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CHAPTER 3 • COMMUNICATION 33

works best for you. Make your trip to the

restroom well in advance of your scheduled

talk. Available to you on the podium should

be a glass of water—without ice, because ice

makes it harder to drink, the noise it makes

may be picked up by the microphone, and ice

can numb your mouth. A brief walk in the

minutes prior to your introduction is very

helpful, but often is not possible. As an alter-

native, while you are seated in the audience,

engage in deep, controlled breathing. Close

your eyes and visualize yourself giving a

great talk. Think about how wonderful you

will feel once your presentation is over. It is

important that you think positively in those

preceding minutes so that your nervous ten-

sion will work to your advantage during the

opening segment of your presentation.

The ASCB Annual Meeting is rapidly

approaching. Some attendees will be speak-

ing for the first time in front of a large audi-

ence; others will have spoken so many times

they will have lost count! Sharing your obser-

vations and discoveries with your colleagues

at professional meetings is one of the most

rewarding components of a scientific career.

However, public speaking comes naturally to

only a rare few of us. For most, it is a skill that

is practiced and developed over time.

Welcome any opportunity you have to speak

publicly and use your experience to develop

a preparation strategy and communication

style that works best for you. ■

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY

...public speaking comes

naturally to only a rare few of

us. For most, it is a skill that is

practiced and developed over

time.

Close your eyes and visualize

yourself giving a great talk.

Think about how wonderful you

will feel once your presentation

is over.