Course: The Art of Effective Scientific Communication

Tools for Effective Public Speaking

So, what do you think is the true key to effective public speaking? What is the closely guarded secret that only great speakers know? It's remarkably simple. Preparation, preparation, preparation! In the words of Woodrow Wilson:
If I am to speak ten minutes, I need a week for preparation;
if fifteen minutes, three days;
if half an hour, two days;
if an hour, I am ready now.

What this tells us is that the more targeted our presentation, the more preparation it requires.

Just as a picture can be worth 1,000 words, so can an effective example help us to learn key skills. Watch this presentation to see how you can be more effective when you make a presentation. Then watch the other links listed below. Specifically, pay attention to how Hans Rosling engages with the audience, uses clear visual aids, injects humor and successfully delivers his message.