For my teaching assistant training class we have to give half hour presentations. I just finished mine and I’m SO glad I held my own against the person who went before me. He had the advantage of talking about ecology, which usually is better at engaging the audience, and has a polished powerpoint presentation. My talk was basically an expanded version of Phylogeny of Pineapple, a further explanation of awesomeness.
People seemed genuinely engaged and the feedback after the talk was positive. Whenever phylogeny and genomics can go up against biodiversity and ecosystem services, and not be humiliatingly crushed is a victory for all of us.
No offense to ecologists, you guy do exciting research and I love getting the chance to sit in on your talks, it’s just nice when we plant biologists can get attention too.