In our newest “how can we help you?” thread, a reader asks:
What is the best kind of topic for a job talk or for an invited talk? I work in metaphysics and do some metaphilosophy, and generally study/am excited about the kinds of topics others find very dry, but my subject matter also has relevance for many “applied,” or “real life” issues, and it is easy for me to frame my main research topic as informing these more accessible questions. I would like to make a strategic choice of what to present in some upcoming talks… is it best to formulate a talk that I think will speak to the greatest number of people in the audience? Stick to what I find most exciting/what I am most knowledgeable about? I recently heard a job talk that was on another one such dry metaphysical topic, and I had mixed feelings. One one hand, I wanted to applaud the candidate for sticking to what excites him/his actual expertise, but on the other I wondered if he’d thought about how best to engage his audience. Thoughts?
Excellent questions, and I’m curious to hear from readers. I’ve always heard the advice given that you should “present your best work”, whatever it is. But I also imagine that some people might find some topics more exciting than other “dry” topics. Anyone have any helpful insights here?
Originally appeared on The Philosophers’ Cocoon Read More
