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mediators to be more supportive or more understanding of the person
who is of his or her own culture, simply because they understand them
better. Yet when the mediator is of a third cultural group, the potential
for cross-cultural misunderstandings increases further. In this case
engaging in extra discussions about the process and the manner of
carrying out the discussions is appropriate, as is extra time for
confirming and re-confirming understandings at every step in the
dialogue or negotiating process.

PREPARING A SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATION

IDENTIFY YOUR AUDIENCE

 Look upon the presentation as a dialogue with audience not a
monologue.
 Acceptance of the speaker by the audience is key.
 Try to find out beforehand who might be in attendance.

STRUCTURE YOUR MATERIAL

 Don't exceed the allotted time; as a rule of thumb keep
presentation to 80% of allotted time.
 Be able to summarize content of presentation in two or three
well-constructed sentences
 Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em, then tell 'em, then tell 'em
what you've told 'em.
 In 45 minute talk: 15 minutes for introduction, 25 minutes for
presentation, 5 minutes to summarize and conclude.
 A well-prepared abstract, an organized set of well-chosen
viewgraphs, a concise `cheat-sheet,' and an outline (perhaps
displayed in the corner of every viewgraph) should all help to keep
you on track during your seminar.

KNOW YOUR STUFF

 The decision not to speak is sometimes more beneficial to a
person's reputation than a lecture devoid of data.
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