The calm before the storm

[rebeccmeister]

Today definitely has that "calm before the storm" feel to it. Feedback from my committee has been constructive so far, which is good. I will have to do a lot of revision work in July, that's for sure. As scrottie put it, I still need to practice my talk about 10 more times, and work on reducing the number of times I say, "Um."

I hope there's enough to eat and drink at the potluck at my house tomorrow evening. And that my house isn't embarrassingly dirty or anything.

Comments

[bluepapercup]

It will go great! Everyone will be happy at your potluck, and they won't even notice the house because they'll be so busy chatting you up after your fabulous defense.

Thinking of you, and sucking up the stray "ums" with a mysterious invisible vacuum. ;)

[annikusrex.livejournal.com]

Hot public speaking tips from Annie: Nobody really cares if you say "um"; they concentrate more on the whole sound of the presentation. So try to speak fluently and persuasively and at least some of those "ums" should go away. Also, "uh" sounds more scholarly than "um" so if you start slipping, just omit the m.

Relax, tell 'em what you know, and you'll be great. Imagine you're teaching a class to slightly hostile but curious students. Good luck!

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

Thanks, AKW! Those are very useful pointers, from someone who I'm sure has become a pro at it. ;-)

Slightly hostile but curious students - I like that.

[scrottie.livejournal.com]

Hey, I said it was good, but if you practiced it ten more times it would be fantastic, but that probably wasn't even desirable.

The uncertainty about phrasing from the practice talk entirely went away when you stood up in front of everyone. You deserve your "good speaker" merit badge.

xox,
-s