Melissa Marshall

Communications teacher

Melissa Marshall aims to teach great communication skills to scientists and engineers, so that they can effectively share their work.

Why you should listen

Melissa Marshall is a crusader against bullet points and an evangelist for effective slide design in scientific presentations. She believes that the future depends on the innovations of scientists and engineers, and is passionate about helping them effectively tell the story of their work.

A faculty member with the Department of Communication Arts & Sciences at Penn State University, Melissa specializes in teaching speaking skills to engineering students and has also lectured at Harvard Medical School, the New York Academy of Sciences, Cornell University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Melissa is the co-founder and advisor for the Penn State Engineering Ambassadors, an award-winning science and engineering outreach communication program. She is also an organizer and the faculty advisor for TEDxPSU, a student-run TEDx event held at Penn State each year.

What others say

“[Marshall says] that 'science not communicated is science not done' – love that quote!” — Indezine

Melissa Marshall’s TED talk

4:34

Melissa Marshall

Talk nerdy to me

Posted Oct 2012

More news and ideas from Melissa Marshall

Culture

Playlist: Embrace your inner nerd

June 19, 2013

Vive les nerds! While the term used to be something of a put-down, meant to mock an excessive interest in math or science, it’s now often used in an almost prideful way to signify a passion for pretty much anything. And that applies to pretty much all of those who end up on the TED […]

Science

6 speaking tips for scientists and engineers

October 11, 2012

[ted id=1592 width=560 height=315] Melissa Marshall has a message for scientists and engineers: Contrary to popular belief, the general public is interested in your work and does want to hear the details of your research. The trick is that you must communicate your ideas clearly, because they will start snoring in their seats if you […]