It can be rewarding to present research results at a professional conference.This may be a great way for you to share your ideas with others in your field.You need to find a topic that interests you, locate a conference that accepts papers, and apply.If you get your paper accepted, you need to prepare for your presentation.
Step 1: Find a conference that interests you.
Finding an appropriate conference is the first step in presenting your paper.This may be easy if you are a member of a professional organization.You can check the website of your organization to see if they are sponsoring a conference.There are several websites where you can search for conferences.You can conduct a general Internet search to find conferences that interest you.If you search for art teacher conferences, you can find out that the National Art Education Association is having a conference in New York City.The National Humane Society is sponsoring the Animal Care expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, if you search for animal care conferences.
Step 2: Look for calls for someone to give a presentation.
You can narrow your search to conferences that accept proposals for presentations.You can check the websites for upcoming conferences to see if they still accept papers or presentations.The phrase "call for papers" can be used along with your subject area to run a general search.The phrase "call for papers in hotel management" results in a conference in Cyprus in July of next year.The topics that will be accepted can be found on the website.
Step 3: The call for papers should be read carefully.
Your submission needs to match the topics requested.There are approximately 40 different topics that would be considered for presentation topics at the Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing conference.If you don't see your idea listed in the call for papers, you should ask the organizers if they would consider it.You should not assume that some conferences are more flexible than others.A call for papers for an Animal Welfare Act conference at Harvard Law School had a list of topics, but added, "Potential topics include but are not limited to..."
Step 4: The paper specifications need to be met.
Details about the length and style of presentation will be included in the call for papers.There may be more than one option to choose from.Paper sessions, posters, workshops, and discussion groups are included in these formats.Each type has its own requirements for length, style of graphics, and amount of material you are expected to cover.Know what you are applying for.
Step 5: An abstract should be prepared.
Whether or not you are accepted to speak at the conference depends on your abstract.It's important that you submit a concise and interesting abstract.You should identify the purpose of your paper, explore the pertinent issue, explain your methods, and describe your results.If you are applying to speak as part of a panel or in an open session, you should know.If you'll be part of a panel, make sure your abstract explains how your paper fits in.
Step 6: The deadlines are met.
Conferences usually have 2 or more deadlines for submission.An abstract of your presentation will be the earliest deadline.The abstract is a short description of your presentation.You will be expected to give the final copy of your presentation some time later.If you know the deadlines, you can meet them.It would be easy for these conferences to deny your application if you fail to meet a deadline.
Step 7: Take part in any edits or revisions.
Conferences will peer review the proposals before accepting them.The experts in the field will review your paper and return it to you.If you want to be accepted as a final presenter at the conference, you need to submit these revisions.Return the paper on time.
Step 8: Understand time expectations.
The expectations for your presentation should be spelled out in your acceptance letter.You should ask the conference organizers if it is clear.You don't want to plan for a 75 minute lecture and then find out that you have to speak for 45 minutes and answer questions for 15 minutes.Conferences operate on a tight schedule and you can't over time.It's important that you don't speak for too long.It is okay to end a few minutes early.
Step 9: Know the format of your presentation.
You should be aware of this in the acceptance letter.You need to know if you are presenting your paper to a large conference room as a keynote speaker or one of three other people sharing a small space and time.You should call the organizers if the acceptance letter doesn't answer your questions.Presentations may include conference panels, small workshops, large keynote addresses, round-table discussions, or general research reports.
Step 10: You should be familiar with the expected audience.
Study information about the sponsoring organization on the conference website to understand the style that they expect.Links to materials from prior years can be found at many conference sites.As you prepare, these can be valuable sources of information.
Step 11: Don't be afraid to know your technology.
Make sure you know what technology is available for your presentation.If you rely on internet links in your presentation, you should not assume that you have access to wi-fi.If you are preparing a slide show, make sure that you use a program that the host system will support.
Step 12: You should practice your presentation.
If you hope to be asked to return, you must be prepared to present your paper in a professional manner.You have to practice your presentation a lot.Whether you are standing at a podium reading your paper or presenting a more extemporaneous lecture using a slide show outline, you must appear polished and professional.If you want to know if you can be understood, ask your friends or colleagues to listen to your presentation.The audience can understand your points if your paper is written clearly.While listening can make it harder for your audience to pay attention, reading can keep them engaged.
Step 13: Arrive early.
You should arrive at your assigned location at least 15 to 30 minutes before your presentation starts.You might need to arrange seating, distribute copies of materials, or set up your computer.You will be expected to start promptly when the conference schedule is tightly arranged.It is possible to gauge your audience and space.It is clear that many audience members are still entering, so if you are scheduled to begin at a certain time, you may want to delay.If you can, you may want to check with the conference organizers to make them aware of the situation.
Step 14: Speak to your audience, not at them.
Unless you have been invited to read the paper, you will most likely be presenting from a slide show or outline.The best presentations are loose and informal.If you don't use your slides to organize your speech, you will bore your audience.The audience will not be able to absorb too much technical information during a busy day, so avoid getting too technical.The audience will only be hearing one of several presentations that day.You will lose people's attention if you become too technical.
Step 15: When possible, include graphs, pictures or tables.
It is possible to simplify and summarize your words at a high level conference.The pictures you use to illustrate key points are likely to be remembered for a long time.A table can quickly summarize years worth of data.You can use these tools to your advantage.
Step 16: The end should have a strong conclusion.
Your opening and closing will be the most memorable because your audience's attention is going to be very focused on the conference.An outline is required for a strong opening introduction.After that, you should review the outline and the general topics you covered.The main highlights of your presentation should be repeated.
Step 17: Follow up with the conference organizers.
If you would like to present again at the conference, you should send a brief note to the organizers.Just like attending a party, you should send a note of thanks.It can't hurt and will add a touch of professionalism if you use it.
Step 18: Be prepared.
Prepare thoroughly so that you don't get nervous speaking in front of an audience.You should practice your presentation many times.Think about questions that your audience might ask.
Step 19: You should delay your start.
As soon as they take the stage, nervous speakers need to speak.You will feel more control if you take a deep breath and pause.
Step 20: You can use eye contact.
Look at audience members as you speak.Instead of looking across the room, look at one person and think.Then look at someone else.This is used for two purposes.As you focus on someone, it will help you slow your speech.It will help you see your audience in a different way.If you don't make contact with each person in the audience, the appearance helps personalize your presentation for everyone.
Step 21: Speak slowly and ly.
People who are nervous tend to speak quickly.A lack of focus by your audience can make you feel more nervous.You have to speak very slowly to break this cycle.You are probably speaking too fast if you think you are speaking naturally.You are probably speaking when you feel like it.
Step 22: You can use deep breaths to your advantage.
Take a deep breath if you feel your nerves taking over.This will slow your speech and help you regain composure.The brief pause has a way of drawing attention.The audience members who were drifting will focus on your presentation.
Step 23: The focus should be on the positive.
If your topic is controversial, audience members may frown at you, cross their arms or display other negative body language.Ignore them.The audience members who support you and your presentation should be the focus.Your presentation will be better if you don't change the attitudes of those negative members.