Tell Me More…Establishing a Relationship

APS Professional Skills Course

Making Scientific Presentations: Critical First Skills

Now That You Have Introduced Yourself

• The person wants to learn more about– You– Your research– Your plans

• The person wants to discuss– More about his/her research– Possible collaborations– Possible job openings in the lab

That Next Step

• A carefully thought out introduction allows you to provide more details

• It is key to– Avoid a rambling description– Avoid going on too long– Avoid getting too personal

REMEMBER: You want to articulate a strong statement about

who you are as a professional

Continuing the Conversation

• Is the timing appropriate?

• How much do you tell the person?

• How long should you talk?

• Are there any gender, ethnic, or social issues of which you need to be aware?

Your Focus

• Be clear and concise

• Relate your statement to the person with whom you are speaking

• Speak in the present tense

• State your interests clearly

• State your expertise and unique strengths– Do not exaggerate or inflate

Do

• Talk about – What motivated you to go into the field– Why you chose the specific PI to work with

for your degree– What your goals are for your research and

career

• Be ready to– Have questions to ask – Answer questions– Listen to the other person’s responses

Do Not

• Monopolize the conversation

• Provide too many details

• Show-off or brag

• Again, do not talk about– Personal preferences (religion, politics)– Things that are irrelevant to your science– Previous non-professional jobs, hobbies

When You Speak

• Think about how you speak – rhythm, enunciation, inflection

• Eliminate distracting phrases– you know, um, eh, actually

• Be aware of your body language – Hand/arm movements, rocking, jingling

change

• Project self-confidence• Allow the other person a chance to talk

Cultural Issues

• Consider the cultural background of the person – Personal space– Eye contact– Touching– Familiarity (first name vs. Dr.)

What to Watch For

• Indications of wanting more or less details• Timing issues for deferring the conversation

– e.g., someone else walks up, other interruptions

• Non-verbal signs that you need to bring conversation to a close– e.g., glancing at watch/clock, body movements

• Verbal signs that you need to bring conversation to a close– e.g., rapid agreement, closing words

When You Finish

• Be sure to thank the person for allowing you the time to tell them a little bit more about yourself

• Ask about future contact, if appropriate– Email, phone information– Preference

Tips for Making a Good Impression

• Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back• Shake hands firmly, make eye contact and smile• Maintain eye contact but look away at regular

intervals to make sure you aren't staring• Be prepared - know what points you want to get

across or questions you want to ask• If you have wet hands, keep a tissue in your

pocket to use before shaking hands • Practice, practice, practice introducing

yourself. Get a friend to help you

A Successful Conversation Will …

• Generate interest in further conversation

• Be the basis for future contact

• Allow you to expand on who you are

• Allow you to expand on what you are doing or want to do

• Discuss your goals and future plans

Successful Researchers Are…

• Dedicated

•

•

•

•

•

Words Not Mentioned

• Trend-setters

• Flashy

• Cool

• Rad

• Fashion conscious

• Bad!

• Etc.

Being ProfessionalIt’s not fair…it’s just fact!

• Professional “speech”– No swearing– No slang

• Professional “look”– Hair and make-up– Clothing– Jewelry – Piercings and tattoos

Dressing Professionally

• Find out ahead of time what the dress code will be for the meeting or event

• Err on the side of caution– Dress up rather than down but be comfortable– Dress/shoes/jewelry/make-up – think

conservatively– Remember: you want to stand out because of

what’s in your head, not what you’re wearing (or not wearing!)

Tips From the Business World - for Men

• Slacks and nice shirt, both pressed– No wild prints or patterns– No overly tight or baggy pants

• Nice shoes – not sandals or sneakers • Facial hair well groomed• Earrings – consider leaving off or small ones only• Cologne – none (best) or very little• Tattoos – cover up if possible

Tips From the Business World - for Women

• Pants or skirts fine – No wild prints or patterns or shiny party-type fabrics– No tight clothes or skin showing

• Nice shoes (not too high)• Jewelry simple

– Keep to a minimum– No sparkly, dangly, or noisy jewelry

• Cosmetics – conservative• Perfume – none (best) or very little• Tattoos – cover up if possible

Not appropriate for meetings!

Much better!

Issues Everyone Faces

• Shyness

• Nervousness with differences in position/rank

• Nervousness with differences in age/gender

• Cultural differences in personal space and eye contact

• Language Issues

Your Goal

• A well-presented conversation creates a positive first impression!

• And that leads to being asked …

“Let’s get together after the meeting and talk some more. Here is my card with my email address and phone number.”

Resources

• How to introduce yourself professionally Roger Willcockshttp://www.willcocks.co.uk/Introductions.htm

• Hot Tips for Projecting Professionalism at Your Next Job InterviewSara Parent, Canada Jobs.com http://www.canadajobs.com/articles/viewarticle.cfm?ArticleID=1254

• Positioning Statements. Creating a Personal Positioning StatementsUniversity of Minnesota Carlson School of Managementhttp://www.csom.umn.edu/Page2343.aspx

• It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It Joan Detz, 2000, St. Martin’s Press

• How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds or Less Milo O. Frank, 1996, Pocket Books

• Thinking on Your Feet: How to Communicate Under Pressure Marian K. Woodall (2nd ed.), 1996, Professional Business Communications

• How to be an Effective Speaker: The essential guide to making the most of your communication skills Cristina Stuart, 1989, The McGraw-Hill Co.