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9 useful tips to help scientists and researchers engage their audiences, convey their research effectively, and make a lasting impression, in person or when delivering presentations virtually.
In the competitive world of science and research, delivering a compelling presentation is crucial. Whether you are presenting at a conference, defending your thesis, sharing your findings with peers, or raising awareness with the lay public, your ability to engage and convey your message can make a significant impact. Here are 10 tips to help you create and deliver a presentation that resonates with your audience.
Before crafting your presentation, know who your audience is and what they expect. Tailoring your content to their interests and level of expertise will keep them engaged and make your message more impactful.
Your slides are not your presentation. They are visual aids. They should complement your talk, not overwhelm it. With that in mind, use simple, clear text and high-quality visuals to support your points. Avoid clutter and ensure each slide communicates one main idea.
Rehearse your presentation several times to become comfortable with the material. Practice will help you deliver a confident and smooth presentation, reducing the likelihood of errors. Practicing several times, with at least one practice session in front of other people who are invited to give you feedback, can not only make your presentation smoother, but it can reduce nerves, too.
Stories make data and research more relatable. Use storytelling techniques to present your research in an engaging way, using anecdotes, case studies, and real-life examples to illustrate your points.
The days of an audience simply sitting through a never-ending presentation without losing interest are gone (if they ever truly existed!) Engage your audience with interactive elements – ask a question, get them to raise their hands, and if you’re online, use polls, Q&A sessions, and chat functions. These elements make your presentation more dynamic and keep your audience actively involved.
If you’re presenting in person, arrive early to get a feel for the space. Know where you’ll stand, where your computer will sit, how to use the beamer or projector and mic, and where to find a clicker, if it exists. Taking time to think about things like windows, too much sun or wind or noise, can help you create a pleasant, distraction-free environment for you and your audience.
If you’re online, arrive early to “check your tech”. Make sure you are familiar with virtual software that you will be using (Zoom, Teams and co.), meet any co-presenters or the producer, and try out the functions that you need, like screen sharing , how to use the chat, audio and video.
Stand up straight, and peak clearly and confidently, using vocal variety to keep the audience attuned to your presentation and what you want them to understand. Maintain a steady pace, and don’t be afraid to pause for emphasis, giving your audience time to absorb key points.
Whether you’re online or in person, body language is important. Sit or stand upright, maintain eye contact with the audience (this might mean keeping the camera in mind at all times if you’re online), and use natural hand gestures to emphasize your points and keep your audience engaged.
After your presentation, offer your audience additional resources. Instead of sharing your slides, with all their transitions and notes, have a separate slide deck the key points that they need. You might also want to send out related articles, resources, and of course, or your contact information, so that people can reach you for further questions. This adds value to your presentation and allows you to do a bit of networking, too.
Effective scientific presentations can raise the profile of your research and expand your reach. By keeping these tips in mind, you can engage your audience, communicate your findings clearly, and make a lasting impression.
BUT: while tips are great, practical, hands-on learning and practice is better. We offer interactive in-person workshops, engaging webinars, and 1-to-1 coaching to help scientists and researchers present better in person as well as virtually. Learn more or get in touch for a chat about your goals.
Interested in learning more about our communication workshops, training and coaching for scientists and researchers? Take a look around, or get in touch – we’d love to help.
Curious about how our communication workshops, training programmes and coaching can help you, your research group or your institution get better about talking about your research with expert and non-expert audiences alike? Book a 30-minute call, or drop us a line.