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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHere are some things to take into account when preparing your flash talk to make sure the audience remembers you, and contacts you after the session to find out more. Because that\u2019s the goal, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Keep it brief<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You should definitely start by giving a very brief introduction that makes people understand why your work is interesting, and ends by saying how people can contact you afterwards. Of course you can say where you’re from and your affiliation, but the critical thing is to attract to people’s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Cover the basics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Answer the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Connect with the audience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For live events be sure to always look at the audience – don’t lose eye contact. Keep scanning the room for the duration of your talk, and definitely do not turn your back to them. In the case of a pre-recorded video, treat your camera like an audience and talk directly to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. <\/strong>Leave the audience asking for more<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Try to build up the anticipation and attention of the people who are listening and watching\u2013 put out something you\u2019ve investigated but don\u2019t tell them the whole story. You want to leave them hanging and intrigued enough to want to find out more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Be dynamic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your flash talk is going to be short so your audience will generally be paying attention to you. Build up to something where you clearly emphasise one or two points. These are the sort of things that are going to bring their attention to the most important parts. Be enthusiastic – if you show that you\u2019re really into your science people will come along and want to know more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Don\u2019t be afraid to use visual tools<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s relevant, there is no problem with using props in your flash talk. Alternatively, make your talk visually memorable by using dynamic diagrams, graphics and images. Videos will normally not be possible for live flash talks, so don\u2019t rely on these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Avoid special effects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It is possible to make something visually memorable without going overboard on big special effects such as PowerPoint animations. If your science is good it doesn’t need any fireworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Do the unexpected<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If it fits with your character, you can try to make people laugh. Doing something that the audience is not expecting can be very effective. We\u2019ve seen everything from interpretive dance to a guitar-accompanied talk \u2013 anything is possible! Just make sure it matches to who you are so that it appears natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Include your poster number<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Definitely, definitely, definitely include your poster number during your flash talk! It will make it much easier for people to come and find you later on at the poster session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. Be a slide minimalist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As already mentioned, diagrams, graphs and images are great when you have only 1 or 2 slides at your disposal. Make sure though that there is a minimum of information on your slides to try to bring people into the main message \u2013 focus on the thing that you want them to remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11. Practise!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Like all talks, you need to practise beforehand! Even if you want to bring across that you’re relaxed and everything is quite informal there is no way around it – you\u2019ve got to practise to be prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12. Stick to the time limit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With a flash talk this is so important \u2013 the time limitations are extremely strict, and you will be moved off the stage when your time is up, or your video won’t be uploaded to a virtual event platform. So make sure you have condensed everything into the time provided, and don\u2019t go over or you may be stopped mid-sentence!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out these examples of great flash talk slides!<\/em>
Single-slide flash talk by Fariha Akter <\/a>
Multi-slide flash talk by Pablo Gonzalez-Suarez<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n