The Research Conference Presentation

1. The Research Conference Presentation William Perez, Ph.D. MMP Workshop 2-8-08

2. Outline • Presentation Formats • Preparation • Presenting • Q&A

3. Presentation Formats • Poster Session • Paper Presentation/Symposium • Roundtable

4. Before the poster presentation • Turn your proposal/paper into a poster presentation format • Review key articles/research literature to reference during your discussion with visitors • Rehearse a 1-2 minute synopsis of the main findings and its implications • Review all the details of the study • Review poster format guidelines usually posted on conference website or program/schedule • Print 30-40 handouts • Bring a pad of paper and pen to get people’s email in case you run out of handouts • You can also do this in lieu of handouts

5. Poster Content • Title • Introduction • Key Literature Reference • Research Question • Methods • Sample • Procedures • Results • Discussion/Conclusion • References • Contact Information

6. Effective Poster Presentations • Poster Content needs to be succinct • No long titles • Pay careful attention to the title-shorter is better • No long paragraphs • Brief sentences • Bullet points • Highlight only key findings • Do not try to include all findings • Include one key figure and/or one key table • Figures and tables should be easy to read/understand • If using PowerPoint, use no more than 10 slides

7. During the poster presentation • Have plenty of handouts ready with contact information and/or business cards • Be ready to discuss limitations of the study • If you can’t address a particular question it’s ok to say “I don’t know,” or “I will need to consider that further, thank you for raising the issue.” • Use the opportunity to network/promote your work • Be able to articulate in 2-3 minutes the importance/main findings/implications of the study

8. Paper Presentation/Symposium • Usually 5 or 6 people • Coordinate presentation with others • An important difference between a poster presentation and a paper presentation is that you have more space/time to articulate rationale, important findings and implications

9. Paper Organization • Title • Introduction • Key Literature References • Research Questions • Methods • Sample • Procedures • Measures • Results • Discussion/Conclusion • References • Contact Information

10. Before the presentation • Figure out your time limit and organize your presentation accordingly • Coordinate the presentation order with fellow presenters • Practice your presentation several times to make sure you stay within the time limit • Practice in front of the mirror • Record your presentation and play it back • Make modifications based on your practice sessions • Prepare 30-40 handouts • As backup, prepare full-size printed slides and/or overhead projector slides

11. During the presentation • Load PowerPoint Slides into one computer, and open them all before symposium starts to use your time more effectively • Delivery basics • Speak in a slow and deliberate pace, don’t rush • Make eye contact with the audience

12. During the Presentation • Fielding Questions/Comments • If you do not know the answer • Belligerent audience member • Dealing with discipline specific language and vocabulary at a transdisciplinary conference

13. Q&A • Questions from the audience