Are you presenting your research paper in a conference, symposium or forum? With advanced digital technology nowadays, it is easy to prepare one using, say, a powerpoint template.
But is the template enough to get your point across? Chances are, you have missed some important points especially if you are given only a few minutes to explain the findings of your study.
Here are 10 research presentation tips that will help you make an effective powerpoint or slide presentation.
10 Research Paper Presentation Tips
1. Simplify each slide.
On the average presentation time given to oral presenters is 10 to 15 minutes. To keep within the time limit, stress only the most important points in the research findings. Three lines of text in a slide will suffice.
Since you do not have all the time to present all your ideas, prepare slides in such a way that these are understood in a few seconds or at a glance. After the presentation, interested colleagues will approach you anyway.
2. Present slowly for better understanding.
Presenting few main points slowly is better than many ideas presented rapidly that that make the whole presentation incomprehensible. Aim for audience comprehension.
3. Don’t overuse animations.
Your presentation may become too entertaining and lose its essence because of too many animations. Animations generally slow down the whole presentation and can draw away one’s attention from the main idea presented in the slide.
4. Use large, even fonts.
Arial or Helvetica font is best. Use at least font size 16 to ensure readability at a distance of 50 meters or more.
5. Use pictures with a few text.
A picture speaks a thousand words. A few lines of text reinforces what the picture portrays.
6. Don’t read your slide.
Flash the slide but don’t read it. Talking about your slide but not really reading it shows your mastery of your presentation and is helpful especially if you are presenting to compete.
7. Be redundant.
Define new concepts and repeat words or phrases that explain those concepts. Repetition fosters understanding in front of a diverse audience of professionals.
8. Be considerate when asked.
Presenting in a symposium, conference, or forum provides an opportunity to improve your research paper. Graciously accept critics or suggestions. There may be things you have overlooked or missed.
9. Don’t cite too many literature.
It is undesirable to cite most of the literature in your paper. Just point out the the gap in knowledge that you are addressing and fill those gaps with a report on your findings.
10. Organize your presentation in a logical manner.
It makes sense to start off with a short introduction pointing out the reason for your study, how you did it (the method), and the salient findings. Of course, the presentation ends with your conclusion and recommendations.
For more presentation tips, read the following:
- Five Tips for Research Paper Presentation
- 10 Pointers from One of the Winners of a Research Paper Contest
©2014 December 28 P Regoniel
