Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations

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Oral Presentation Tips

Each student presenter is assigned a 15-minute presentation block with this structure:

Each presentation room will be staffed by 1-2 undergraduate event assistants who will you’re your presentation and help you keep track of time.

Introduction to you and your research topic
Background information that will help the audience understand your project’s context and questions
Main goal, question, or experimental hypothesis of your project
Results
Conclusion
Significance and/or Future Directions
Acknowledgments: You faculty mentor, other research or creative mentors, funding sources for your project, and anyone else who supported you

Slide templates

Slide design tips:

Limit the text on each slide: you want people to listen to you.
Use large-font text (18 pt. font or larger)
Include images, graphics, and photos on your slides
Take your time. Spend at least 10 seconds on your title slide to introduce yourself and your research area and help the audience transition into your talk and the topic. If you feel yourself rushing to adhere to the 10-minute format, pare down the number of slides to focus on the key points.
Approximate guideline: 1 minute per slide. Aim for ~10 slides in a 10-minute talk.

Here are five key skills you can practice:

Preparation: refer to outlined notes without directly reading from them (no shame in having notes). Practice out loud. Do not just prepare on paper - speak!!!
Breathing: Practice focused breathing to manage the anxiety and nerves that may come with speaking for any audience.
Energy: Lift up the audience with increased energy - have more energy than your audience, especially if you are on Zoom and cannot see them all.
Authenticity: Be yourself and show your own personality throughout the presentation - don't try to imitate any other speakers.
Connection: it's a human conversation with your audience - remember this.