Presentation skills are essential to effective communication in the field of science. In this article we will examine the factors that contribute to successful scientific presentation.
The best definition of the term comes from Morrisey & Sechrest (1987:2): "A presentation involves the preparation and delivery of critical subject matter in a logical and condensed form, leading to effective communication."
There are various kinds of presentation however in the field of science most students will be concerned with the following:
A successful presentation will consist of the following steps:
Before constructing a presentation the presenter must consider why they are making the presentation. Presenters must consider the objectives they wish to achieve. By having a clear idea of their objective presenters can focus their preparation on a successful outcome.
For a presentation to be effective it must be adapted to the audience. Before giving a presentation presenters should try to determine the level of knowledge of their audience. This can be done in a number of ways. For example presenters can consult with people who have made presentations to the same or a similar audience. At scientific conferences presenters may also examine the likely research background of audience members.
This factor is very important to the success of a presentation. Before completion the presenter should outline the form of their presentation as in the following example:
Introduction (sets out the purpose of the presentation, sources of data, introduction of main findings)
Main body (develops main ideas and supporting sub-ideas)
Conclusion ( summary of findings, suggestions for future research)
An effective presentation should be organized logically with an introduction, main body and conclusion.
The introduction must be designed to gain the attention of the audience. If the introduction is poorly prepared the audience may lose interest. In the introduction the audience will need to know the purpose of the presentation the sources of data and the means by which the data was obtained. A good introduction will also introduce the main ideas of the presentation. These will be four or five points at most. A well planned introduction will "...set an objective framework in which the audience will accept the information as accurate and as significant." (Laster & Pickett 1996: 442.)
The main body of the presentation will develop the main ideas set out in the introduction in a logical manner. A well constructed main body of text will contain information supporting the development of these main ideas. At this stage the presenter should avoid including unnecessary text. Presenters may use a number of approaches in order to help their audience comprehend the main body of text. The use of well designed visuals (see below) helps an audience to understand new findings. Presenters should repeat their key findings during the presentation (using for example a different form of words) in order that the audience remembers them.
The conclusion should contain a summary of the data together with a comment on the importance of the findings. The main points of the presentation should gain be stressed together will a recommendation for future research. Phrases used to indicate a conclusion include the following:
"Now let us review the main points of todays presentation..."
"To sum up...
"Our purpose today has been..."
"In conclusion..."
In some cases presenters may wish to end their presentations with a thought provoking conclusion.
Using well designed visuals enhances the effectiveness of a presentation. The most common visuals used in scientific presentations are transparencies. The purpose of a transparency is to support a presentation by illustrating only important data or ideas. Transparencies for overhead projectors may be prepaired by hand using a marking pen, by machine, or by a software graphic package. Transparencies provide clear high quality images. The design of the visuals used in a presentation is of great importance. Transparencies can be used to outline a presentation or highlight key points or terms. Data is best presented in the form of a graph (showing change) or chart (for comparison). In preparing transparencies presenters should be aware of the following points:
Presenters are also advised to limit the number of transparencies they use.
An important aspect of presentations is delivery, how the presenter presents. Bare in mind that the following factors contribute to successful delivery:
Approach the podium in an unhurried manner pause for a moment before starting the presentation as this gives the audience the chance to focus their attention.
Relax and be confident audiences respond to a confident looking individual.
Look at the audience presenters should try to keep their audience engaged by maintaining eye contact.
Be aware of body Language avoid distracting gestures and mannerisms, stand naturally resting your hands on the lectern.
Voice projection the audience must be able to hear your voice clearly.
Vary the pace and tone of your voice to enhance meaning avoid talking too slowly or quickly. Adopt a positive speaking style. Also be prepared to use a pause to allow the audience to grasp a difficult point or to provide emphasis.
Be prepared to answer questions anticipate and plan for the kind of questions the audience may ask. If time allows, answer questions that come up during your presentation. However try to answer questions before the conclusion. Taking questions at the end of a presentation reduces the impact of the conclusion. Useful phrases in dealing with questions include:
"I'd like to take any questions now, before my summary"
"I'm happy to answer this point before my conclusion"
Presenters are strongly advised to practise their presentations beforehand. Practise methods include taping or video recording the presentation. These methods help to identify areas that may be improved. A further approach involves practising the complete presentation with a colleague who shares the background knowledge of the audience.
Laster, A. A. and Pickett, N. A. (1996). Technical English: Writing, Reading and Speaking. New York: HarperCollins.
Morrisey, G. L. and Sechrest, Thomas L. (1987). Effective Business and Technical Presentations. Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley.
This article was authored by Mark Peterson
http://www.jaist.ac.jp/~mark/Article.html
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