Paper Presentation Guidelines

Planning

Paper presentations are limited to 20 minutes including the time for questions (unless otherwise arranged). An overhead projector will be provided.

The structure of a talk is much like that of a paper: you tell them what you are going to tell them (introduction), tell them (body), and then tell them what you told them (conclusion).

The introduction often includes a verbal outline of the talk. It is a brief summary of the key points you want to get across. The body of the talk needs to put the subject in context so your audience can understand the significance of your particular results. Save the highly technical and specific material for the latter third of the body of the talk (if running low on time, this allows you to touch on the details and still get done).

Summarize your key points again in the conclusion, now referring to the specific material you discussed in the body of the talk. If the results of your research are specific conclusion/s, state them and their level of significance.

If you use graphics (charts, diagrams, etc.) everything essential to their explanation should be contained on them in simple terms with 48 pt. block lettering. Pointing to key elements on the chart or diagram is great; explaining the graphic for 50% of your time is not. While you are "showing" your graphic, the audience will not be listening to you with full attention, so only explain what is on the graphic.

Hints

• Minimize the number of graphics, this is not a poster style exhibit.
• Write out the talk, or at least make a detailed outline to work from.
• Use your script as a guide, don't read the talk. Be a storyteller, not a reader.
• Practice the talk and revise it if it is too long. Don't try to talk faster to fit in the allotted time.
• Don't practice in your head. Practice the talk out loud to an audience of friends, classmates, or others. Use a recorder to capture the practice talk (then listen to it and time it!).

Presentation

The opening and closing remarks are the most important, don't improvise them. Have a clear idea of how you are going to open and close, repeat the opening and closing words many times.

Keep a positive attitude. Your audience is generally sympathetic and interested in what you have to say. If flustered, pause and start again at that point (not the beginning). If you are asked a question that you are unprepared to answer, "I don't know, but I can find out", is a far better answer than any other.

Make eye contact with a variety of people in the audience, some will be smiling and supportive. Pay attention to them, so you can answer questions if they arise.

Avoid distracting gestures and verbal miscues, such as saying "umm," "you know," "like," or "kuz," fumbling with keys, or putting your hands in your pockets.

Don't apologize for your anything in your talk, it represents your best effort.

Never mention anything that could have been in your talk, but wasn't.