“How to Present at a Conference" Workshop

For those who could not attend this workshop, these are the highlights and tips from Dr. Ian Barnard for a successful, witty and enjoyable experience while presenting.




THE CONTENT

THE PAPER

•There are two parts of a conference presentation: the content and the performance
•For creative writing (CW): If you have more than one piece, think of the best order in which to present the pieces.
•For academic writing (AW):
1. Remove long quotes. It is hard to follow orally, make a handout instead so people can follow along.
2. Remove long sentences/ They are also hard to follow.
•For Both:
1.Print out the work in print large enough to read easily so you do not lose your place
2.Think of the page breaks and never break up a sentence onto two separate pages
3.Allow space to add-lib, pause, make notes to leave time to elaborate on points. This also helps to re-engage your audience.

SOURCES
•Introduce your sources before the quote
4.Don’t include page numbers in your vocal presentations. If someone asks in Q&A then tell them.






THE PRESENTATION

METHOD

•There are two ways of presenting any piece: reading or talking
•Reading: Literally reading what is on your page without adding anything that is not scripted. This may not be as engaging, but you will sound eloquent, and your timing will be spot on.
•Talking: You add-lib, make jokes or add explanations as you present your ideas. This may be nerve wrecking for some and you run the risk of going over time or losing your place on the page, but it is the most engaging way to present.

VOICE

•CW: For poetry pieces do not use the “poetry” voice in which the final word in each line has a different tone. Use you natural reading voice and let the writing speak for itself.
•AW: Try to vary your tone to maintain interest in the work.
•Both:
1.Script in pauses and times when you wish to change the tone of your voice for effect.
2.The most sophisticated method for quoting is to change your vocal tone in order to indicate the change
3.If you are unable to change your voice you may use the air quotes or the “quote, unquote’ method, but try to use the change in voice if possible


INTRODUCTIONS

•Your moderator will either introduce all your panel at the beginning or right before you present
•CW: You may wish to give background about the process of writing or how you came up with the idea for the piece
•AW: You may want to disclose any information that is pertinent for your audience to understand your presentation
•Both: A good way to begin would be to ask the audience a question in order to gauge their attention.


HANDOUTS

•If you have quotes on a handout, pass out them out at beginning of your panel so the audience may follow you
•If your handout contains citations, wait until after you present to distribute


VISUAL AIDS

•Power point slides should be minimalistic
•DON'T READ YOUR POWERPOINT POINT SLIDES
•Use Power point for visuals guides, or charts

ATTIRE

•Dress appropriately, make conscious choices regarding how you dress
SIT or STAND
•Standing is better to make eye contact and best if you stand in front of table

COURTESY

•Pay attention to others on your panel. People in audience can see you
if you text or space out while others present

MUSIC/VIDEOS

•Include them if they fit and they can complement a creative piece.

PRACTICE

•When you practice, practice everything the way you would do it the day of the presentation. If you want to stand, practice, standing. If you have a power point, practice the timing with it.
•Practice having eye contact.

Q&A SESSION

•Each moderator is different, but the norm is to have everyone present and then have a Q&A for 15 minutes
•Suggestions for responding to a question:
1. “Oh that’s very interesting could you talk about that some more”
2. If you hadn’t thought of something, admit it and be generous and humble. Answer: “No, I hadn’t thought of that. Thank you. That’s a great idea”
3. Don’t let defensive or feel that you are under attack. The point of the conference is to have that give and take so you can improve your work
4. Preface your work with saying what you are unsure of it.
5. Ask the audience for advice.
6. Refer the questions to your fellow panel members.

Categories: AGSE, Conferences, CSUN, How to Present at a Conference, Workshop