Presenting an Effective and Dynamic Technical Paper

Presenting an Effective and Dynamic Technical Paper: A Guidebook for Novice and Experienced Speakers in a Multicultural World is intended for inexperienced speakers as well as those aspiring to improve their communication skills in making either formal or informal presentations on a technical subject.

The book focuses on how to make presentations to a cross-cultural audience, including such tactics as how to list the names of the co-authors on your presentation, how to handle eye contact and use humor, both of which can differ across the global spectrum of cultures. The cross-cultural focus of this book relates not only to the audience, but also to the speaker. This book also includes helpful tips for non-native English speakers.

• Discusses best practices in putting together an effective talk
• Focuses on leveraging the speaker’s existing skillsets to develop the delivery style that works best for that individual
• Features one-page quick reference guides for giving both formal oral and informal poster presentations
• Addresses cross-cultural communication, as well as particular concerns for non-native English speakers
• Includes a companion site with tools and video examples of formal and informal presentations for further self-guidance

Students and researchers across the sciences interested in improving their oral communication skills; in particular non-native English speakers

Chapter 1. Introduction

• Abstract
• 1.1 Focus and Scope of This Guidebook
• 1.2 Formal Oral Versus Poster Presentations
• 1.3 Special Features of This Guidebook
• 1.4 How to Use This Guidebook
• Notes

Chapter 2. Preliminary Considerations

• Abstract
• 2.1 Focus and Scope of This Chapter
• 2.2 The Presentation Format
• 2.3 The Venue
• 2.4 The Allotted Time
• 2.5 The Outline and Cue Cards for Your Presentation
• 2.6 Dressing for the Occasion
• Notes

Chapter 3. Organizing Your Presentation

• Abstract
• 3.1 Focus and Scope of This Chapter
• 3.2 The Abstract
• 3.3 The Title Slide
• 3.4 The Outline or Overview
• 3.5 The Introduction
• 3.6 The Review of Prior Studies
• 3.7 The Research Plan
• 3.8 The Discussion of Results
• 3.9 The Conclusions
• 3.10 A Future Work Slide
• 3.11 The Acknowledgments
• 3.12 The “Thank You” Slide
• Notes

Chapter 4. Making a Formal Oral Presentation

• Abstract
• 4.1 Focus and Scope of This Chapter
• 4.2 Preparing Your Slides
• 4.3 Scoping Out the Room and Facilities When On-Site
• 4.4 Use of a Microphone and Laser Pointer
• 4.5 Mastering the Mechanics of an Effective Oral Presentation
• 4.6 Stepping Through Your Presentation
• 4.7 Handling Nervousness
• 4.8 Practice Makes Perfect
• 4.9 Critiquing Presentations Made by Others
• 4.10 Developing Your Presentation Style
• Notes

Chapter 5. Giving a Poster Presentation

• Abstract
• 5.1 Focus and Scope of This Chapter
• 5.2 Preparing Your Poster
• 5.3 Printing Your Poster
• 5.4 Checklist Before Arriving On-Site for Your Poster Presentation
• 5.5 Scoping Out the Room and Posting Your Poster
• 5.6 Using a Mechanical Pointer
• 5.7 Mastering the Mechanics of an Effective Poster Presentation
• 5.8 Poster Session Courtesy
• 5.9 Developing Your Poster Presentation Style
• Notes

Appendix A. Quick Reference Guide for Giving a Formal Oral Presentation

Appendix B. Quick Reference Guide for Making a Poster Presentation

Appendix C. Typical Criteria for Judging a Poster Competition

• Technical:
• Nontechnical:

Appendix D. Considerations When Critiquing a Presentation

• Organization
• Style

Appendix E. Web Sites for Outstanding Presentations

• Al Gore
• Del Harvey
• Dr. Hans Rosling
• Joe Wong

Appendix F. Overview of Online Materials