Expository Talks Series

Department of Mathematics and Statistics
UMKC (University of Missouri - Kansas City)

Organizer: Richard Delaware, delawarer@umkc.edu


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Expository Speaker Notes

1. I realize some of this may be familiar to you as an experienced speaker, but I find it helpful to be clear about the expectations I have for this series.

2. The primary rule ("Richard’s Rule") of these expository talks is that you must Prove some result during your talk. We want to see the nuts and bolts of a proof. Now, how much you prove can vary. The entire talk can be the explication of a single proof, or you might have smaller results to show. Feel free to discuss with me what you have in mind. Although the atmosphere is informal, these talks are not to be hand-waving and general. We come to see some mathematics, and whether the proofs are classics, old familiar standbys, or clever new results we want to see their inner workings.

3. You may expect an audience of about 15, divided more or less equally between undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. Also, the faculty are not just from UMKC (University of Missouri - Kansas City), but often include guests from many surrounding colleges. You may assume a minimum level of Calculus II training, although this varies widely, depending on those present. Please ask me if you want to refine your sense of the audience’s mathematical literacy.

4. You will be speaking from 4:00 to 4:50 pm on a Friday afternoon. Please be prepared to fill the 50 minutes. Our audiences expect a full talk, especially those who drive from some distance, and it is always better to have too much material than too little. Of course, feel free to leave some time for questions at the end, although it is probably best to encourage those questions during the body of the talk. In any case, do not go overtime. The 50 minute time is maximal. I can provide you a 5 minute warning if you like, but I will feel free to stop the talk after 50 minutes.

5. Topics for talks range widely, and I am happy to discuss possibilities with you. Remember these talks are Expository in nature. In general it is best to be specific, have a clear focus, place the result in context, avoid jargon, and of course include proof(s). I personally try to include the history of the problem if possible. Also, a snappy, informative title can help set the scene. All the titles since this series began in Winter 1988 can be seen by reviewing Speakers, Titles, Attendance 1988-present below.

6. Your audience will always be pleased to have some sort of handout to take away with them. I will be happy to make copies for you if you provide me the original in advance. They may want to give more thought to what you say, find other references, or if you are willing, may want to contact you with further questions. I realize that not all talks lend themselves naturally to a handout, but please give it some thought.

7. This point is a purely personal note, and you may not agree. I prefer using the chalkboard (or whiteboard) rather than the overhead projector in these sorts of talks. Projected talks are much too "canned" for the most part and can appear less lively and engaging, and unless there are two projectors, we lose the ability to see several "boards" up at the same time making it difficult to follow a mathematical argument. I admit that some topics are simply too complex to be written on a chalkboard in 50 minutes. But in those cases a combination of handouts, judicious talk-planning on your part, and if necessary a brief use of the overhead projector can satisfy your needs. End of tirade.

8. Please arrive early at the room. I recommend no later than 3:45 pm, if possible, so you and I can check that everything is set the way you want, and you can review that setting. Also, the talk must begin within a minute or two of 4:00 pm, so it is wise to give yourself a few minutes of time to yourself before we begin.

9. The room in which you’ll probably be speaking can hold no more than about 35 people (although as I mentioned we usually expect about 15). There is a whiteboard on the front wall, chalkboards on two other walls, and windows on the final wall. A table is at the front. There is a projection screen, and an overhead projector is available. I can also locate other items such as a VCR and monitor, with advance notice. NOTE: We also now have available (with sufficient warning) another, technologically-equipped classroom with computer and internet access, a computer projection device mounted in the ceiling, a huge screen, attached VCR to project videos, Elmo projector for documents, etc. Such a room may have either a chalkboard or a whiteboard.

10. I will provide you with directions to the location of the talk in Haag Hall on the UMKC campus when you are in contact with me.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks!

Richard Delaware
Organizer
Email: delawarer@umkc.edu


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Expository Series Statistics

Winter 1988 - Spring 2009

Total Number of Talks: 275



Institutions of (live, non-video) Speakers
Avila College
Central Missouri State University (now, University of Central Missouri)
Emporia State University
Boise State University
Johnson County Community College
Kansas State University
MCC Blue River Community College
Park University
Petroleum Science Corporation
Rockhurst University
St. Olaf's College
Teacher's Training College (Germany)
Truman State University
University of Kansas
University of Louisville
University of Missouri - Columbia
University of Missouri - Kansas City
University of Missouri - Rolla
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
US Army Command & General Staff College, Leavenworth
William Jewell College


Most Active Speakers & Number of Talks Winter 1988 - Fall 2008
42 - Richard Delaware, UMKC
24 - Noah Rhee, UMKC
17 - James Foran, UMKC (now retired)
15 - Chuck Moore, Kansas State University
10 - John Beem, University of Missouri - Columbia (now retired)
10 - David Bitters, US Army Command & General Staff College, Leavenworth
9 -- David Surowski, Kansas State University (now retired, and living in China)
9 -- Andy Bennett, Kansas State University
6 -- Bob Middleton, UMKC (now retired)
5 -- Joe Yanik, Emporia State University
5 -- Steve Chiappari, Avila College (now at Santa Clara University)

Thanks to everyone!


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Speakers, Titles, Attendance 1988-present


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WINTER 1988

FALL 1988
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WINTER 1989

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WINTER 1990
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WINTER 1991
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WINTER 1992
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WINTER 1993
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WINTER 1994
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WINTER 1995
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WINTER 1996
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WINTER 1997
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WINTER 1998
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WINTER 1999
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WINTER 2000
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WINTER 2001
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WINTER 2002
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WINTER 2003

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WINTER 2004

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WINTER 2005

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WINTER 2006

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WINTER 2007

FALL 2007
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SPRING 2008

FALL 2008
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SPRING 2009

FALL 2009


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