Tell me about a time when you had to present your research findings to a diverse audience
Theme: Presentation Skills, Communication Role: Medical Researcher Function: Medical
Interview Question for Medical Researcher: See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Medical Researcher: Conduct scientific studies to advance medical knowledge This role falls within the Medical function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here
Sample Answer
Example response for question delving into Presentation Skills, Communication with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence
- Research Presentation: I had the opportunity to present my research findings to a diverse audience during a national medical conference. The presentation focused on the impact of a new drug on patient outcomes in a specific population
- Audience Diversity: The audience consisted of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and researchers, from various specialties and backgrounds. There were also representatives from pharmaceutical companies and government agencies
- Preparation: To effectively present my research findings, I prepared a clear and concise slide deck that included an introduction to the research topic, methodology, key findings, and implications. I also ensured that the content was accessible to both medical professionals and non-experts
- Adapting to the Audience: During the presentation, I made sure to use language that was understandable to all attendees, avoiding excessive technical jargon. I also provided definitions and explanations for any complex terms or concepts that were necessary to understand the research
- Engagement & Interaction: To keep the diverse audience engaged, I incorporated visual aids, such as graphs and charts, to illustrate the data. I encouraged questions and discussion throughout the presentation, allowing attendees to actively participate and share their perspectives
- Addressing Concerns: As the audience had diverse backgrounds and interests, I anticipated potential concerns or skepticism regarding the research findings. I addressed these concerns by providing additional supporting evidence, discussing limitations, and acknowledging alternative viewpoints
- Key Takeaways: To ensure that the diverse audience grasped the main points of my research, I concluded the presentation with a summary of the key findings and their implications for clinical practice and future research
- Feedback & Follow-up: After the presentation, I welcomed feedback and questions from the audience. I also provided my contact information for further discussions or collaborations. Additionally, I followed up with attendees who expressed interest in my research, providing them with additional resources and answering any remaining questions
Underlying Motivations
What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question
- Communication skills: Assessing your ability to effectively present complex research findings to a diverse audience
- Adaptability: Evaluating your capability to tailor your presentation style and content to suit different audience backgrounds
- Collaboration: Exploring your experience in collaborating with diverse individuals or teams during the research presentation
- Problem-solving: Determining your ability to address questions or concerns raised by a diverse audience during the research presentation
Potential Minefields
How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags
- Lack of clarity: Providing vague or unclear information about the research findings or the audience
- Poor communication skills: Difficulty in articulating ideas, using jargon or technical terms without explanation
- Inability to adapt: Not being able to tailor the presentation to suit the diverse audience's needs or interests
- Lack of engagement: Failing to actively involve the audience or address their questions and concerns
- Limited understanding: Showing a lack of understanding of the research findings or their implications for different groups
- Inflexibility: Resistance to feedback or suggestions from the diverse audience