Giving Academic Conference Papers

A Sane Approach to Presenting at ConferencesGreg Downey

Anthropology

Photo by: sean dreilinger durak.org CC (BY NC SA)

2

to presenting at conferences

Greg Downey Associate Professor of Anthropology

http://blogs.plos.org/neuroanthropology greg.downey@mq.edu.au

a sane approach...

Your first conference paper...What’s my motivation?

strength

Golden rule #1:

Icon by Scott Lewis of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

Present from

insecurity.not from

Communicating your research

• Understand your audience & objectives (e.g., job talk).

• Have a cocktail party version of research concepts.

• Don’t over-prepare (time limit, pages, calendar).

• REHEARSE!

Photo by ‘Nomadic Lass’ Flickr CC (BY SA)

limit.Icon by Martha Omiston of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

Golden rule #2:

Respectyour time

A talk is not a paper...

• Oral English is not the same as written.

• Density.

• Papers need foreshadowing & direct statement.

• Some great papers are terrible presentations.

• SEND TO DISCUSSANT!

Photo by ‘FleeCircus’ Flickr CC (BY SA NC)

rehearse

writing.rehearsing,

(I mean it…)

less time

more time

Startby engaging us,

Golden rule #3:

Icon by Istiko Rahadi of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

keepengaging us.

<learn how to use the ‘b’ key to turn off your slides. That puts

attention back on you rather than making you fight your slides.>

Structuring

•tight-loose-TIGHT.

•1 page = 2 minutes.

•NO WARM UP. Clock is ticking.

•Good data or example better than comprehensiveness.

•Knock-out conclusion page & 2 min. warning.

Photo by Thomas Lieser Flickr CC (BY SA NC)

Presentation

style.

Style counts.• Note carefully the expectations of your

field. Copy them (handouts, pre-circulation…).

• Don’t postpone your talk.

• Self reference often unnecessary.

• Self effacement boring.

• Never apologise for sharing.

• Read papers can sound read.

• Informality can be unprofessional.

• Rehearsal allows you to connect better.

• Hierarchy essential for listening.

• Get over lame presentation style.

Style counts.

Icon by Lissette Arias of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

speak.Write to

‘P.M.U.’

Photo by Thomas Lieser Flickr CC (BY SA NC)

•Presentation Mark-Up.

•Arm’s length visible.

•Oral language.

•Relax (breathing, grounded, shoulders).

•Present your most exciting material.

•Smile!

Slides

teleprompter.

Golden rule #4:

Icon by John Ceserta of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

Slidesare not a

Golden rule #4a: (corollary)

Icon adapted from Hakan Yalcin and Pham Thi Dieu Linh of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

Controlyour slides or they willcontrol your talk.

worse

no slides.

Bad slides are

than no slides...... and be ready for

• 30 words or less.

• Slides v presenter.

• Avoid too much animation!

• Support for multi-lingual audience.

• Visibility crucial.

• Slides are not a paper (hand outs).

Slide rules.

• Talking to slides COUNTS toward time. Complex visuals slow you down.

• No ‘free time’. No pointless slides.

• Quotes & visuals most important.

Slide rules.

(NOTE: THIS PRESENTATION IS BAD EXAMPLE FOR CONFERENCE PAPER.)

Your slides

Meta-rule

your talk.are not

Going out strong: how to end.

‘this talk has no conclusion.’

never Icon by Andrew J. Young of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

When you finish...

•Tendency to relax, take deep breath & miss the next minute...

• Think out loud.

• Keep answers short.

•NEVER interrupt or be rude to questioners.

•NO need to be defensive.

Greg Downey http://blogs.plos.org/neuroanthropology greg.downey@mq.edu.au

photos and video by Greg Downey

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Thanks for your attention!

Final business card-like slide.

Consciously learn from the best;

don’t unconsciously copy the worst.

Meta-rule

• Continue to participate (e.g., Twitter).

• Dress for endurance.

• Meet people (come prepared & plan).

• Visit book displays.

• Plan logistics to maximise effect (staying, finances).

After you present.

http://chronicle.com/blogs/profhacker/how-to-hack-a-conference-aka-attend-one-productively/22891

Transition to professional presenter

•Find your style — role models, actively improve.

•Set clear goals.

•Fit method to goal.

•Present small number of big ideas (2 or 3). Share point in clearest language possible.

•Use your own passion & talk to the most engaged.

Big wrap-up In three short slides...

Icon by Tracy Hudak of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

Do well, to become confident.

Reversal of cause and effect

Be generous to inspire generosity.

It’s all about communication.

All rules made to be broken...

questions?Icon by Krisada of the Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)

Greg Downey http://blogs.plos.org/neuroanthropology greg.downey@mq.edu.au

photos and video by Greg Downey

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Thanks for your attention!