1. Scientific Presentations talk Scientific Presentations: Abstracts, oral sessions, and posters Stephen Hulley, MD MPH Professor Division of Clinical Epidemiology Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics UCSF School of Medicine Mintu Turakhia, MD Clinical Instructor & Fellow Electrophysiology Section Division of Cardiology UCSF School of Medicine

2. Scientific Presentations talk Simple color schemeSimple color scheme –White on blue or black on white –Avoid Verdana or Tahoma - spacing is not consistent between computers Consistent design and layoutConsistent design and layout –Fonts, alignment, size, tables –Compare slide to previous and next slide to ensure consistency Animations are generally distractingAnimations are generally distracting –Avoid unless they add clarity Elements of slide design

3. Scientific Presentations talk Make slides telegraphicMake slides telegraphic –Few words –Define common acronyms as they are used –No novel acronyms –Upper/lower case. < 10 lines per slide< 10 lines per slide < 1 slide/minute< 1 slide/minute –Fewer is better Rehearse > 1 times to > 1 personRehearse > 1 times to > 1 person –Rehearse Q & A as well Preparing the talk

4. Scientific Presentations talk Title slide Concise informative titleConcise informative title –Placing title as footer on all slides helps audience know which talk is being presented Authors and co-authorsAuthors and co-authors –Presenters title and institution AHA mandates disclosure slideAHA mandates disclosure slide

5. Scientific Presentations talk Presenter disclosure information Presenter_Name Here: Financial disclosure: NoneFinancial disclosure: None Unlabelled/unapproved use disclosure: TXZO1421 is not approved for human use. The data shown is from Phase I and II studies.Unlabelled/unapproved use disclosure: TXZO1421 is not approved for human use. The data shown is from Phase I and II studies. Co-author Here: Financial disclosure: Grant from Company X; Speakers bureau from Company Y.Financial disclosure: Grant from Company X; Speakers bureau from Company Y. All other authors: No disclosuresNo disclosures

6. Scientific Presentations talk Background Concise rationale: 1 slideConcise rationale: 1 slide –Research question u Why important –Prior work, why inadequate –How this study solves that Avoid citations, sentences, detailsAvoid citations, sentences, details Explicitly state research questionExplicitly state research question

7. Scientific Presentations talk Methods: differs from manuscript writing Avoid rehashing manuscriptAvoid rehashing manuscript Limit to 1-3 slides (boring)Limit to 1-3 slides (boring) –More time on methods = less time on results Use informative titlesUse informative titles –Dont: Methods 1, Methods 2, … –Do: Design and subjects, Predictors and outcomes Dont include statistical methods hereDont include statistical methods here –They can be mentioned on results slides Omit lesser detailsOmit lesser details

8. Scientific Presentations talk Results: also differs from manuscript Informative titles, labelsInformative titles, labels –(dont use Results as the title) Build a storyBuild a story –Be selective, not comprehensive GraphsGraphs –Graphic (memorable) –Patterns TablesTables –Be parsimonious; omit details –Round values to 2-3 digits (3.1, not 3.14159) –Can it be seen from the back of the room?

9. Scientific Presentations talk Discussion Discussion slide is optionalDiscussion slide is optional –Often not needed –Can provide comments while telling the story of the results slides Study limitations should be mentionedStudy limitations should be mentioned –Option of a limitations slide

10. Scientific Presentations talk Summary Concise statement of 2-4 findingsConcise statement of 2-4 findings Each bullet sentence can be readEach bullet sentence can be read –Then embellished Linger to let it sink inLinger to let it sink in

11. Scientific Presentations talk Conclusions Concise statement of, for example:Concise statement of, for example: –Interpretation of findings –Implications for practice –Implications for future research (specific) Sometimes combined with summarySometimes combined with summary This is your take-home messageThis is your take-home message –Again, linger on this At the very end, thank your audienceAt the very end, thank your audience

12. Scientific Presentations talk Giving the talk Engage the audience at the outset and throughoutEngage the audience at the outset and throughout –Entertain, reveal personality –Be enthusiastic; speak with confidence Preferable not to read the textPreferable not to read the text –Its okay if you do read, but… u Follow text with finger so you can look up often –Option of reading just the background Start each slide with orienting audience, then give commentaryStart each slide with orienting audience, then give commentary –Title, graph axes, legends, etc –The key text or numbers on the slide

13. Scientific Presentations talk The laser pointer Helpful to orient audience while you speakHelpful to orient audience while you speak Overuse or fast movements are distracting and directs speaker away from audience (and microphone)Overuse or fast movements are distracting and directs speaker away from audience (and microphone) Use slowly, cautiously, and judiciouslyUse slowly, cautiously, and judiciously –Use in brief bursts (few seconds at a time) Muscle tremor is exaggerated with distanceMuscle tremor is exaggerated with distance –Flex elbow and use opposite hand to support forearm against your side At AHA, the computer mouse is the pointerAt AHA, the computer mouse is the pointer –Practice with mouse if you have not used this technique before

14. Scientific Presentations talk How to make a poster Posters are similar, except…Posters are similar, except… Use font size and position on the poster to create aesthetic whole and highlight key elementsUse font size and position on the poster to create aesthetic whole and highlight key elements –Research question (top left) –Summary/conclusions (bottom right) Separate sections for methods, results and discussion (like a manuscript)Separate sections for methods, results and discussion (like a manuscript) The less you write, the more likely it will be readThe less you write, the more likely it will be read Dont cut and paste your manuscriptDont cut and paste your manuscript

15. Scientific Presentations talk How not to make a poster Clean design but… Too much text Tables are too detailed No one has time or incentive to read this

16. Scientific Presentations talk The whole point of it all Presenting is a way to network and exchange ideasPresenting is a way to network and exchange ideas Q & A is the best partQ & A is the best part –Engage with audience through proxies –Dont shortchange u Leave enough time for the audience to get fully involved –Meet people you dont know –Build a reputation