GIES PhD Club

Let's talk about the talk

Before the talk

• Practice (a lot) and manage time
• Read very carefully what you are expected to deliver (and to whom)
• Read up on your audience and bring it into your slides
• Your presentation should be clear and understood by everyone in the room

During the talk

• Explain why your work matters at the start
• Link your research to the department and broader events towards the end
• Manage questions efficiently and politely
• Use your knowledge of the audience
• One deep dive as a rule of thumb
• Think of a core take-away and make it clear

After the talk

• Balance politeness and standing your own ground
• Time your answers
• It's okay to say "I do not know"
• Take time to answer and feel free to ask for clarification or reiterate the question
• Expect clarification questions from the audience that you normally do not get

Additional thoughts

• Thank the chair & ask for feedback
• Dress neatly
• Plan your journey well & dedicate time to the talk
• Try to come across as a ambitious and friendly colleague
• Signal that you want to be part of the Department
• Prepare and practice a set of one-liners

Thank you