Tad Smith is a petrophysicist working in the oil and gas industry. Chosen as a 2011 Honored Speaker, Smith came to OU to discuss how petrophysicists analyze geological information to reduce the risks associated with drilling for oil and gas.
One of the problems that petrophysicists face is error and noise in the data. As with any model, simplifying assumptions exist that are not necessarily met in the real world. Additionally, data collected under field conditions are rarely perfect. Therefore, petrophysicists have to find ways to deal with these inconsistencies, including working closely with geologists and geophysicists.
Smith delivered this central message to a broad audience that included specialists and non-specialists alike. He encouraged confidence in his message through a forthright and relaxed demeanor. Smith presented himself as the professional he is, and so won the trust of the audience. This professionalism was compounded by Smith's knowledge of his topic. His Power Point included mostly images and few bullet points to emphasize integral evidence for his audience. Anything that existed on the slide, Smith explained using analogies and examples.
The main detractor from Smith's message was a confusing message towards the end of his presentation. Smith began to summarize his main points, both verbally and visually, only to continue presenting new information for an additional fifteen minutes afterward. This was the moment he lost the audience. What had been a brilliant performance geared toward a general audience suddenly became a tedious and overbearing waste of time.
After speaking with several of my students, I agree - Smith should have focused his message more narrowly. The amount of information presented overwhelmed some lower-level students and the inability to finish on time alienated a previously receptive audience. Had Smith managed his time more effectively, his clear message of collaboration among professionals to properly assess drilling locations to save time, money, and lives would have stuck more firmly in the minds of students and specialists alike.
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