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Presenting Your Research

On the VRES Showcase

You have three minutes to explain your research! Where do you start?  You have so much valuable information to explain – how do you fit that all into only 3 minutes? The simple answer is you don’t! But you do need to make your presentation as interesting and clear as possible, so that your audience is compelled to know more.

The presentation will consist of a single static powerpoint slide and an associated 3-minute oral presentation.

The presentation must convey:

• a meaningful title

• a clear outline of the research question or problem, its importance and the method used.

• the key results or findings of the VRES project.

• a summary of the conclusions and work still required or future directions.

It is important that the slide is eye catching, with judicious use of graphics and limited text.

Here are some things to consider:

Visuals

You will be explaining your research with the support of a single slide with no animations or slide changes.

Have a strong takeaway message

Try to sum up the purpose or benefits of your research in one sentence. People most likely won’t remember every detail of your statistical results or testing methodology, but they will remember, on the whole, what your research is about if you give them a clear, concise message.

Connect with your audience

Think of good ways to grab and hold the audience’s attention. Avoid heavy, technical jargon. Try to explain things as if to someone you met at a party. Using humour can be an effective tool if done well. Also, your body language will be an important part of the presentation.

Walk them through

Guide the audience through your research clearly and carefully. Refer them to sections of your slide at appropriate times to help reinforce what you’re saying. Be very clear with your sentences and be as logical and cohesive as possible.

Believe & enjoy your research!

Nothing compels an audience more than the genuine passion of the speaker. Show your audience how excited you are about your project. Believe in yourself and believe in your research.

 

Subjects: Information technology / Computer science, Information technology / Information systems, Mathematics, Science / Biological sciences, Science / Chemistry, Science / Earth science, Science / Environmental science, Science / Physics
Tags: QUT VRES, Vacation Research Experience Scheme, VRES