Strategies for Effective Research Presentations Derek R. Lane, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Communication College of Communications and Information Studies University of Kentucky

Communication The process by which verbal and nonverbal messages are used to create and share meaning The management of messages for the purpose of creating meaning in a specific context

Communication Dimensions Written, Oral, Graphical Interpersonal, Group/Team, Public Speaking Chemical, Mathematical, Scientific Beyond grammar, spelling, punctuation, and pronunciation Critical thinking Audience analysis Organization Delivery

Overview The Structure of Research Review basic presentation strategies Strategies for… Getting Started Effective Delivery Effective Content Wrap up

The Truth is, You Gave a Lousy Talk Communication Clarity Focus Technology Substance Presentation

The Structure of Research A. TITLE B. ABSTRACT C. INTRODUCTION (with Rationale) D. REVIEW OF LITERATURE (with Research Questions and/or Hypothesis at the conclusion of lit review) E. METHODS (subjects, procedures, data treatment) F. RESULTS G. DISCUSSION Implications Limitations Future Directions H. REFERENCES

Presentation Strategies Select a clear purpose and strong thesis statement Select evidence to support your claims Prepare effective and organized outline for sequencing content Prepare preview and summary to guide your audience Design effective introduction Design effective conclusion Polish conversational delivery

Getting Started: Before You’re On Preparation Practice, practice, practice – but don’t memorize “Know” what you’re going to say Prep note cards wisely – not too many; key words only Dress to help, not hinder

Getting Started: You’re On! Arrival Arrive early Get set – take control of the room Be certain you know how to use any technology (e.g., Powerpoint, laser pointer) Have backup Beginning Step up to speak with confidence and authority Have your first sentence ready Breathe!

Effective Delivery: Connection Be aware of your audience Make eye contact Don’t talk to the laptop, whiteboard, screen, or your notes Refer to your note cards only occasionally, if at all Be conversational (extemporaneous) – don’t read to the audience

Effective Delivery: Movement Use gestures (locating, descriptive, etc.) Maintain good posture – don’t lean against the podium, cross legs, etc. Move out from behind the podium – but don’t wander aimlessly Don’t play with note cards, pencil, clothes, pointer, etc. Keep your hands out of your pockets

Effective Delivery: Voice Avoid clutter (e.g., ah, um, uh, so, ya know, well, okay) Speak loudly enough to be heard Speak at an appropriate pace Stop at the end of an idea – don’t string sentences together with “and …” Speak with confidence

Effective Content: Organization Start strong Plan an attention getter Don’t start with “Okay…” Build credibility Have a clear purpose/thesis statement Use transitions between main points Emphasize most important points Internal previews and summaries Repetition End strong Summarize Leave a lasting positive impression

Effective Content: Language Use Speak clearly Precise words (e.g., walk, amble, sprint) Simple words (e.g., predict versus presage) Specific words (e.g., selenium versus element) Speak vividly Use simile/metaphor (avoid cliché, though) Use sound patterns Parallelism Alliteration

Effective Content: Audience Adaptation Use language to connect with the audience Use personal pronouns Ask the audience questions Share common experiences Build hypothetical situations Relate examples to what is familiar Avoid inappropriate language

Effective Content: Visual Aids Can be nearly anything – even you! Must be visible Show aid only while you’re talking about it Point out what you want the audience to know about it Talk to your audience, not the visual aid Don’t overdo use of visual aids Pass objects around at your own risk

Effective Content: Keep in Mind Add value – don’t simply regurgitate the contents of a brochure everyone has already read Be creative in your presentations Integrate your personality appropriately into the presentation to stimulate interest Use narrative examples for retention Involve the audience

Effective Use of PowerPoint on=viewAsset&mediaIndex=432 on=viewAsset&mediaIndex=432

Wrap up Communication and Research Presentations Review of broad presentation strategies Presentations and feedback Strategies for… Getting Started Effective Content Effective Delivery Questions…