Don Kurtz: How to Give a Physics Talk

Speaking about research is a key skill for first years all the way to post-grads so we hope to see all of you there for what should be a very engaging talk. Read on for a sample to get you excited:

What makes one speaker exciting and another boring? You have been to good talks and you have sat through far too many poor ones, so what makes the difference? It doesn't really matter whether it is a scientific talk, a public talk or a classroom lecture: Your prime concern is to think about the audience. You are talking to them. You are performing. Look at them; talk to them; think about what they are hearing and seeing. They very much want you to give a good talk -- that is why they have chosen to be your audience. But at the start of your talk they are worried you…