10 Practical Tips for Presenting Your Paper at an Academic Conference


10 Practical Tips for Presenting Your Paper at an Academic Conference
Beth Worthy

Beth Worthy

1/5/2022

Presenting at an academic conference is a crucial element of a researcher's career, and several new researchers relish the opportunity.

While it is undoubtedly an exciting event, it is also a frightening idea for most researchers.

Being well-prepared is essential for a successful conference presentation. Here are a few pointers to make the procedure go more smoothly for you:

10 Tips for Presenting Your Paper at an Academic Conference:

1. Consider Your Audience While Writing

Remember that your paper should be heard rather than read. Since audiences have shorter attention spans than readers, keep your information brief and straightforward. Your speech should be well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Use plain, straightforward language and briefly explain any technical terms or jargon the audience may be unfamiliar with. Keep proper backups of all your presentation data as well.

2. Visuals Should Be Used to Emphasize Rather Than Obscure

Any presentation requires the use of images. Visuals may be far more effective than words, and they support or complement the concepts or points you're attempting to convey.

When you offer your message with pictures that relate to it, your audience may be able to understand it a little better. However, keep your images simple and tidy.

3. Aim for Simplicity and Consistency in Your Slides

Inconsistency in slides is a subtle issue that can quickly detract from a presentation. While colorful presentations may appear appealing, they may distract your audience.

Make your slides as large as possible with clear fonts and as few words as possible. Don't be hesitant to use text and bullet points.

4. Be Familiar With the Presentation Stage

Get familiar with where you will be presenting and the setup. Bring your notes with you, double-check that you can read them in the room's lighting, and ensure that all the equipment you need is functional. 

5. Stick to Time Limits

Conference paper presentation sessions are generally 20-30 minutes long, so plan appropriately. Prepare a shorter presentation version or last-minute tweaks to the presentation if you are allotted a shorter time slot.

On the other hand, keep some extra materials at hand if you are allotted 30 minutes instead of 20.

6. Practicing With a Friend

Rehearse a few times with a friend or in front of the mirror to familiarize yourself with the material. This will boost your confidence.

It's also a good idea to record a video of your practice sessions so you can review them later and see where you need to improve. However, don't over-rehearse right before your presentation. Otherwise, your voice will be tired.

7. Start Confidently

The first few minutes of your presentation are critical. Within the initial 10-20 seconds of your presentation, you'll need to win the audience's trust and attention.

Begin with a brief self-introduction to help establish your credibility. Always plan ahead of time, including preparing a few highlights and a brief self-introduction in advance.

See Also: How Students, Faculty, and Universities Stand to Benefit from Academic Transcription

8. Maintain Eye Contact With the Audience

Before you begin, relax and take a deep, calming breath. Smiling as you begin your presentation will help you maintain eye contact with the audience. Make sure you speak clearly, loudly, and with energy.

However, never rush. Utilize pauses to glance up at your audience, giving them time to react to what you've said or just to breathe and become more composed.

9. Remember to Use Transitions Between Ideas

Transitions help the presentation flow smoothly. "Furthermore," "in addition," "consequently," "meanwhile," "finally," and other transitions are useful.

When repeating an idea, you can start with "A similar thought is" or "Another example is," and so on. This method will make it easier for readers to follow up with the points you're making. 

10. Encourage Discussions and Questions

After your conference presentation, you'll have enough time for questions and an open discussion if you manage your time effectively. Expect questions, but don't be concerned if none arise.

A skilled session chair will usually pose questions if your audience is hesitant to ask questions. They allow you to clarify anything that wasn't clear or address a topic that everyone wants to understand but you forgot to mention. 

How Can Academic Transcription Help My Presentation?

If your academic research includes videos and audios, it’s best to get them transcribed before compiling your research data and findings.

Your transcripts will not only aid in your research work better but will also help with making the presentation as it will save you the time used in replaying the video multiple times. 

Additionally, if you plan to add audio or video clips to your presentation, include their related transcripts in the slides to help your audience comprehend their content better.

However, be careful while using audio and visual aids in your presentation. Ensure that they do not disrupt the flow of your presentation or dilute the content.

See Also: How to Choose the Best Online Academic Transcription Service


You'll be ready to give a terrific conference presentation once you've mastered the ideas above.

However, it might be better to opt for a professional academic transcription services provider if you need to get your research audios transcribed.

At GMR Transcription Services, Inc., we provide expert academic and qualitative research transcription services. You can visit our website to get a transcription started!

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Beth Worthy

Beth Worthy

Beth Worthy is the Cofounder & President of GMR Transcription Services, Inc., a California-based company that has been providing accurate and fast transcription services since 2004. She has enjoyed nearly ten years of success at GMR, playing a pivotal role in the company's growth. Under Beth's leadership, GMR Transcription doubled its sales within two years, earning recognition as one of the OC Business Journal's fastest-growing private companies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids.