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MARCH 2024 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 67 5. Never Say, "I Don't Know." Promote audience engagement by encour- aging questions throughout your presenta- tion. When unsure, assure them, "I'll find out and get back to you." Make a note of the ques- tion and the person who asked it, then pro- vide accurate information later. is approach maintains the audience's confidence in your expertise. If one person consistently asks ques- tions, acknowledge their enthusiasm but men- tion that we're falling behind schedule. Assure them that their queries will be addressed dur- ing the break. Fostering interaction enhances the overall presentation experience. 6. Pace the Course Content. Starting with the basics, even in advanced courses, ensures everyone is on the same page. Make sure they fully u n d e r s t a n d e a c h section as you prog- ress. If in doubt, go back over the key points at the end of each section to reinforce the ideas. Understanding is crucial for retention. Pace the course by dividing the content into sections spaced by breaks. Gradually introduce more complex topics. A well-structured presenta- tion keeps the audience engaged and facilitates effective learning. 7. Picture the Topic. Leverage the power of visuals. A single image can convey multiple complex ideas more effec- tively than words. Include plenty of graphics to illustrate the point. Use the whiteboard to assist in explaining any queries. In PCB design courses, I relate concepts to real-life scenarios. Demonstrations of complex techniques can clar- ify issues and make the content more relatable. Simulations also convey the message when dis- cussing high-speed design. I get an awe-inspir- ing response when I graphically show the results of what-if analysis; it becomes more memo- rable. Always keep a backup set of files so that you can quickly reset the database aer showing a particular point. Technical glitches happen, and having a reset option ensures smooth tran- sitions. A well-prepared presentation with com- pelling visuals can leave a lasting impression. 8. Feedback Matters. Finally, ask the attendees to fill out a course evaluation form. Important questions to ask (good, bad, or ugly): • Did the seminar meet your expectations? • How do you rate the presenter? • How valuable was the content? • Are there any comments or suggestions you would make to improve the seminar? Feedback is important for ensuring rele- vant course content and gaug- ing your presentation skills. There i s alway s ro om f or improvement, and you get better as you gain experience. I normally fare pretty well, but there is always one guy who sits in the back, falls asleep, and gives you a bad rap. If you don't listen, you don't learn. Don't be apprehensive. Change is good, and if you know the subject well, then presenting ideas to others should come naturally. Give it a try. You may discover a hidden talent waiting to evolve. DESIGN007 Barry Olney is managing direc- tor of In-Circuit Design Pty Ltd (iCD), Australia, a PCB design service bureau that special- izes in board-level simulation. The company developed the iCD Design Integrity software incorporating the iCD Stackup, PDN, and CPW Planner. The software can be downloaded at www.icd.com.au. To read past col- umns, click here. A well-structured presen- tation keeps the audience engaged and facilitates effective learning.