How to give a good 20 minute math talk

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2024-11-23 14:30:03

A colleague of mine wrote a nice piece about how to give a good mathematics colloquium talk. It is definitely worth a read. Paul Halmos also has a few words about giving talks.

Like colloquium talks, many twenty minute talks are terrible. This is rather unfortunate and does real damage to mathematics. Though not all talks need to be Periclean masterpieces, they should, at the very least, be organized and well-delivered. Here are a few pieces of advice.

Prepare. Unfortunately, many mathematicians think it is kind of cool to prepare their talks at the last minute. They think their brilliant results will carry the day. They have a name for people like this. They are called people who give bad talks. Spend lots and lots and lots of time thinking about your talk – before you even make the first slide.

Practice. Most good speakers I know tell me how they spend the morning before a talk giving their presentation to their empty hotel room – sometimes twice. This way, they get the timing, diction, and perhaps jokes, just perfect. Yes you feel pretty stupid doing this, especially if the maid walks in, but your audience will appreciate a talk that is delivered smoothly.