How to Give a Great Research Talk

Summary of Simon Peyton Jones' Lecture

Core Philosophy

Research is about communication - talks are crucial dialogue, not just presenting information
Purpose: Communicate a single key idea that gives the audience intuitive understanding, not to impress with cleverness or dump all knowledge
Your audience is giving you their precious time - respect that gift

What to Include

Two Essential Elements

Motivation - What problem are you solving and why it matters
One key idea - Focus ruthlessly on this, prune everything else

Key Strategies

Use examples first - Move from specific to general, not the reverse
Deep dive over shallow breadth - Better to go deep on one aspect than skim many topics
Give audience some "technical meat" but make it accessible to non-specialists
Assume 10% of audience knows your area well, 90% don't - engage everyone
Make the key idea crystal clear - audience should be able to articulate it when leaving

What to Avoid

Content to Skip

Outline slides at the beginning (wastes precious opening minutes)
Too much technical detail (overwhelming slides that make audience feel stupid)
Related work sections (save for Q&A, focus on your contribution)
Reading your slides verbatim

Behavioral Don'ts

Apologizing for anything during the talk (travel delays, technical issues, etc.)
Pointing at laptop/screen with your back to audience
Standing rigidly behind podium throughout

Delivery Style

Energy and Engagement

Be enthusiastic - If you're not excited, why should the audience be?
Move around - Don't stay fixed behind podium
Make eye contact - Engage with audience, identify friendly faces who nod
Share the passion in your heart for the work

Interaction

Welcome questions during the talk - Creates valuable dialogue
Look for questions and confusion in audience faces
Repeat questions so everyone can hear
If you don't know an answer, admit it honestly

Practical Tips

Preparation

Script your opening - Have first few sentences memorized for confidence
Practice timing - Do complete dry runs, preferably with friends
Plan escape routes - Know what you can skip if running long
Bring wireless presenter remote to avoid being tied to laptop

During the Talk

Stop on time - Audiences stop listening when they expect you to finish
Use pauses effectively - silence is okay for regrouping
If 80% of audience is lost, consider stopping and clarifying
Adapt dynamically based on audience engagement

Physical Considerations

Manage nerves with deep breathing
Wireless microphone preferred for movement
Avoid laser pointer if you're anxious (amplifies hand shaking)

Being a Good Audience Member

Ask questions early when lost - don't wait until the end
Help speakers by being engaged and responsive
Be the person who asks clarifying questions others are afraid to ask

The Bottom Line

Give talks that make audiences glad they attended by sharing genuine enthusiasm for ideas they can understand and take away. Focus on communication over demonstration of expertise.

"The general standard is not that high, so you can shine without too much trouble." - Simon Peyton Jones

How to Give a Great Research Talk (Sypnosis)