Good Graphics Clean Up a "Dirty" Presentation
In the Spotlight: Ben Tanner
There are many times when academics find themselves having to explain a
scientific process to people who either do not have a scientific background
or are not familiar with the specifics of the topic. This is the situation
Ben Tanner, Microbiology doctorial student, was finding himself in when
presenting a study to diverse audiences around the country.
Ben is part of a team that created a sampling system for measuring the total rate of aerolization of bacteria and viruses emitted from a controversial agricultural fertilization process used on non-food crops. Currently, large tractors apply treated sewage, also known as “sewage sludge” or “biosolids,” by spraying the material, something akin to the consistency of pudding, onto the crops growing in the fields. The new measuring method uses 500 air samples, taken in horizontal and vertical arrangements, to measure emission rates and describe the height and width of the plume-like spray.
Trying to describe the specific positioning of the samplers and the measuring methods had previously proved problematic in Ben’s PowerPoint presentations. The result was that it had become difficult for some audience members to grasp the concept, especially those not familiar with aeromicrobiology. For Ben, offering a clear explanation of his study is crucial as his audience often consists of both proponents and critics of the fertilization process. A clear understanding of the scientific research is advantageous to both sides.Ben came to the LTC after having been introduced to our work by Jonathan Dorn, another graduate student and a subject of a previous testimonial. Ben sat down with LTC graphic designer Mike Martelle and provided a photograph (a) and a conceptual sketch (b) as starting points. He discussed the process in depth and described what he was trying to achieve in his presentations. Mike then was able to fairly quickly produce three graphics outlining the process in a clear, professional and pleasing manner.
After a couple of tweaks, the graphics were ready and in just a few weeks the images had already been seen by hundreds of people as Ben and his advisors incorporated the graphics into PowerPoint presentations held in the US, South Africa and Australia. The feedback has been very positive, with people saying that the images are easy to understand and the concept easy to grasp.
Ben truly believes that the graphics have made the difference between his audience understanding his presentation or being confused by it. When asked where he would have gone to obtain this kind of help had he not found Mike and the LTC, he quipped, “I would have had to refine my ability to explain it verbally!”
If you’re trying to enlighten people rather than trying to baffle them with science, save your verbal skills for another time and let the LTC help you create easy to understand graphics. Contact us for a consultation.
