1. The Research Conference Presentation
William Perez, Ph.D.
MMP Workshop

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 handouts
Bring a pad of paper and pen to get people’s 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 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