Presentation Guidelines
Congratulations on having your work accepted. These guidelines will help you deliver an effective presentation that engages the audience and maximizes your research contribution.
Competitive Paper Presentations
Session Format
Competitive sessions are 75 minutes with typically four papers. The session chair opens with a 5-minute introduction of the theme and papers. Each presenter has 10–12 minutes, followed by a few questions from the audience. The session closes with 10 minutes of general Q&A. Session chairs enforce time limits to ensure fair treatment of all presenters.
Before Your Session
Bring your presentation as a PowerPoint (.pptx) or PDF on a USB drive, and email yourself a backup in case of technical issues. The conference provides a projector and computer; if you have special equipment needs, confirm them in advance with the program chairs. Arrive 10 minutes early to test equipment, load your presentation, introduce yourself to the chair and co-presenters, confirm the presentation order, and distribute any handouts. If you cannot attend, notify your session chair immediately.
Delivery and Slide Design
Talk to the audience, not at them—make eye contact. Describe your contribution; urge them to read the paper for details. Pause after key points to let ideas land. Plan for 10 minutes of content—easier to elaborate than cut. Identify where you want feedback and ask for it. One key idea per slide with minimal text and large fonts. Use simple, clear figures and tables.
Read from slides or provide a comprehensive literature review. Explain every detail of your methodology, instrument validation, or sample characteristics. Save your conclusion as a surprise ending. Ignore time warnings from the chair. Cram multiple messages onto one slide or use tiny fonts and dense tables.
Handling Q&A
- Listen carefully; repeat questions if needed for the room to hear
- Acknowledge good points even when they challenge your work
- If you don’t know an answer, say so and suggest how you would investigate it
- Invite questioners to continue the conversation afterward
- Keep responses concise to allow multiple questions
Interactive (Poster) Presentations
Interactive sessions provide in-depth, informal feedback on work-in-progress through poster format. Senior scholars attend specifically to provide feedback.
Poster Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum size | A0 (841×1189 mm / 33×47 inches) |
| Orientation | Portrait (not landscape) |
| Font size | Readable from 1+ meters (body 24+ pt, headings 36+ pt) |
| Language | English only |
| Required elements | Title, authors, affiliations, contact email for lead author |
Effective Poster Design
Structure clearly: Problem → Method → Key Finding → Implication. Lead with visuals: Use figures, charts, diagrams. Limit text: Use bullet points; avoid dense paragraphs. Create visual hierarchy: Most important elements immediately visible. Include a takeaway box: 2-3 sentences summarizing contribution. Prepare a 5-minute overview: Most visitors want a brief guided tour.
Reproduce your paper on a poster—posters are visual summaries. Use tiny fonts or dense text blocks. Show every analysis—focus on core findings. Forget contact information—visitors should be able to follow up.
During Your Poster Session
- Prepare to facilitate discussion: Bring business cards, paper, sticky notes, and markers
- Stay at your poster for the entire session
- Engage visitors proactively: “Would you like me to walk you through it?”
- Be ready to discuss limitations, alternative approaches, and next steps
- If few people visit: Use the time to visit other posters, build connections, and observe effective designs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my slides after my paper was accepted?
Yes. Your presentation should reflect your current thinking, including revisions made since submission. Just ensure your core contribution matches what reviewers accepted.
What happens if a co-presenter doesn't show up?
The session chair will adjust the schedule. Remaining presenters keep their original time — the extra minutes go to Q&A, not to extending other talks.
Can a co-author present in my place?
Yes, but notify your session chair as early as possible so the introduction and program can be updated.
Can I present from my own laptop?
The conference provides a shared computer to minimize transition time between presenters. If your presentation requires your own device, contact the program chairs in advance to arrange it.