Presentation and quality control in music psychology Richard Parncutt ICMPC10, Sapporo, August 2008

Aims giving a ppt-talk: general principles –common errors and how to avoid them revision of individual ppt presentations –learn from concrete examples

Find the right level tutorial character vs. specialist detail generalities vs. specifics

Text on slides  clear headings  hierarchical structure  concise, point form  ca words per visual  font size at least 20  contrasts in size, color…  animation if appropriate  acknowledge sources (author, date)

Diagrams and tables  generally better than text  uncluttered - can audience take it all in?  acknowledge sources

Graphs Uncluttered audience should understand everything redraw if necessary Clear axis labels both measure and unit font size at least 16 explain them verbally –Start from a specific point on the graph Acknowledge sources (author, year)

Introduction summarize what audience already knows add detail from literature present your theme/question in this context emphasize its relevance and implications explain difficult concepts with examples 

Examples visual  diagram, graph, objet trouvé auditory  CD, musical instrument, your voice both  video

Why present examples? Help audience understand  clarify research questions  give examples before generalising  promote active listening Communicate efficiently  more ideas in less time

Communication strategies clear structure –help audience to anticipate content content –rate of information flow –level between tutorial and specialist –emphasis of important points

Improvising the text Concise, clear sentences  notes and cards are unnecessary  save secret notes in powerpoint? Expand on each point  don’t just read it out  pause between sections Practise ask a friend or colleague for feedback

Physical interaction gestures –expression, voice modulation eye contact –with individuals Respond to audience signals! Is your presentation… –interesting? –comprehensible? –too loud or soft? –too fast or slow?

Inform - don‘t infatuate provide:  clear, helpful, interesting information  avoid:  long, complex sentences  exaggeration  unnecessary jargon  unfounded claims  destructive criticism

Timing SectionDuration Introduction5 minutes Main content10 minutes Conclusion5 minutes about 1 minute per slide