Panels & Roundtables

Student Research Conference 2012Connie K. Chung

Agenda

What is the purpose of a panel? Of a roundtable?

What is the best way to prepare?

What should presenters expect about engaging with other participants and with the audience?

What is something I wish I’d known before I did my first panel or roundtable?

Purpose & Format: PanelsPurpose:

To share your research findings with interested audience members, receive feedback and handle questions.

Format:

Present with 2-3 other presenters whose work is on a related topic (usually using powerpoint).

Each person has 10-15 minutes to present work, followed by a Q and A with the audience.

Purpose & Format: Roundtables

Purpose:

To share ongoing work with colleagues and receive feedback.

Format:

Present with 2-5 other presenters whose work is on a related topic. (Usually using handouts)

Each person has 5-10 minutes to present work; then the roundtable members talk together and provide feedback to each other.

Prepare: Structuring the Content of Your Presentations

From Kosslyn, S. (2007). Clear and to the point: 8 Psychological principles for

compelling Powerpoint presentations. Oxford University Press.

What are the goals of your presentation?

1. Connect with your audienceWhat are the goals and interests of your

audience?

2. Direct and hold attention: Be selectiveWhat is important in your presentation?

3. Promote understanding and memoryMake your presentation easy to follow, digest,

and remember.

Select and Simplify

Relevance (What do you say? And how much?)NOT to flood audience with informationAbe LincolnGoldilocks

Appropriate Knowledge (How do you say it?)Language – avoid jargonDisplays – use visualsConcepts – explain key terms and ideas

Use Visuals to Illustrate Points

A Match on Dry Grass: Community Organizing as a Catalyst for Education Reform Education

8

One LA – IAF

Use Visuals to Show Concepts 9

How Community Organizing Works

Use powerpoint as an aid, not a crutch

Limit the content on a slide:

Each slide ~ 1 minute

Simplify graphics & info

Limit words

Use readable font

Prepare: Introduction, Body & Conclusion

Tips on Introductions

Define the topic & set the stageConsider emotional stage (graphics)Consider concrete examples

Why should they pay attention to what you say?Tap into what you know about your audienceWhat should they conclude after hearing your

presentation?

Provide a road map

Tips on BodyTell a story

Think outline

Define key terms

Provide concrete, specific evidence

Conclude subpart with a summary (esp in long present.)

Signal beginning of next subpart

Tips on Conclusion

1. Remind audience of key points

2. Can re-use graphics

3. “Set up a snappy ending”

Involve other people in your preparation

Practice and get feedback

Encourage your friends and classmates to come

Have fun!

Other Points

What should presenters expect about engaging with other participants and with the audience?

What is something I wish I’d known before I did my first panel or roundtable?

Q&A