'Great presentation.' It's lovely to hear, especially when you've just finished speaking. But later, when you open the manuscript, the compliment doesn't tell you which explanation needs work.
The handbook recommends preparing focused questions before a presentation. You can invite a more useful conversation without turning every interaction into a request for an unpaid review.
Choose the uncertainty you most need help with
Identify one or two questions about the argument, design, evidence, or interpretation. Ask what a knowledgeable listener can reasonably assess from the presentation. They haven't necessarily read the full paper or seen the complete analysis.
For example: 'Was the distinction between these two explanations clear?' is more answerable than 'Is the paper ready for publication?'
Make the question specific enough to discuss
You might ask:
- Which step in the argument needed more explanation?
- What alternative interpretation should I examine?
- What information would help you assess this design choice?
- Is there relevant work I should read before revising this section?
Choose the question that fits the person's expertise and the time available. Let a brief conversation stay brief.
Distinguish an unclear explanation from an unresolved research issue
A listener may need more detail because the talk compressed it, or may have identified a problem in the study itself. Ask a clarifying follow-up. Those situations require different revisions.
Don't dismiss a concern as a presentation problem before checking the underlying work.
Capture the idea while it's fresh
After the conversation, write the question, the point raised, and what you'll examine. Keep the note with the manuscript. Verify suggested references before citing them, and don't treat an informal comment as evidence the commenter endorses your conclusion.
If someone offers further feedback, agree on a manageable next step rather than assuming the offer covers the whole project.
Use the discussion to make a decision
Group the notes into issues to investigate, explanations to clarify, and ideas for later. Discuss substantive changes with collaborators. The goal is a better paper, not collecting every suggestion as another obligation.
Before your next talk, put one genuine question on your preparation sheet. When an appropriate conversation opens, ask it. You'll have a clearer chance of leaving with something you can use.
Adapted from The New Faculty Handbook by Zafer Unal, pp. 104-106.
