Topology Seminar

University of Kentucky Topology Seminar

Seminar expectations


For the audience:

Do's

  • ask questions if you don't understand something
  • be kind and forgiving of the speaker's mistakes (we all make them)
  • ask questions charitably
  • follow up with the speaker after the Q&A period with any additional questions
  • minimize distraction to others, for example by sitting in the back, if you have other pressing work to do during seminar

Don'ts

  • ask questions just to show off your knowledge
  • be antagonistic towards the speaker
  • answer someone else's question. Allow the speaker to try first. If the speaker wants, they can open up the question to the floor
  • engage in side conversations
  • use the Q&A period as your personal discussion with the speaker

For the speaker:

Do's

  • try to tell a story, communicate the "main idea"
  • plan your talk carefully to include only the things you really need to say (avoid excessive definitions and notation)
  • pay attention to the clock and try to stay within 50 minutes
  • include examples
  • consider your boardwork
  • practice your talk (preferably in the seminar room)
  • try to anticipate likely questions

Don'ts

  • say "everyone knows this"
  • dismiss audience questions
  • go more than 5 minutes over the time limit
  • assume everyone remembers your last talk