Organizing content

Guidelines for Preparing Effective Presentations

Before the Presentation

Organizing content

• 
  Make sure the audience walks away understanding the following:
       The problem and why it is a problem
       What has been done about the problem
       What you are doing (or have done) about the problem
       The value your approach provides
       Next steps
  
• 
  Describe the problem clearly enough for the audience to appreciate the value of your contribution.
  
• 
  Present your contribution clearly.
  
• 
  Aim your presentation at an audience that is not familiar with your research area so you communicate the importance of your work, rather than simply laying out the results.
  
• 
  Provide references and your contact information.
  

Preparing effective displays

• 
  Keep it simple so you don't distract from your research.
  
• 
  Use at least 24-point type.
  
• 
  Do not use a photocopy of a standard printed page as a display.
  
• 
  Summarize your main points.
  
• 
  Limit your material to eight lines per slide.
  
• 
  Limit tables to four rows/columns.
  
• 
  Display large tables as graphs.
  
• 
  Avoid numerous curves on a graphical display.
  
• 
  Label graphs clearly with big, readable type.
  
• 
  Use easy-to-read fonts such as Arial.
  
• 
  Use light letters (e.g., yellow or white) on a dark background (e.g., dark blue) when displaying your material on an LCD projector.
  
• 
  Use equations sparingly and concentrate on what your results mean.
  
• 
  Keep a large margin on all sides of your slide.
  
• 
  Identify the journal when you give references.
  
• 
  Preview your presentation.
  

Timing your talk

• 
  Present one slide per minute.
  
• 
  Talk at a pace that everybody in the audience can understand.
  
• 
  Budget your time to take a minute or two less than your maximum allotment.
  
• 
  Practice your talk.
  

The Presentation

• 
  Check to make sure the microphone works before you begin.
  
• 
  Be sure everyone in the room can see your material.
  
• 
  Don't apologize for your displays (create them properly in the first place).
  
• 
  Don't apologize for incomplete results.
  

After the Presentation

• 
  Thank the audience for its attention.
  
• 
  Gather you materials and move off quickly to allow the next presenter to prepare.
  
• 
  Stay for the entire session and, afterward, be available for people to ask you questions.