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This article is the second in a series on developing skills in writing and self-presentation. The first article examined the preparation of abstracts for conferences
Having successfully submitted an abstract to a conference or study day you are now in the position of having to present your paper. The art of public speaking is not just about the words themselves but also about the art of presentation. Your ultimate aim should be to engage in an interactive and dynamic process which arouses members of the audience and stimulates their intellectual processes. This may sound wonderful in theory but how is it achieved? This paper aims to give some helpful advice on preparing to deliver an oral presentation of a paper.
It can be a daunting prospect. After all, we have all probably attended conferences at which speakers had charisma ans seemed to capture the audience and carry it along on a wave of enthusiasm for the topic. But at the other end of the spectrum there cannot be many of us who have not suffered disappointment in going to listen to a paper on a topic of great interest but have felt unable to assimilate the information or even stay awake. Not everyone has charisma and this need not be a handicap. Most effective presenters have things in common: they are well prepared, know their subject and have confidence in their ability to talk about it. If your abstract has been accepted or you have been asked to present a paper you have convinced someone of your knowledge. This article will help you develop areas you may have overlooked.
The paper
Preparing for the great event can become all consuming. The danger is that you will try to memorise each word and anticipate every possible occurrence. You cannot do either! The chances are that even if you are word perfect by the day you will suffer from nerves and at a crucial point your mind will go blank, throwing you into turmoil. It is better to have some gaps in your mental theatre and allow for some spontaneity. However you do need to be prepared in the basic ways that will aid your overall presentation. You must also ensure that your presentation fulfils the...