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2 years ago in Scholarly Etiquette By Krupa
At a conference, is it considered rude to directly approach a famous keynote speaker after their talk with a question, or should I wait for an invited session?
The keynote speaker is a legend in my field, and their talk sparked a crucial question about my own research. There's a long queue at the mic, and they seem rushed. Is it poor etiquette to try to approach them directly afterward at the podium or in the hallway, or should I only engage if there's a formal Q&A or meet-and-greet?
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By Claire Answered 3 weeks ago
It's generally acceptable to approach, but with extreme consideration for their time and energy. Do not mob them at the podium. Let them gather their things and step away. If there's a clear queue, join it briefly. Your approach should be swift: "Professor [Name], thank you for a brilliant talk. My name is [X], and I work on [Y]. I had one very quick question regarding [Z]." Have your question condensed to 20 seconds. If they engage, great. If they seem harried or say they have to run, immediately offer your card or email and say, "I completely understand. If you have a moment later, I'd be grateful for your insight via email." The key is to be prepared, brief, and gracious, signaling respect for their stature and schedule. Forcing a long conversation is the real breach of etiquette.
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