1. SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION: ORAL AND POSTER PRESENTATION GUIDELINES Dr. Sheppard CHEM 4201 Fall 2014

2. Scientific communication Where are you presenting? Scientific conferences Classes Posters vs. oral presentations Regardless of type, your presentation should tell a good “story” Beginning, middle, & end Be sure you get to the point and hook your audience early Keep audience in mind Scientists vs. politicians vs. general public vs. elementary school kids

3. Presentation of Graphical Data In any format, data presented should include: Clear title, descriptive caption, or both Labeling Legends Correct units: usually metric Types of graphs Pie charts Bar graphs Scatter plots Line graphs

4. Misrepresentation of Graphical Data How do people “cheat” with graphs?

5. Tables Most basic way to present data that can be summarized briefly Describing this information in text would be complicated, long and boring Detection Periods for Drug Tests SUBSTANCEURINEHAIRBLOODSALIVA Alcohol12-24 hrsn/a12 hours6-12 hours Amphetamine (except meth)2-3 daysup to 90 days12 hours3 days Barbiturates2-14 daysup to 90 days1-7 daysunknown Benzodiazepines1-5 daysup to 90 days6-48 hours2-3 days Cannabis (single use)2-3 daysup to 90 days2-3 days12-24 hrs Cannabis (habitual use)2-3 weeksup to 90 days2 weeks12-24 hrs Cocaine4-5 daysup to 90 days1 day Codeine/Morphine2-4 daysup to 90 days6-12 hours12-36 hrs Heroin2-4 daysup to 90 days6 hoursunknown LSD2-24 hoursunknown0-3 hoursunknown Methamphetamine3-5 daysup to 90 days24 hours3 days PCP3-7 daysup to 90 days1-3 days3 days

6. Figures Any pictorial representation of data Used to represent visual data or to summarize ideas or information Can’t find a good figure? Make your own!

7. Poster Presentations Scientific meetings Good way to start learning how to present Good for data that are very preliminary People can read about your research even if you’re not there Format Old school vs. new school Follow provided specifications

8. Poster Presentations General guidelines Keep design simple Create a compelling title Watch text amount/size Understandability Writing Look at this webpage: http://www.ncsu.edu/project/posters/index.html http://www.ncsu.edu/project/posters/index.html

9. Oral presentations Good practice for job interviews, etc.! Durations generally vary from 10-30 minutes Leave time for questions (about 3-5 minutes) Being on time is VITAL – you will get yanked from the podium The art of a good presentation is something you develop with practice Speaking style matters as well as the quality of your slides… Guidelines Generally more freedom than with a poster Follow any specified rules Present in a logical order Understandability Writing Consider graphics and text (amount, size, etc.) Cite sources of images if they are not yours!

10. Distracting Backgrounds Color Too bright Too dark Switching from light to dark Not enough contrast with text color Some colors will look different when projected Distracting designs

11. Text on Slides How much text should be on a slide? Presentation vs. lecture Bullet points

12. Tips for Oral Presentations Fewer words on slides Use correct grammar and spelling A picture says a thousand words Citations Explain your graphics Animation Often helpful, but not always necessary and can be distracting Slide transitions Also can be distracting, depending on the transition Keep slides in order; don’t flip back and forth Repeat slides if necessary

13. Tips for Oral Presentations Point out features on your slides using laser pointer, stick, etc. Do not point at the screen with your finger Pointing at the computer screen doesn’t help… Make eye contact (with everyone) Don’t turn your back on the audience Avoid hugging the podium Speak in a clear, loud voice Don’t trail off Don’t just read the slides

14. Tips for Oral Presentations Slow down and think about what you are saying Practice your presentation Helps to avoid “um”, “okay”, etc. Helps pacing for time allotted Generally plan for about 1 minute/slide Helps with pronunciation Don’t memorize (sounds scripted) Jokes are VERY dangerous – best to avoid

15. Tips for Oral Presentations Engage your audience When asking the audience a question, if asked repeat it in a different way (they obviously didn’t get it the first time) Answer any questions and if you don’t know, you don’t know!!! If you don’t understand a question ask for a repeat Stay within the time limit