Presenter Tips for Technical Research Sessions

Preparing | Delivery/Rehearsal | Visuals | Additional Tips

A technical research session is a 20-minute presentation of research, or research in progress. The purpose is to communicate scientific information in an efficient format. A 10-minute question and answer period follows the scientific presentation.

Preparing and Organizing Your Information

Because of the limited time available during a technical research presentation, your information must be concise, impactful, and precise. Clarity is critical. Organize your information to include only the most critical data and information.

Sample Organizational Structure

• Introduction—why was the study done?
• Who funded, who participated, etc.
• Methods—what research methods were used? Levels of evidence?
• Overview of results
• Findings/Conclusions
• Overview of Research—details about the study; any interesting aspects of the study itself; unexpected developments during research

Delivery/Rehearsal

• Simple language, use one thought or action per sentence
• Write your talk in short, radio script-like phrases
• Rephrase to increase understanding - repeat important sentences
• Articulate clearly
• Every slide deserves 10 seconds, no more than 100 seconds

Visuals

• Using visuals can communicate ideas faster and more clearly, as well as reinforce your spoken message. Using visuals to reinforce your ideas also helps your audience retain your information.
• Keep it simple! Make sure your visuals are large and easily readable, simple—viewers should get the point within 5 seconds, and use consistent font, colors, and format
• One key idea per visual
• Interpret visuals—don't just report them
• Give visuals a headline that helps increase comprehension—think newspaper headline
• Visuals should illustrate your verbal points clearly

Additional Tips

• Alternate moving and standing still
• Dress appropriately, use good grammar
• State your objectives at the start of the talk
• Practice! It is the single most important factor contributing to a good presentation.
• Go to the room prior to your presentation so you are familiar with the room/AV/lighting
• Utilize the speaker ready room to preview your visuals and make any changes
• Choose a natural, moderate rate of speech
• Have notes, but use them sparingly—Don't write out your presentation on your slides and then read them
• Keep an eye on your time
• Give credit to others who contributed
• Take care with body language
• Pause during your presentation—it gives the audience time to catch up with you and digest what you are saying
• Give of yourself—use personal examples and stories in your speech whenever possible
• Stay relaxed