How Do I: Present Research ?
Whether it is a power-point or a poster, I have noticed that students tend to struggle with the social aspect of presenting.
Your poster or PowerPoint contains key information, not all information.
Your oral presentation is meant to expand and supplement the physical presentation you've developed
If you've added everything you know about your presentation subject, then you have nothing to audibly expand on.
Reading off your slide word for word, especially if you have large bodies of text rather than key points, is regarded as disrespectful and a waste of your audiences time.
Large bodies of text tend to overwhelm audiences -> know how to use them effectively.
Your audience can't, and won't, be able to read a large chunk of text during your presentation
Your point as a presenter is to tell your story: lead your audience through your research with your words, not with text
Distinguishing key points to include is harder than writing everything out, but comes with the benefit of easily digestible content
Think of how a professor may present information: is it easier for you to learn when the content is written out in extreme detail for you to copy, or when your professor leads you through the content and provides time for questions?
Large chunks of text are acceptable in the background section of posters so that others can get an understanding of your work without your presence
Watch the clock, watch the audience
Higher education level presentations are recommended to be completed within 2-3 minutes. This is less time than you think.
If you're given a specific range of time to present, stick to the lowest time possible. Your audiences time is just as important as your research.
Audience awareness comes with practice. If your audience appears uninterested or ready for your presentation to end, then stick to the key takeaways of your research. (*This is primarily for research poster presentations, where your audience isn't complied of classmates forced to listen regardless of their interest)
Typical signs of disinterest include speaker avoidance/looking anywhere but your presentation, shuffling.
Don't assume audience disinterest or lack of engagement is due to you personally.
Practice getting your main presentation points within your time limit/assigned range rather than getting every single detail down.
Over-practicing can make your presentation appear monotonous and staged (which encourages audience disengagement). Once you've reached the 'almost down perfect' stage of practicing - stop.
If you are a socially anxious speaker, please let me know and I will expand on this advice for you. Please feel free to dm me as well. You deserve to be heard.
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