Panels & Roundtables Student Research Conference 2012 Connie K. Chung

Agenda What is the purpose of a panel? Of a roundtable? What is the best way to prepare? What should presenters expect about engaging with other participants and with the audience? What is something I wish I’d known before I did my first panel or roundtable?

Purpose & Format: Panels Purpose: To share your research findings with interested audience members, receive feedback and handle questions. Format: Present with 2-3 other presenters whose work is on a related topic (usually using powerpoint). Each person has minutes to present work, followed by a Q and A with the audience.

Purpose & Format: Roundtables Purpose: To share ongoing work with colleagues and receive feedback. Format: Present with 2-5 other presenters whose work is on a related topic. (Usually using handouts) Each person has 5-10 minutes to present work; then the roundtable members talk together and provide feedback to each other.

Prepare: Structuring the Content of Your Presentations From Kosslyn, S. (2007). Clear and to the point: 8 Psychological principles for compelling Powerpoint presentations. Oxford University Press.

What are the goals of your presentation? 1. Connect with your audience What are the goals and interests of your audience? 2. Direct and hold attention: Be selective What is important in your presentation? 3. Promote understanding and memory Make your presentation easy to follow, digest, and remember.

Select and Simplify Relevance (What do you say? And how much?) NOT to flood audience with information Abe Lincoln Goldilocks Appropriate Knowledge (How do you say it?) Language – avoid jargon Displays – use visuals Concepts – explain key terms and ideas

Use Visuals to Illustrate Points A Match on Dry Grass: Community Organizing as a Catalyst for Education Reform Education8 One LA – IAF

Use Visuals to Show Concepts 9 How Community Organizing Works

Use powerpoint as an aid, not a crutch Limit the content on a slide: Each slide ~ 1 minute Simplify graphics & info Limit words Use readable font

Prepare: Introduction, Body & Conclusion

Tips on Introductions Define the topic & set the stage Consider emotional stage (graphics) Consider concrete examples Why should they pay attention to what you say? Tap into what you know about your audience What should they conclude after hearing your presentation? Provide a road map

Tips on Body Tell a story Think outline Define key terms Provide concrete, specific evidence Conclude subpart with a summary (esp in long present.) Signal beginning of next subpart

Tips on Conclusion 1. Remind audience of key points 2. Can re-use graphics 3. “ Set up a snappy ending ”

Involve other people in your preparation Practice and get feedback Encourage your friends and classmates to come Have fun!

Other Points What should presenters expect about engaging with other participants and with the audience? What is something I wish I’d known before I did my first panel or roundtable?

Q&A