The “Job Talk”
Some Friendly Advice from the Educational Studies Department

It’s an unusual genre, we admit, somewhere between a conference presentation and a class lecture. Here are a few tips that we thought might be helpful as you prepare your presentation.

• Expect a mixed constituency of students, staff and faculty. The audience will likely be fairly small.
• Focus on your research. This is an opportunity to provide a window into your scholarship and into your intellectual interests.
• Plan for a 35-40 minute presentation.
• Invite questions at the end of your presentation, but not during it. Our students are wonderfully inquisitive and might ask a question in the middle that interrupts the logical flow you have prepared.
• Handouts are always helpful but not required.
• PowerPoint presentations are also fine, though not required. If you use PowerPoint, try to ensure that your slides aid rather than obscure your points.
• There will be a projector and overhead in the room, as well as AV assistance before the talk. You can bring your own laptop, if you have one, or we can provide one.
• Both students and faculty value evidence of enthusiasm and energy.
• Don’t worry. Remember, when it comes to your research, you are the expert in the room.
• Before you come to campus, practice in front of people who love you enough to give you an honest critique.
• Don’t hesitate to contact us with additional questions.