Instructions for speakers

Instructions

  • Connect to the meeting at least 30 minutes before the talk (and then you're free to go get coffee)

  • Send us your slides a few days before the talk so we can post them online

  • Talks should be about 50 minutes long. If there are more technical details to cover, we would sometimes take questions, let people leave, and then continue with those details.

  • Use your mouse as your laser pointer

Equipment

  • A reasonably strong computer (make sure the CPU is below 50% when in the hangout)

  • Good wired network connection

  • A good headset 🎧 (with a built-in microphone!)

  • Extra:

    • Connect an extra monitor to your laptop and "extend" your screen there; then put the Zoom meeting window there. This allows you to see the audience and makes the experience less awkward; it is also helpful in case of questions.

General advice for speakers

One of the principal aims of this seminar series is to make research widely accessible. In this spirit, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Give a general introduction to the area including a flavor of problems that occur here.

  • Mention the open problems in the area.

  • The medium is not conducive for a very fast paced / technical talk. So, refrain from both.

  • Compared to live talks, it is sometimes hard to pace yourself. So, if you have some audience in front of you, it might be very helpful.

  • The first talk by Ronald de Wolf provides an excellent example of a talk which is both good pace-wise and style wise: see the video here .

  • Avoid using very small fonts in your slides. Not everyone's prescription glasses are up to date...