Confident Presentation: Connecting with research stakeholders

Whether you're meeting with a program officer, presenting at a conference, or speaking to potential collaborators, making an impression with your verbal presentations is key to developing your reputation. When you're able to make such an impact, you can potentially create a buzz about your research that can then carry through into the grant review panels reading your proposal or keep you top of mind among researchers with whom you might collaborate.

Yet, when it comes to presentation, content is just a piece of the impression you leave. A large part of what makes you memorable is how you come across. Below, I outline some strategies for being a more effective presenter.

Dr. Amy Cuddy of the Harvard Business School has done research into "power postures," and their influence on an audience and on the speaker.  Power postures are those positions that those in more powerful roles tend to use that make themselves large - things like putting your hands on your hips, standing with your feet apart, or sitting up straight. These postures project power and confidence when used in presentation. But, even better than that, Dr. Cuddy's research shows that using these power postures before an interview or a presentation can increase our levels of testosterone and lower our levels of cortisol, in effect making us feel more powerful and confident. Of course, using the inverse of these power positions projects weakness and a lack of confidence. Postures that make you smaller - crossing your arms, slumping, or touching your face or neck (I realize I do this all the time when speaking in a professional setting). These postures can distract from your presentation and rob you of your authority in a presentation setting. One of the beauties of Dr. Cuddy's research is how she shifts the old adage, "fake it till you make it" to "fake it till you become it"

Author, Simon Sinek suggests that the secret to influential people, including speakers is that they begin with the "why" of what they do while the majority of us start with the "what." He uses examples like Martin Luther King Jr. and Apple founders to show how success is found by starting with why you do something. Think about how your research spiel might change if you began with why you do your research instead of with what your research is. How might you connect with your audience and stakeholders in a new way?

Dr. Cuddy and Mr. Sinek have both presented at TED, and better yet, their talks have been included in the TED playlist to inspire folks before they give their own presentations.  I recommend watching them. I found these talks when reading the book Talk Like TED, by Carmine Gallo. This book outlines several speaking strategies used by successful TED speakers. I would also recommend this book. And, if you're coming to ORDE's faculty seminars on Marketing Your Research, you'll be given a copy. Faculty may register for these seminars here.

Resources:
Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are (TED talk) 
Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action
TED Playlist (8 talks): Before Public Speaking
Book: Talk Like TED - Carmine Gallo