Strategies for Showcasing Your Research Findings
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In the realm of "Research-based Courses", one of the most challenging tasks is condensing a lengthy research paper into a concise, engaging 10-minute presentation. Ellie Breitfeld, our Natural Sciences Correspondent, shares insights on this process, providing valuable tips for students preparing for events like the Mary W. George Freshman Research Conference.
The key to success lies in focusing on the essential aspects of your research. Start by defining your focus and objectives succinctly, stating your thesis or research question and the key takeaways you want your audience to grasp.
Simplify the methods section by using flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate your approach, avoiding dense text and focusing on one point at a time. Highlight your results visually with graphs or annotated images that clearly show key findings without overwhelming detail.
Structure your presentation logically, covering the introduction, literature context, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Maintain a coherent narrative about your research’s significance, ensuring your talk flows smoothly and effectively communicates your findings.
Design slides minimally, following the 6×6 rule (no more than six bullet points per slide, six words per bullet), with readable fonts and colour schemes. Limit distracting animations to keep your audience focused on your content.
Practice your delivery to maintain timing, convey confidence, and link points logically. Ensure you communicate effectively within the 10-minute limit, making every second count.
To adapt a detailed, academic argument for a more popular audience, seek guidance from your writing seminar professor and the Writing Center. Fresh eyes, whether your own after spending time away from the research or others’, are valuable assets when presenting research to a wider audience. Getting an "outsider's" perspective, such as from friends or colleagues, is beneficial in identifying areas of confusion or overly complex parts in the presentation.
By following these steps, you can turn complex detailed research into an accessible and memorable talk, effectively engaging your audience and making a lasting impact.
- Pursuing education-and-self-development through the process of condensing a research paper is not only a challanging task, but also an opportunity for personal-growth and learning, as it forces you to focus on the essential aspects of your research and communicate your findings effectively to a wider audience.
- The steps outlined in this presentation, such as simplifying the methods section, structuring your presentation logically, and practicing your delivery, can contribute significantly to your learning and personal-growth, enabling you to enhance your abilities in education-and-self-development, and equipment you with the skills for effective learning and communication.
