Professor Olga van den Akker

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Professor Olga van den Akker
Presentation Skills

• Head of Psychology Department

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The request

• Skills needed to write high quality abstracts/
  papers
• How to find appropriate conferences
• Presenting papers at conferences
• Presenting Posters

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Your main help

• The University Skills training / CPD /ISHR
• The Department Seminars / research culture / RDC
• Your Supervisor Your lifeline
• Your peers
• Family/ Friends

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Writing Abstracts/ Papers

• Abstract - Summary/ Introduction
• Method / Design/ Materials - Equipment/
  Participants/ Procedures (Incl. Ethics)
• Results Figures/ Graphs/ Histograms/Tables/ Text
  (accuracy e.g. axis, decimals, nrs, ages)
• Discussion/ Conclusions - Implications
• References

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Skills needed to write high quality abstracts /
papers

• Read read read
• Critically appraise existing work
• Distinguish between lame (so what factor) and
  impact (wow factor)
• Have a beginning, a middle and an end
• Stick to the brief (present data not nonsense)
• Present it well If you dont believe it neither
  will anybody else
• Be concise

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How to find appropriate conferences

• Investigate, explore, register, be involved
• Professional Societies always organise
  conferences/ workshops (BPS/BICA/etc)
• Expert outlets (ESHRE/BFS/SRIP)
• Become a member of learned societies
• Referee for Journals
• Shadow Supervisor

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Presentation skills

• Prepare yourself well It is a job
• Justify / demonstrate / convince
• Present each point effectively/ efficiently
• Do not under/ overestimate your audience
• Time is money
• Develop a reputation

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Presenting papers at conferences

• Be aware of your audience (look/interact)
• Practice visibility/ audibility / time
• Make sure you say what you mean to say
• Emphasize main points at start and end

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Presenting Posters

• Prepare well (unusual questions)
• Go for Prizes
• Be concise and ensure visual impact is striking
• Content should be punchy
• Interact with your audience

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Summary

• Prepare well
• Optimize self efficacy
• Keep your presentations simple
• Emphasize key points at the start and end of the
  presentation
• Enjoy