What is a flash talk?
A flash talk is a very short presentation lasting only three minutes in which you present a scientific concept or idea in a manner understandable to those outside your immediate field. In those three minutes, your aim is to inspire the listener and help them to learn about the area of science that you are presenting. There are a number of ways to do this effectively.
Rules
1. You can use as many slides you want.
2. The slides need to be static slides are permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement are allowed.
3. No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video) or props are allowed.
4. Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum.
5. The clock begins to run as soon as the presenter begins speaking. A buzzer will sound at the end of the three-minute period to signal that the presentation has ended.
Judging criteria
1. Comprehension and Communication: Did the presentation communicate the research and its significance effectively?
2. Engagement: Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?
3. Visual design: How good and effective were the visual aids used?
Tips
[https://www.scidev.net/global/communication/practical-guide/flash-talk-science-video-guide.html
1. Make the flash-talk relevant.
Make your audience care about your research by showing how it makes an impact.
2. Engage your audience.
Observe your audience during your presentation. Are they paying attention? Can you adjust your presentation to get their attention?
3. Perfect the timing of your talk.
Practice, practice, practice.
4. Learn your starting lines
The pressure of getting on a stage and getting ready to speak to a group of strangers can be daunting. Don't memorise your whole talk, but know your starting lines so you can start in a clear and confident manner.
5. Structuring your talk like a story
This is a highly effective way to communicate in a clear, structured manner. It also allows you to be more dynamic and flexible by, for example, allowing you to include recent news stories or new data if you change your story slightly.
6. Craft the ending
Endings such as “That's it, thank you” or “I'm out of time” can seem sloppy. Try to have a couple of lines memorised which broadly summarise your talk. That way, if you get cut off or time runs out, your talk appears complete.
7. Round it off
A good way to finish your talk can be to come back to a starting question or statement. For example: “And so the evidence is clear: solar panels are the answer to our impending energy crisis.” A strong message like this will naturally indicate the end of your talk and remind the audience about your objective or key message.
8. Project your voice and command the space.
9. Enjoy yourself!
Flash-talks