A Handbook of Public Speaking for Scientists and Engineers helps scientists and engineers improve their skills at speaking in public in the course of their professional activities. The book shows how best to prepare papers for presentation at a technical conference and how to put cases to committee meetings. Not only does the book deal with specific events, but it also provides the techniques of more effective speaking, whether presenting papers, answering questions, or speaking "off-the-cuff." The book is written in a highly entertaining manner and should put all complacent lecturers on their guard. This is essential reading for every scientist and engineer called upon to speak in public on technical matters.

This book provides concise and effective tips spanning all relevant areas to deliver engaging scientific presentations. Readers will strengthen their skills in preparing, practicing and delivering presentations at both physical and virtual conferences and seminars. Best practices for structuring presentations and elements to include and those to exclude such as detailed sections on the use of videos, animations and tables are included. Common errors often seen in scientific presentations are highlighted along with tips on how to interact with audiences and keep them engaged. This will be a valuable resource for scientists in all areas of chemistry and materials science as well as engineers who wish to elevate their scientific presentations.

Many of us have implemented oral communication instruction in our design courses, lab courses, and other courses where students give presentations. Others have students give presentations without instruction on how to become a better presenter. Many of us, then, could use a concise book that guides us on what instruction on oral communication should include, based on input from executives from different settings. This instruction will help our students get jobs and make them more likely to move up the career ladder, especially in these hard economic times. Oral Communication Excellence for Engineers and Scientists: Based on Executive Input is the tool we need. It is based on input from over 75 executives with engineering or science degrees, leading organizations that employ engineers and scientists. For the presentation chapter, the executives described what makes a “stellar presentation.” And for every other chapter, they gave input—on, for example, how to effectively communicate in meetings and in teams, how to excel at phone communication, how to communicate electronically to supplement oral communication, and how to meet the challenges of oral communication. They also provided tips on cross-cultural communication, listening, choosing the appropriate medium for a communication, elevator pitches, and posters; and using oral communication to network on the job. Oral Communication Excellence for Engineers and Scientists includes exercises and activities for students and professionals, based on instruction that has improved Georgia Tech’s students’ presentation skills at a statistically significant level. Slides demonstrating best practices are included from Capstone Design students around the country. Table of Contents: Introduction / Background Preparation / Presentation: Customizing to your Audience / Presentation: Telling your Story / Presentation: Displaying Key Information / Delivering the Presentation / Other Oral Communication Skills / Advanced Oral Communication Skills / References

This is a concise guide for anyone who has ever found the prospect of speaking technically to be daunting. The author draws upon his observations of people speaking technically in after-dinner speeches; conference presentations; coping with visitors; inaugural lectures; industrial presentations; industrial tourism; lectures to students; presentations to funding bodies; project reports; public inquiries; school talks; section and departmental meetings; telephone calls and consultations. He offers the reader practical tools and principles for organising information and making technical communication lively and memorable. Complete with highlighted points, checklists and review points for easy reference and practice, Speaking Technically is for anyone who has ideas and information to communicate, wants to do so effectively, finds the process stressful and has little time to prepare.