PAPER PRESENTATION: What to do?

 

1. Write paper with the audience in mind:

A conference paper should be different from a journal article. Remember that our paper is meant to be heard, not read.  Audiences typically have lower attention spans than readers; therefore, keep the content simple and straightforward.

Structure the paper well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use language that is simple and clear. Explain any technical terms that you have used and provide a quick recap of the main points wherever needed.

2. Adhere to time limits:

Generally, paper presentation sessions at conferences are 20-30 minutes long, so prepare the material accordingly. Also, be prepared for any last-minute changes in session timings. If we have been allotted 20 minutes, be ready with a short skeleton outline, just in case the speaker before us has overshot his/her time limit and we only get 10 minutes to present. Conversely, keep some extra material handy because we may get 30 minutes instead of 20.

3. Rehearse in front of a friend:

Reading in ours mind will not help us to keep time simply because reading aloud in front of an audience takes longer. Rehearsing a few times in front of a friend or in front of the mirror, so that we became familiar with the content, will boost our confidence. Recording a video of our practice sessions is also a good idea as we can view them later and understand where we need to improve.

4. Start confidently: 

How we begin our presentation matters a great deal. We will have to gain the audience’s confidence and attention within the first 10-20 seconds of our session. Begin with a quick introduction about ourselves as this will help establish our credibility. Make sure we prepare for this in advance. Carefully select a few highlights and be ready with a brief self-introduction. Here’s an example: 

“Good morning everybody! My name is Siva. I am pursuing under graduate in computer science from Thiruvalluvar University. Today, I am going to present a paper titled …..”

 5. Maintain eye contact with the audience:

As we begin our presentation, smile. Be calm, and breathe deep. This will help you relax and dissolve any awkwardness between you and the audience.  Be mindful of the posture: stand straight and hold your head up. This will help us to make eye contact with the audience and will also make your voice more audible. Do not read to the desk. Talk clearly, loudly, and energetically.

But don’t be too fast: remember that there could be people in the audience whose native language is not English. Take advantage of pauses to look up at the audience, give audience time to react to what we say, or to let what we said sink in, or to just let ourselves breathe and be more composed.

6. Use transitions: Remember to use transitions when moving from one idea to another:

Transitions ensure a smooth flowing presentation. Some useful transitions are “furthermore,” “in addition,” “consequently,” “meanwhile,” “finally,” etc. When using the same idea twice, you can begin with “A similar idea is” or “Another example is,” etc. When giving a point-by-point explanation, it is best to mention the total number of points at the outset; for example: “There are reasons for this. The first reason is….; the second reason is; etc.” This approach will help readers keep track of the points you are discussing. Additionally, sometimes a simple pause or a direct statement such as “Let’s move to the next part of the presentation” or “To move on to another idea” is also an effective way to introduce a new section, idea, or perspective.

 

Writing an Abstract

Abstract: a short statement that describes a longer work.

·        Indicate the subject.

·        Describe the purpose of the investigation.

·        Briefly discuss the method used.

·        Make a statement about the result.

Oral Presentation

Oral presentations usually introduce a discussion of a topic or research paper. A good oral presentation is focused, concise, and interesting in order to trigger a discussion.

·        Be well prepared; write a detailed outline.

·        Introduce the subject.

·        Talk about the sources and the method.

·        Indicate if there are conflicting views about the subject (conflicting views trigger discussion).

·        Make a statement about your new results (if this is your research paper).

·        Use visual aids or handouts if appropriate.

Compiling a PowerPoint

An effective PowerPoint presentation is just an aid to the presentation, not the presentation itself.

Dos

·        Be brief and concise.

·        Focus on the subject.

·        Attract attention; indicate interesting details.

·        If possible, use relevant visual illustrations (pictures, maps, charts graphs, etc.).

·        Use bullet points or numbers to structure the text.

·        Make clear statements about the essence/results of the topic/research.

Don'ts

·        Don't write down the whole outline of your paper and nothing else.

·        Don't write long full sentences on the slides.

·        Don't use distracting colors, patterns, pictures, decorations on the slides.

·        Don't use too complicated charts, graphs; only those that are relatively easy to understand.