How to prepare a presentation for a conference
Last Updated: 04.07.2024
Author: Łukasz Śliwiński
Version: 0.0.1
1. Overview
Purpose:
This framework outlines the steps and the tips to create a very good presentation, in this case specifically for a conference.
Presentations are important since they showcase one's ability to communicate their research and be spotted by potential employers and collaborators.
Scope:
This document provides the description how to prepare the presentation starting with the establishement who is the receiver of the presentation, through creating the slides, ending with the steps on correct preparation before physical presenting.
Prerequisites:
The paper that the presentation will be based on, information on: - the technology available for the presentation, - the time for the presentation and the questions, - the public who will be listening to the presentation.
2. Procedure
Step 1: Initial preparation
Description: Execute the initial preparations before actually making the presentation. Write down the crucial information.
Sub-Steps: - Get information and write down: - The time for the presentation. - The hour for the presentation and the location. - The technology available if known: Will there be a computer, a pointer, a microphone, how far will the screen be from the viewers, how many viewers will there be? - Think about the paper you are about to present. Write down: - Who will be listening to the presentation? What is their knowledge? Why are their interested? What they want to find - why are they there? - What is the paper, what are the key findings, what is interesting? How to best present it?
Notes/Tips: Put yourself in the position of the listener.
Step 2: Create an outline
Description: Start down the document for the presentation.
Sub-steps: - Open a powerpoint and create a rough outline of the presentation. That is, create a title slide and then continue to create slides with small descriptions regarding the content of each slide. Aim to have around 1 slide per minute (of information - there can be more slides if you split same information across multiple slides.)
Notes/Tips: The slides should include the crucial information to understand your presentation and only that information.
Step 3: Fill the content
Description: Fill in the detailed content of the presentation.
Sub-steps: - Starting from the begining, fill the information of each slide. Remember that the information should follow a story. - At every point, remember that people will be listening. Are each term/ symbol explained? Does the next slide follow from the previous. - Whenever possible, try to visualise the information using graphical representation. This could encompass explanation using images. Additionally, arrows, element positioning and ephasis is useful to point to the flow of the information and could help you deliver the story and the main points in a coherent way. - Make sure that the text is cleary visible and there are no errors. - Lastly, split the slides into smaller slides so that each small piece of new information appears as you talk through the slide. This helps to keep attention of the viewer on the presentation.
Notes/Tips: Remember, people will have to a) understand and b) find your presentation interesting.
Step 4: Prepare the notes for the story.
Description: Prepare the bullet points for each slide.
Sub-steps: - Go over the finished presentation and prepare the bullet points with the information you want to talk about on each slide. - You can include key phrases that you think will help you to make the presentation more engaging.
Notes/Tips: Remember, people have to understand and follow what you are talking about. Do not add information that people would find confusing. This has to be a story.
Step 5: Practice delivery.
Description: Practice giving the presentation.
Sub-steps: - For the first time, just talk through the presentation at your own pace. Feel out which parts may be difficult. You can amed the presentation and your notes if necessary. - Second time, try to deliver the presentation with time, you can stop but you should aim to finish in time without stops. - Deliver the presentation to your friend or record it and listen back. Ask for feedback.
Tips/Notes: - The delivery of the presentation is essential. Make sure that you are talking cliearly, not too quite, not too loud. Make sure your tone of voice is engaging. Make pauses. - Be energetic and positive. People will not be excited if you are not.
Step 6: During the presentation.
Description: Deliver the presentation in person.
Sub-steps: - Relax before presenting. Avoid eating heavy foods and drinking tea or coffee - water is best. - Take some deep breaths to lower your heart rate. - Make sure that everybody can see the presentation and that the presentation works. - Think about the volume of your voice. Keep it engaging and avoid digressions. - Look at the time. - Control if there are any questions around. - Keep the tone light. - During questions, make sure you understand the question so that you are not answering a wrong question and lose audience.
Tips/Notes: Keep being relaxed.
3. Examples
Example presentation (without notes) can be found in the folder. It is not perfect but rather good quality.
A good reasource is internet where you can find very good presentation e.g. iPhone reveal by Steve Jobs.
4. Troubleshooting
The instruction is sometimes not clear. When in doubt, always think about the listener or consult internet.
5. References
None.
6. Appendices
Presentation template in PowerPoint.
7. Feedback
No feedback form - just modify the instruction.