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

Outline Presentation Formats Preparation Presenting Q&A

Presentation Formats Poster Session Paper Presentation/Symposium Roundtable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q&A Questions from the audience