Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lightning talk?
The Your Science in a Nutshell lightning talk competition involves delivering a 3-minute presentation equivalent to an “elevator speech.” Lightning talks are highly condensed oral presentations that include only information that is needed to understanding the main objectives of your science and research findings. Competitors are allowed one content slide + a title slide.
What does a winning lightning talk look like?
Competition organizers will share several examples of winning lightning talks from recent years following “The Perfect Pitch: Share Your Science with Impact” training (April 23). Watch your email!
You can also use the search engine of your choice and check out this presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDWCtm7pFl0.
I’ve never done a lightning talk, where can I get help?
Once you submit your intent to compete, you will be invited to attend “The Perfect Pitch: Share Your Science with Impact” (science communication training). If you are chosen as a finalist, you will receive one-on-one mentoring from a pool of S&T staff members, many of whom have been mentoring competitors since Your Science in a Nutshell began at ORNL. Also as a finalist, you’ll compete in the Lightning Talks competition. Here are some resources you can check out:
- http://www.slide-talk.com/lightning-talk-phenomena-tips-and-tricks/
- https://www.perl.com/pub/2004/07/30/lightningtalk.html/
- https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005373
- https://barriebyron.wordpress.com/2013/02/17/so-you-want-to-give-a-lightning-talk/
- https://www.semrush.com/blog/16-ways-to-prepare-for-a-lightning-talk/
How should I create my video submission?
Use a cell phone from a far enough distance to capture your image from the waist up or if you choose to use one slide, from far enough distance to capture you and ONE image. You may wish to prop up your cell phone and hit record or recruit a friend to help you. Instructions for uploading the video will be provided on the website prior to the submission due date.
I’m new to ORNL. Can I do my lightning talk on my PhD dissertation or other external work?
Your lightning talk for this competition should be about the project work you were hired by ORNL to do. There is flexibility in the competition for you to speak about research for which you don’t yet have results. Topics you can address include research impact, methodology, and background and your vision for future work in the area.
What if my cell phone video is too long or too short?
You’ll need to do your best to keep your video to 2 minutes. However, being a little over or under 2 minutes will not disqualify you.
What if my research is in a classified subject area?
The very first thing you should do is speak with a derivative classifier (DC). You can check whether your organization has a DC here. You can also speak with anyone in Public Release Services. Once you have talked with a DC and received approval to proceed with your presentation, you should upload your PowerPoint slide to RESolution. In RESolution, select the DC you spoke with as the DC to review your PowerPoint slide. Working in a classified subject area can easily result in crossover into classified information. Speaking with a DC prior to working in these areas can help prevent an Incident of Security Concern. Please review https://sbms.ornl.gov/sbms/SBMSearch/subjarea/InfoProtect/exhibitClassMan.cfm#CSAs for a list of subject areas requiring DC review.
Do I need to let my manager know I want to compete?
Yes, please do let your manager know! All finalists’ group leaders and division directors will be invited to the Lightning Talks competition.
How will I hear if I’m a finalist?
All finalists will receive an email around May 23, alerting them that they’ve been chosen to compete in the lightning talks competition. Nonfinalists will also hear from the selection committee around the same date.
How will I meet my mentor?
All finalists will receive an email around May 23, introducing them to their mentor. You and your mentor should hold two, 30-minute sessions between May 27 and the competition on June 24. During the first session, you should plan to review the video you used to enter the competition to discuss the elements that would transfer well to a live presentation. Also plan to discuss the use of visuals for your lightning talk. During the second session, you will review your presentation and visuals so your mentor can provide feedback. Office of Research Education (ORE) recommends that finalists set up these meetings for the mentor:mentee pair.
When/where is the “The Perfect Pitch: Share Your Science with Impact” class?
The class is scheduled for April 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at JICS Bredesen Center (Building 5100, Room 140). You’ll receive a calendar invite from ORE. See our contest schedule on the landing page for all deadlines and event dates.
When/where is the Lightning Talk competition?
The competition is on June 24, 2023, 1–3:30 p.m., at Wigner Auditorium (Bldg. 4500N, Rm. 250). You’ll receive a calendar invite. We’ll also invite your group leader and division director. See our contest schedule on the landing page for all deadlines and event dates.
Will I get a chance to practice my lightning talk in the competition venue?
Yes, ORE has scheduled two practice sessions: a full practice on June 13, during which you can run through your talk and practice using the A/V system as many times as you wish and receive feedback from our training-consultant, and a final dry run on June 20, during which you’ll run through your talk once and receive final feedback.
What if I have additional questions?
For all questions regarding the science communications training, mentoring, and competition, please contact [email protected].