Scientific
Presentation
A. Gumawang Jati
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.
Presentation: A Definition
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".
Types of Presentation
There are various
kinds of presentation however in the field of science most
students will be concerned with the following:
- Persuasive:
convincing your audience to follow a particular course of
action.
- Instructional:
showing others how to perform a specific task. An example
of this type of presentation would be a laboratory
demonstration.
- Informative:
presenting new findings or information. In the scientific
community this form of presentation is commonly found at
international conferences.
The Elements of a Successful
Presentation
A successful
presentation will consist of the following steps:
- Determination
of the objectives of the presentation
- Analysis
of the audience
- Planning
- Organization
of the material for effective results
- Preparation
of visual aids
- Delivery
- Practice
Objectives
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.
Audience Analysis
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.
Planning
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)
Organization of Materials
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 today's presentation....." (sound file?)
"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.
Visuals
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 prepared 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 or chart. In preparing
transparencies presenters should be aware of the following
points:
- avoid
using too much text (use no more than eight to ten lines
per page)
- be
consistent in the lettering used
- give
each transparency a title
- use
colour or shading to enhance meaning
Presenters are also
advised to limit the number of transparencies they use.
Delivery
An important aspect
of presentations is delivery, how the presenter presents. Bear
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" (sound file?)
"I'm happy to answer this point
before my conclusion"
Practise
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.
References
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.
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