Begin Every PhD Presentation Like a TED Talk

[@PrincessCupncake]

I am 💯 % going to use that method of asking the audience for a show of hands to find common ground and engagement for my first talk coming up in April. Really great idea.

[@aaroncurry5123]

Thanks! I'm actually preparing for a virtual science conference that'll be happening in a month. Your video is very helpful.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

I would love to see your slides, if you want feedback, feel free to tag or DM me on Twitter/Facebook/ Instagram! All the best to your presentation.

[@babaghayoumessaoud5807]

Hi Dr Vera, I was passing by some PhD defense videos to get inspiration from (and even prestigious talkers) and glad that I was lucky by having your video among them! As I am - if everything goes well - having a PhD defense soon, I am feeling that I have to draw a good scenario for that (which includes all of the presentation aspects like the exact content, the chronology, the way to talk, the examples to give, etc.). I got a bunch of brilliant tips from this 13m generous video. I (we) appreciate the share! (now, no much left before I start attacking the presentation realization). You have the determination, academic passion and ambition. I expect/hope you a successful career (just keep it this way). Kind regards,

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Hi Babaghayou, It's really my honour to "be there" for your important day before PhD defense! Power of a video is incredible, and that is my motivation of making KZbin resources for PhD students. I remember how scary and lonely it could feel, so I hope my channel adds more to that journey. Please let me know how it goes, and I would love to know if any of my tips here has helped you in your actual PhD defense! All the best, Vera

[@babaghayoumessaoud5807]

@@PhDCoffeeTime Definitely, it makes a positive impact (it is just unfortunate that I did not come across the set of videos that you post in this channel but "better late than never"). Alright! let's hope I can make the preparation (in its best shape) at time! Kind regards,

[@babaghayoumessaoud5807]

@@PhDCoffeeTime Hi after a while. As the deal, here I share how the defense was: Got some technical issues at the beginning of the presentation but glad I could mitigate the effects haha (thanks to the power of speech and oral-description). So taking the scenario of technical difficulties is going to be useful if it was known before (also, keeping the self-cool had helped me overcome the first minutes of the issue). Once again, glad to pass by your videos Dr Vera. Wish you the best!

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

​@@babaghayoumessaoud5807 Wow, thanks so much for sharing the story of your defense! The technical issue must be stressful. Absolutely agree, not all of us have been to an acting class, but sometimes the key is to learn how to "act" cool. I know, as a presenter, it feels like it takes FOREVER to get over the technical issue when it happens. To your assurance, most people sitting in a presentation that has technical issues won't even think much about the inconvenience, the audience would often just look down to use their phones for a few more minutes. Realizing this from the audience perspective will help you to stay calm. I am proud of you that you had the emotional intelligence to keep your cool on such an important day. You must be so relieved now!

[@babaghayoumessaoud5807]

​ @PhDCoffeeTime I absolutely Agree with you Dr Vera. Due to the covid-19 circumstances, they were no audience except the jury members so I had to establish a virtual connection (the use of Zoom was an alternative) and from here you can imagine the microphone, sharing, camera position, slides transition lag, and other issues. When such issues happen, they also affect your oral preparations: you will get deviated from the exact speech that you prepared. But the good part - that we as presenters do not get it - is that even with the new awkward talk, the audience can still enjoy it (i.e., not as planned but it also works well). Thanks :D . Yeah, a shoulder burden was removed. The fact that we got to work for years without tasting the holidays feeling is enough to me to feel way better (some corrections are awaiting but can be neglected compared to what it was before). Thank you for the usual support Dr Vera, wish you the best!

[@konidwiprasetya2497]

before I try black background but my professor said the media in our seminar room not make black background good. so better choose white. but I choose white with transparant of image for early and after that I chosose white background for deep discussion. nice video

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

I have gone through exactly the same transition. Glad you have enjoyed this video! My recent video is also about presentation, you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXJqn1njtiaeJY

[@michellechuni]

Great video!! I'm not a PhD student but I'm in my final year of uni and I have to give a presentation in the next week. My supervisors told me to watch TED talks, but I didn't understand what they wanted me to look out for. However, you explained it very well! Thank you!

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

This is wonderful feedback, Michelle! In case you want some practical PPT tips I have another video that may be helpful too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfcopR_eKt3b5o Good luck with your presentation next week!

[@shrutikulkarni3391]

Loved the TED talk suggestion

[@LicMairi]

great tips! I use white background because I was told it´s easier to recycle slides from an old ppt to a new one as the years go by.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Thanks for sharing this tip! Very true, I realize this point immediately after I started using white backgrounds.

[@jonatastentadnv]

AMAZING tips, I really loved it hahaha and thanks for the example of the last slide, xx from a Brazillian thankful dude

[@ThinkTanky]

Thank you! I think you are right. Sometimes we can go down the rabbit hole, with all of the information we have available. This will definitely motivate and help me with my upcoming presentation!

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

You're welcome! Check out the three most recent videos on a simliar topic :) Part 1: Five "Pick Up Lines" To Start a Science Presentation kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXJqn1njtiaeJY Part 2: Some PPT Slides are Just "Cooler"? Explained. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHvYpoZsoNSsqNU Part 3: Getting The Most Out of Scientific Conferences kzbin.info/www/bejne/robOdGubadCti6s

[@javiercamacho3259]

thank you very much for the good tips...!!!! keep working

[@buffer-overflow]

Great tips, thanks.

[@JoBrew]

Great tips, thank you.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Now you're ready to build an engaging presentation, you may also enjoy my technical tips that EVERY scientific presenter should know: Tech-savvy Powerpoint tips for Clear Scientific Talks kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfcopR_eKt3b5o [Most recent uploads!] Part 1: Five "Pick Up Lines" To Start a Science Presentation kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXJqn1njtiaeJY Part 2: Some PPT Slides are Just "Cooler"? Explained. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHvYpoZsoNSsqNU Part 3: Getting The Most Out of Scientific Conferences kzbin.info/www/bejne/robOdGubadCti6s

[@AmyFerguson]

I just watched a video that said to do a white background for a normal size room and do a black background for large lecture halls.

[@shivshambhuchoudhary1204]

very simple and graceful video

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

You're welcome!

[@meerathushanth3791]

This is holy grail....Thanks a lot..I prefer white background..

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

White seems like the best bet for most situation!

[@tzimisce1753]

I think white background is better for when you need to present something. Black background is when you want to show something cool or Matrix-looking. :P

[@anastasiaershova4550]

Thank you for your video and your advices! I use a black background. My scientific work based on fluorescence substances. Photos for my presentations are taken on a black background under UV illumination. Because a dark background is the best decision)))

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Yay! I used to work with fluorescent microsopy so I can totally relate. Glad you have enjoyed this video.

[@demangino]

Very helpful! I almost skiped this vid because the title made me think it would not be very informative. Very glad Idid not!

[@demangino]

Also: black background bc less strain in the eyes.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Hi Derek, so happy to hear that, my recent video is also on this topic and you can check it out here (hopefully the title is clearer now!): kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXJqn1njtiaeJY

[@rizzleroodoo]

good video!

[@PZJBimha]

Thanks for the advice.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

You're welcome!

[@Biomeducated]

White background... I don't come across too much dark background PPTs in general, especially recalling the big conference I went to last year in April (cfr. my video on '6 months as a PhD student'). Overall, excellent tips here, Vera! My buddy at work followed an 'effective slides' doctoral school course. I in turn then learned a bit from him, so your points align with that of the lecturer of that course! :D PS: 10:35 I've heard many people don't add page numbers to the slides to actually DISCOURAGE the audience to ask questions, haha!

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

I had many microscopy images in my previous postdoc, and I have been a fan of dark background because I felt like it shows the fluorescence signals better. In general, I think a white background is certainly a more popular and safer choice. I went to a few outstanding talks in which the scientist using a black background and nailed it. These talks made me wonder if there is a "black background secret club" where all the cool and rebellious people in science hang out. Smart move about avoiding questions by omitting slide numbers haha!

[@Biomeducated]

@@PhDCoffeeTime Haha, join the rebellion! :D My 1st presentation also didn't have slide numbers ;) back in 2013. Now I don't care anymore :D (read: less anxious)

[@angelv1393]

hello! new subscriber here, i love the video i got lots of important tips, I prefer white background by the way, thank you... i will be be watching more of your videos...

[@utkarshmisra7611]

good job

[@Construirconsciencia]

Obrigado pelo vídeo l!

[@CognitiveLoad_QMarkKickKO]

Black background all day visual accessibility, for my diss defense on the 10th. 🤞

[@Sana_mirror]

Thank you very helpfull video and tips !! By the way I prefer dark background hehe !!

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Yes, team dark background :)

[@jimmydevergne7040]

Team white background ! But I have seen a lot of dark presentation cause of fluorescence results :D

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

I am so glad this video brings more awareness to the topic :)

[@saab6032]

Same here

[@PrashantSingh-dh6ff]

Please work on lighting while shooting videos.

[@1510rachel]

My Scientific Communication professor wants us to use light background and dark letters. I don't have a preference but I would like the option to choose which one I want to use.

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Yes, I have met similar professors too. Some people prefer light background because it look more "professional", it's the easiest way to not stand out in a bad way. I do know that people would transition into "dark mode" for a few slides when they are presenting fluorescent data, so you could be thoughtful about that too. But for satisfying course requirements, it's best to follow instructions. I understand your feeling though, hope you will gain more freedom in the future!

[@reza310]

I prefer white back ground

[@DrSoda.]

Helpful tips, thanks. With God, anything is possible. Jesus loves you!

[@cl56611]

Of a 13 min video, first 5 min was on irrelevant materials, while subsequent suggestions were too long-winded to cover a little point. I wonder how convincing she could be a teaching example of a good presenter.

[@Alnahdi-ez8ij]

White background

[@nerminmohamed3122]

White

[@christiancorralb]

white x100

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Absolutely. It's like wearing a white shirt for a professional outfit, can't go wrong with that!

[@peterinbrat]

Her background is completely washing her out and she's giving advice on backgrounds.

[@os2171]

White