Sunday, February 9, 2014

How to Present at Harvard University

Wow!  Bravo!  Congratulations!  I am very, very proud of you.  Harvard on your curriculum vita, website, resume, portfolio helps to further brand you as the leader you are! 

Offhand, I would take a collegial approach.  If you have other presenters in the program, on your panel, treat them as colleagues. Serve as a facilitator of presenter "equals."  This will win friends and not make enemies.  After presentations, discussions, you may want to facilitate a group discussion about takeaways from the presentation, workshop, panel. 

Yes, be the expert you are; avoid being a prima donna and "rub" others the wrong way.  Academic egos can be touchy as you know.  The facilitator function allows you to speak your own mind in turn without antagonizing somebody else who may disagree with you or resent an authoritarian workshop leader.  Keep order yes.  Be polite.  Speak your mind in turn.  Facilitate. 

You are going to walk out of that room with new friends, new network opportunities, and a great addition to your career!  You are on you way, sir!  Dr. Rux 

P.S.  Of course, as you know, your humble servant here will always claims you as his doctoral student, for it is his way to share a bit in your great success here and beyond.  This makes my day, Shaun!  Thank you!

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