Expert Technical Lecture

 Expert Technical Lecture

1.     The word ‘Technical’ comes from the Greek ‘tekhno’, which means ‘art or skill’.

2.     The word 'lecture' comes out from the Latin word 'lectura'. It means 'Reading'.

3.     Technical lecture has a specific content on a specific topic for the specific audience.

4.     An oral presentation by an expert of Technical field who gives primary information about a specific topic to a specific audience is called Expert Technical Lecture.

5.     It is a one-way communication in which only expert delivers information.

6.     Listeners are expected to listen and take notes, if required.

7.     A Technical expert must have the following qualities

o   Excellent and in-depth knowledge of subject

o   Excellent command over language- A good technical lecture

o   Excellent voice features, diction, pronunciation and neutral accent.

o   Effective non-verbal communication.

8.     The experts update the knowledge of listener on latest trends, process and technologies.

9.     The speakers are generally invited from industries, reputed universities, organizations.

Example-

1.     Lecture by CEO of a company on management skills.

2.     Lecture by ISRO scientist on satellite functioning.

Types of Technical lecture

1.     Non-participatory/Traditional Lecture:

a.     Only expert speaks and all others sit quietly without interruption.

b.     Expert use authoritative attitude.

c.     The distance between speaker and audience is more.

d.     The setup is formal in nature.

e.     Expert avoids interaction with the students.

f.      He monopolizes the lecture, making it a one man show.

g.     In such a delivery no student is allowed to address one’s queries.

2.     Participatory/ Interactive Technical Lectures

a.     Expert as well as listener take part.

b.      Expert use activities like discussion. Brainstorming, role play, etc.

c.     Lectures are participatory in nature.

d.     These are interactive technical lectures.

Characteristics of technical Lecture

1.     Clarity- Technical lecture must have clarity of purpose, thoughts and expression . It shouldn't have any ambiguity, or doubt. The main theme should be as clear to the audience.  

2.     Organized- Technical lecture must be well organized into section like introduction, main part and conclusion.

3.     Comprehensive - The lecture must be easily understandable by the audience.

4.     Adequate detail of the topic- The Technical lecture is not related to regular class hence it must have sufficient details so that audience can understand it completely.

5.     In-depth knowledge of the subject- This lecture must have In-depth knowledge.

6.     Accuracy of data and facts- If lecture has any data or facts, these must be accurate.

7.     Simplicity - The language must be simple, but effective. It must not have uncommon words , terms , jargons, clichés, etc.

8.     No redundancy- lecture must have only necessary details.

Benefits

1.     Doubts and problems can be discussed then and there.

2.     One lecture can engage a good number of people.

3.     Experience of expert brings practical approach

4.     More engaging than any other method like reading.

5.     It helps to enhance knowledge of audience.

6.     It helps to broaden the critical thinking, creativity skills, etc.

7.     The students come to know the functioning in Industry.

8.     An expert technical lecture breaks the monotony of regular classes

9.     It helps giving something extraordinary and out of box.

10.  It helps to stimulate the thoughts of audience .

11.  It imparts knowledge on technical &complicated topic in an easy & comprehensible way.

12.  More effective than usual lecture

13.  Less possibility of misinterpretation.

How to write

1.     Planning-It is done before preparing lecture.

a.     Do Audience and locale analysis properly.

2.     Preparation- After planning writing process

a.     Select relevant information

b.     Keep all the 7 Cs in mind- Clarity, Correctness, Completeness, conciseness, concreteness, consideration and courtesy and use simple language while writing.

c.     Write extra shots also.

d.     Audio –visual aids can be used.

3.     Organize- organized lecture gives control on lecture.

a.     Divide lecture into sections- Introduction, main body, conclusion, feedback, etc.

b.     Draw outline- It helps managing time during lecture.

4.     Edit and revise- lecture may have certain errors. Editing and revision help to make a lecture error-free. Any unnecessary details can be removed, spelling can be corrected, any new information can be added.

5.     Prepare final draft- After a good revision and editing exercise final draft of the lecture is ready.

Presenting

Expert Technical Lecture is prepared  for a specific audience for delivery a specific content hence practice is required.

1.     Use a good delivery method- extempore is the most appropriate method for such lectures.

2.     Use charts, graphs and tables to make lecture easy, interesting and engaging.

3.     Use neutral accent, correct pronunciation, clear articulation, proper tone and pitch.

4.     Use voice modulation and intonation to grab the attention of the audience.

5.     Wear neat and clean formal dress that suits the topic and environment.

6.     Use proper gestures and establish proper eye contact with the audience.

7.     Make proper use of visual aids (PPT, Models, charts, etc.), if any.

8.     Coordinate with visual aids and speech.

9.     Use practical/live examples to elaborate points.

10.  Add healthy humour in between. It would help you and your audience both to feel relaxed.

11.  Encourage audience to ask cross questions .

12.   Allot at least 10% time of scheduled lecture for question answer session.

13.  Be ready with the possible questions that the audience may ask. Be ready with the answers.