------------------------------------------------------------------------ Observations on Talks SRK, May 17, 2017 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The primary function of a talk (seminar, colloquium) is to convey information. A talk has two basic parameters: CONTENT adn RATE. Working backwards, for the former, it follows that the speaker should have a fairly accurate understanding of the level of the audience. The latter determines the rate of information (talking speed, the rate at which slides are displayed bearing in mind the complexity of the slides). Finally, we would all agree that finishing talks is essential. It is my observation that almost all scientists (including older faculty, let alone students and postdocs) understand the first parameter but many do not understand the second parameter. A visible manifestation is that most speakers prepare talks that far exceed the allocated time. I have given considerable thought to this phenomenon and have concluded the following: most scientists have a deep emotional need (hunger?) to share their work with others and their happiness/fulfillment is directly proportional to the amount of information that they can give out (in their talks). The reverse conclusion is that most scientists do not (deeply) believe that the principal party in a talk is the audience (and not themselves). Through this brief note I urge my fellow colleagues, students and postdocs to please give talks that are digestible and most importantly finish in good time. I conclude with a few statements Q: What was the seed idea that led Einstein to the theory of special relativity? A: "Time passes rapidly for the speaker and slowly for the audience" Situation: Speaker is warned that there are only nn minutes left. Reply: "I will speed up" (as though the audience can suddenly increase their absorption coefficient; honestly I am mystified at how otherwise intelligent people can be so silly). Remark by Professor: A twenty minute talk should not have more than 20 slides (all inclusive) Reply: Not to worry. I only have 20 real slides. The others are slides that flash by, titles, subtitles and simply flash by. [My retort: You cannot beat reality. Time is a measurable quantity and there is only 60 minutes in an hour].