure it: Know – Feel – Do. Every strong talk has a clear thread. Ask yourself: What should people know by the end? What should they feel? And what might they be inspired to do? 💬 Start with “Why” — and go deeper. When preparing your talk, ask “Why?” not just once, but four or five times, like a curious three-year-old might. That’s when you move past the surface of your topic and reach the heart of your message. 🎯 Clarify your message. What is the core insight you want the audience to remember — not just right after the talk, but three weeks later, maybe even at 3 a.m.? That’s your north star. Everything else should support it. 🔔 Nail your opening and your ending. Audiences remember beginnings and endings more than anything else. Avoid a generic closing like “That’s it — thanks for listening.” And don’t just wing it — memorize your opening, closing, and transitions. They’re your anchors. 📚 Stories connect more than concepts. People connect more than things. If you want people to care, tell stories. Wrap your ideas in a narrative arc — not because it’s cute, but because it’s how our brains are wired to understand the world. 🧠 Storytelling is problem-solving. A good story reveals a challenge, a journey, and a resolution. Make that path visible. And don’t be afraid to show your own vulnerability — it’s the glue that holds everything together. I’m excited to keep exploring this format. It combines what I love most: research, storytelling, connection, and comedy. You could say: It’s passion in motion.

Under the microscope, tissues and cells look complex and beautiful. But without context, their story can be hard to follow, much like the science behind them. That’s why I’m so passionate about accessible science communication. In biotech and life sciences, breakthroughs like gene editing and cell therapies are extraordinary. But if they’re hidden behind technical language, we miss the chance to inspire, build trust, and show their real-world impact. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, I’ve seen how storytelling can unlock that understanding. We tell stories about the researchers, patients and innovators behind science to bring discoveries to life, use formats like podcasting to make complex topics approachable to spark curiosity beyond the lab, and social media to turn small scientific details into moments of wonder for a broad audience. The communicator’s role is to help people see both the beauty and the meaning behind the work so that people can feel connected to it. The most successful science communicators are shifting their focus from complexity to clarity. 💡 They translate research into stories that resonate with non-scientists. 💡 They highlight the why behind innovation, not just the how. 💡 They use plain language without sacrificing scientific accuracy. When we make science more accessible, we don’t dilute it. We amplify it. And in doing so, we bring more people into the conversation, which is where real impact begins.

Creating engaging slide decks is an often overlooked skill in data roles. Here is why it's important and what to keep in mind: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 1. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆: Your analysis is only as good as your ability to communicate its results. Engaging slides ensure your message is clear and gets heard.     2. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Great presentations can inspire stakeholders to act on your insights, leading to data-driven decisions and business improvements.     3. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: A polished slide deck highlights your analytical skills and shows your ability to communicate complex information simply and effectively to different stakeholders. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀: 1. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗜𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: Use clean, minimalistic slides with plenty of white space. This simplicity ensures your key points stand out and your message isn’t lost. 2. 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Storytelling engages your audience and makes your data more relatable and memorable. 3. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘆: Incorporate charts, graphs, and images to illustrate your data. The visuals make complex data more understandable. 4. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Emphasize the most important findings with bold text or different colors. This draws attention to the critical information your stakeholders need to know. 5. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Use a consistent color scheme, font style, and layout throughout your presentation. Creates a professional and cohesive look, making your slides easier to follow and more visually appealing. If there is an official company slide master deck use it to offer your stakeholders a design they're used to. 6. 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿: Have additional slides ready for detailed questions. Having them available in the backup demonstrates thoroughness and the depth of your work. Practice multiple times to ensure a smooth and structured presentation. Confidence and clarity can help to make a lasting impression. What’s your tip for creating engaging slide decks? ---------------- ♻️ Share if you find this post useful ➕ Follow for more daily insights on how to grow your career in the data field #dataanalytics #datascience #presentationskills #powerpoint #careergrowth

Your Science Pitch Canvas is your flexible treasure chest Your Science Pitch Canvas is more than just an overview. It is your treasure chest. It allows you to find all valuable content in one place and to adapt your Science Pitch to your audience and situation. The focus is on ESPRIT: from your Expertise to a clear Storyline to your Performance. You illustrate the Relevance of your project, highlight your Innovation, and conclude with a concise Take home message. This means you also need to have the courage to reduce information. Not everything belongs in the pitch. Some information only unfolds its effect in the conversation afterwards. This is precisely the strength and true added value of your Science Pitch: your canvas is not a rigid, pre-written script, but rather a tool with which you can share very different information depending on the person and audience. Use your Science Pitch canvas for the ideal preparation of your short presentation. Then get to the point in three minutes!

As sports scientists, how we communicate our findings is just as important as the data itself. Whether you’re delivering a keynote at a conference or speaking with athletes in a team meeting, the way we present our message is key to its impact. I recently explored the book "Talk Like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds", and it offered valuable lessons that can be applied to our work in sports science. Here are a few lessons to consider when crafting your next presentation: Speak from Passion: One of the most important things we can do as presenters is to speak from the heart. When we share our passion for our research or a topic, it resonates with our audience. Passion breeds engagement and can make even the most technical topics inspiring. Master the Art of Storytelling: Data and findings are powerful, but they’re even more impactful when tied to stories. Personal or relatable stories make the information more accessible and memorable. Think about how you can weave narratives into your presentations to give context to the numbers. Have a Conversation: You don’t need to sound like a robotic lecturer. The best presentations feel like a conversation. Practice your delivery until it feels natural and engaging. The more conversational you are, the easier it will be for your audience to connect with you. Offer Something New: Brains love novelty. Our audience has likely heard similar information before, but can we present it in a new light? Whether it’s a fresh perspective or a creative way of delivering the material, we should always look for ways to keep our audience engaged. Create a Jaw-Dropping Moment: Every talk should have that one moment that surprises and captivates the audience. It could be a surprising fact, a powerful visual, or an unforgettable soundbite. This moment can help drive home your message and keep it top-of-mind. Lighten Up with Humour: Science doesn’t always need to be serious. Using humour, when appropriate, can build rapport and make your message more relatable. A well-placed joke or light-hearted moment can engage your audience in ways that facts alone may not. Short and sweet: TED talks are famous for their brevity—18 minutes. The same can apply in our presentations. Keep it concise, focus on the most important points, and remember that sometimes less is more. Paint a Mental Picture: Humans are visual learners. When possible, use visuals to complement your presentation. Whether it's through images, videos, or diagrams, well-designed visuals can enhance retention and comprehension. Be Authentic: Don’t try to emulate someone else’s speaking style. Be yourself, share your experiences, and engage with your audience on a personal level. Authenticity helps to build trust, and your audience will appreciate your genuine approach. To see more on these principles, click here to read our full blog post: https://lnkd.in/eXRkuF3b

Everyone says "engage your audience" when you're speaking on stage. But nobody really tells you how to own that stage and make it yours. As someone who used to shake before every presentation, I've learned a few things the hard way. Things that turned that fear into something I could actually use. Here it is. Save this for your next presentation 👇🏻 1/ Ride on Shared Narratives → Find common ground fast. People don't connect with perfection. They connect with "me too" moments. 👉🏻 I like to open with a story about struggling with something my audience faces too. 👉🏻 Like feeling invisible in a crowded room or doubting whether anyone's listening. 2/ Keep the Energy Up → Your energy sets the room's energy. If you're flat, they're flat. If you're alive, they lean in. 👉🏻 I move around the stage, vary my tone, and throw in pauses. 👉🏻 It keeps people awake and engaged, even in long sessions. 3/ Speak with Them Before You Speak to Them → A little interaction beforehand goes a long way. I used to hide backstage. Now I walk the room early. 👉🏻 Before I present, I chat with a few people in the audience, ask about their day, their challenges. 👉🏻 So when I'm on stage, I'm speaking to familiar faces. 4/ Don't Skimp on Preparation → Being prepared is your best defense against nerves. I used to wing it. I paid for it every time. 👉🏻 I rehearse my opening and closing until I can say them in my sleep. 👉🏻 It gives me confidence even when my mind goes blank mid-speech. 5/ Learn Their World, Speak Their Language → Tailor your message to resonate. Generic talks don't land. Personalized ones do. 👉🏻 When I speak to financial advisors versus tech founders, I adjust my examples and references to match their daily reality. 👉🏻 Never use a one-size-fits-all script. 6/ Use Your Stories → Personal stories make your message unforgettable. Facts inform. Stories transform. 👉🏻 Instead of listing my credentials, I share how a kid who got bullied and avoided stages now trains leaders across Asia. 👉🏻 Story sticks more than any resume. 7/ Mirror What You Want to See → Project the confidence you want your audience to feel. If you're uncertain, they'll be uncertain. If you're grounded, they'll trust you. 👉🏻 If I want my audience to feel calm and confident, I start by being calm and confident myself 👉🏻 Even if I'm nervous inside. I'm not a natural speaker. I'm someone who learned through repetition, failure, and intention. If you apply even one of these, you'll already be ahead of most people on stage. You don't need perfect English. You don't need years of experience. You just need presence, preparation, and a message that matters. So. what strategy helps you most before speaking on stage? Let's learn from each other 💬 💪 Follow me for personal brand and growth insights. #publicspeaking #professionalgrowth #coaching #careerdevelopment #financialadvisor