Presenting in the Sciences : A Guide

Some basic tips on Presenting Science - See Communicating with non-Scientists for even more fun tips!

• Be prepared: The more prepared you are to present the more comfortable and organized you will be
• Know your topic: Make sure you are comfortable with the topic and can speak with authority
• Know your audience: Tailor your presentation based on the expertise and interests of the audience. 
• Be professional: Dress nicely, show-up on time, be courteous
• Be respectful: Show up on time, do not be demeaning, and never argue with an audience member
• Prepare your audience: Provide an outline on what you plan on presenting
• Use visuals: Ensure that each slide has at least one visual and explain why you are using that visual. 
• Be enthusiastic: Don't let the audience think you are bored by your own research. 
• Engage the audience: Have the audience ask questions, provide comments, and offer solutions. 
• Reflect and evaluate: Did people have questions? Were they falling asleep? Always try and improve. 
• Use text sparingly: Avoid small or fancy font. Keep text at a minimum. Use visuals instead of text when possible. 
• Do not read your notes: Good speakers can speak about their topic without reading from a paper. Reading also prevents you from making eye contact. 
• Include references: Adds support to your research and presentation