Conferences are vital venues for sharing research, building professional connections, and advancing one’s academic career. However, for many researchers—particularly those in the early stages of their careers—presenting at a conference can be a daunting prospect. This guide draws on good practices to help you navigate the entire conference presentation process, from managing pre-presentation nerves to effective networking after your talk.

Managing Presentation Anxiety

Nervousness before presenting is entirely normal and experienced by even the most seasoned speakers. Rather than trying to eliminate these feelings, consider these strategies for channelling nervous energy productively:

  • Practice thoroughly: Rehearse your presentation multiple times in different settings, including the specific platform if presenting online. This builds confidence and muscle memory.
  • Prepare for disruptions: Practice how to handle unexpected interruptions so you can smoothly return to your narrative.
  • Take control of your space: Remember that you are the expert on your presentation content. Begin with an engaging opening slide and involve your audience through thoughtful questions.
  • Use breathing techniques: Simple breathing exercises can help manage overwhelming nerves in the moments before presenting.

Crafting a Compelling Narrative

The most engaging presentations tell a story. Before designing slides, develop a clear narrative structure:

  1. Consider how your research impacts people’s lives and its relevance to your specific audience
  2. Develop examples that illustrate complex concepts, using direct examples from your research or apt metaphors for abstract ideas
  3. Focus on “need to know” information, with additional “nice to know” content only if time permits
  4. Ensure your presentation’s purpose and impact form a consistent thread throughout
  5. Use deliberate signposting to guide the audience through your narrative

Time management is crucial—it’s always better to finish slightly early than to run over your allocated slot. When planning your talk, ask yourself:

  • How do you want the audience to feel during and after your presentation?
  • What one or two key messages should they take away?
  • Is there something specific you want them to do or think differently about afterwards?

Designing Effective Visual Materials

Slide Design Principles

  • Simplicity is key: Maintain clear, uncluttered slides with only essential information
  • Match slide count to time: Avoid having too many slides for your allocated time slot
  • Engage with creative headings: Use intriguing headers rather than standard “Introduction, Methods, Results” to maintain audience interest
  • Minimise text: Include only necessary text as bullet points to prompt your memory—avoid reading directly from slides
  • Plan for contingencies: Rather than skipping slides during your presentation, place additional material at the end as “emergency slides”

Effective Visual Elements

  • Explain all visuals: Don’t assume prior knowledge—explain all graphs, figures, codes, and equations, and why you’re showing them
  • Focus on relevance: Highlight only the aspects of visuals that support your narrative
  • Use strategic animation: PowerPoint effects can emphasise important results, but use them judiciously
  • Ensure accessibility: Choose high-contrast text/background combinations and consider colour blindness when selecting palette for graphs and charts
  • Maintain readability: Ensure all captions and text on images are large enough to read
  • Respect copyright: Properly reference images from papers and use resources that allow for distribution

Equations and Code

When presenting mathematical content or code:

  • Break down complex equations, using colour, underlining, or arrows to explain different components
  • For code, explain the background briefly but focus on the modifications you made for your research
  • Never assume universal familiarity with any equation or code, even within your field
  • Include references for equations or code sourced from elsewhere

Concluding Effectively

The conclusion is arguably the most important part of your presentation:

  • Remind the audience of your research question—consider using it as your final slide title instead of “Conclusions”
  • Summarise key findings using bullet points or by highlighting an important graph
  • Reinforce why your research matters and its impact
  • Leave the audience with a key finding or thought-provoking question
  • Keep your conclusion slide visible during the Q&A rather than ending with a “Thank You” slide
  • If acknowledging funders or collaborators, do this on your first slide

Presentation Formats

In-Person Presentations

When presenting in a physical venue:

  • Visit the venue beforehand if possible to familiarise yourself with the room layout
  • Test your presentation with the actual equipment you’ll be using
  • Consider the room size when designing slides—ensure visibility from the back
  • Bring backup copies of your presentation (USB, cloud storage, PDF)
  • Plan your physical positioning and movement
  • Bring water and any essential notes
  • Arrive early to set up and connect with audience members
  • Use the space dynamically if appropriate
  • Be attentive to audience reactions, adjusting pace or clarity as needed

Online Presentations

For virtual presentations:

  • Test all technology thoroughly beforehand (camera, microphone, internet, presentation sharing)
  • Have backup options for technical difficulties
  • Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a professional background
  • Consider using a headset for better audio quality
  • Close unnecessary applications to prevent notifications
  • Sign in early to address any technical issues
  • Engage the audience through questions or interactive features
  • Use clear verbal transitions between slides as visual cues may be less obvious online
  • Speak slightly slower and pause more frequently than you would in person

Hybrid Presentations

Hybrid presentations require additional considerations:

  • Understand the technical setup—how will online viewers see and hear you?
  • Practice with the specific hybrid technology being used
  • Design slides that work well for both in-person and online audiences
  • Consider having a colleague assist with monitoring online participants
  • Acknowledge both audiences throughout your talk
  • Position yourself where both camera and in-person audience can see you
  • Repeat questions from the in-person audience for online viewers
  • Use inclusive language addressing everyone

Poster Presentations

Poster sessions offer different networking opportunities compared to oral presentations:

Before the session:

  • Prepare a concise 2-3 minute summary of your research
  • Bring business cards or handouts with your contact details
  • Consider creating a QR code linking to your research or a digital version of your poster
  • Print A4 versions as handouts (perhaps with your CV on the back)
  • Arrive early to set up and familiarise yourself with the location

During the session:

  • Stand beside your poster, appearing approachable
  • Adapt your explanation based on visitor background and interest
  • Use your poster as a visual aid while explaining
  • Be prepared for both technical questions and broader inquiries
  • Network with other presenters during quiet periods
  • Collect contacts of interested colleagues

Effective Networking

Pre-Conference Networking

Identify key contacts by:

  • Reviewing the programme and speaker list 2-3 weeks before the event
  • Researching attendees’ recent publications and projects
  • Prioritising contacts based on research alignment and collaboration potential
  • Looking beyond established researchers to include emerging scholars

When reaching out:

  • Contact people 1-2 weeks before the conference
  • Follow up once if necessary, 3-4 days before the event
  • Be mindful of academic calendar pressure points
  • Consider time zones for international attendees

During-Conference Networking

Take advantage of informal opportunities:

  • Follow conference social media hashtags to identify impromptu gatherings
  • Position yourself near refreshment areas during breaks
  • Attend social events, even briefly
  • Arrive early to sessions for pre-talk conversations
  • Join special interest group meetings for intimate networking

Useful conversation starters beyond your research:

  • “Which sessions have you found most valuable so far?”
  • “What’s your take on [recent development in your field]?”
  • “Are you working on any interesting projects at the moment?”
  • “Have you attended this conference before? Any tips?”

Post-Conference Follow-Up

After presenting:

  • Create a follow-up plan within 48 hours while connections are fresh
  • Send personalised emails referencing specific conversation points
  • Share your slides or additional materials with interested attendees
  • Consider converting your presentation into a blog post to extend its reach

Networking strategies:

  • Connect on LinkedIn or academic networks with personalised messages
  • Reference specific discussions when reaching out
  • Propose concrete collaboration ideas rather than vague suggestions
  • Consider creating a dedicated mailing list for those interested in your research
  • Schedule virtual meetings with promising contacts within 2-3 weeks

Final Tips for Conference Success

  • Plan your conference schedule in advance but remain flexible
  • Arrange networking sessions ahead of the conference
  • Make time for rest, exercise, and relaxation
  • Know the catering situation to plan accordingly
  • Develop a system for taking notes on presentations, people you meet, and ideas that emerge

By approaching conference presentations with thorough preparation and a strategic mindset, you can transform what might seem like a stressful experience into a valuable opportunity to share your research, develop your professional network, and advance your academic career.