How to Write (and Present) a Research Paper
  • Oct 2022
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How to Write (and Present) a Research Paper

5th October 2022

Your heart is thumping so loudly that you believe everyone in the room can hear it. As you struggle to load your presentation, beads of sweat gather on your brow. You take a deep breath and pause. It does not affect you.

The presentation has finally loaded... However, that is the drought you began days ago. The version you worked on for 12 hours yesterday is no longer available.

You have four dreadful slides and a smeared, bent note card to assist you to get through a 10-minute presentation.

You scream quietly to yourself, but the screams are enough to jolt you awake from your nightmare.

You've succumbed to presentation anxiety. You're terrified because you've written an excellent paper but have no idea how to present it to your class.

Don't worry about it. I'm here to teach you how to turn that fantastic research paper into an even better presentation.

 

How to Present a Research Paper the Easy Way

Presenting a paper is not as tough as you would think, but it does require preparation and experience.

Follow these three simple steps to discover how to present a research paper.

 

Step #1: Decide what to present

Begin by reviewing the major concepts of your completed research work.

You might do this by going over any outlines you made before writing the actual paper.

(If you end up producing a paper that looks nothing like your first plans, try developing a reverse outline by outlining your thesis, primary arguments, and supporting evidence.)

Consider your presentation's time restriction after you've created a good outline of your paper.

If you have a seven-page paper but your presentation time is limited to four minutes, you will most likely have to cover only the most basic aspects.

If, on the other hand, you're required to deliver a 10-minute presentation on a seven-page paper, you'll need to go into greater detail about your study.

As you determine what to include in your presentation, you'll see that each important argument can be fairly lengthy in some circumstances.

That implies you won't be able to include every example or piece of proof in your presentation. If this is the case, simplify the content and utilize fewer examples.

Not sure what to include or exclude?

The essential elements

Keep the following in mind as you work: your finished presentation should include enough information to effectively address each of your paper's primary topics. (It is preferable to briefly touch on each significant argument rather than skipping large areas of your research.)

Remember that: when determining how to effectively present a research paper, the introduction and conclusion are just as crucial in the presentation as they are in the document.

Remember to incorporate an attention-grabbing introduction and a smooth finish to elegantly wrap up your ideas.

 

Step #2: Create visual aids

Most presentations will require you to generate (or bring in) visual aids. The type of visual aids you utilize will, of course, be determined by the criteria of your assignments.

You may be asked to bring visual aids that correspond to your presentation in some situations.

For example, if your study is about how long you can keep fast food fries out before they mold, you might bring in a few orders of fries of varying freshness.

In other circumstances, your presentation will rely on visuals you develop, most commonly in the form of a slideshow.

When producing this type of visual, make sure your slides are relevant to your presentation and topic.

Here are a few pointers:

  • The slideshow is an aid, not the focus. I get that you may want to use the visuals to drive attention to the slides and away from you, but the visuals should support your presentation rather than be the emphasis of it.

  • Keep text to a minimum. Try not to jam everything you say onto your slides. Slides should only contain the important aspects of your presentation. (Refer to your essay outlines for the most relevant parts.)

  • Use bullet points as necessary. Bullet points are an excellent approach to offer supporting details or examples to back up your major ideas.

  • Choose appropriate fonts and backgrounds. Avoid using extremely small typefaces. Maintain a size that allows your audience to read them. Avoid script fonts and choose easy-to-read styles. Make sure your color schemes and backgrounds are appropriate for your subject. For example, if your work is about poverty, bright, colorful circus-themed backgrounds aren't ideal.

  • Choose appropriate images. A few high-quality, strategically positioned photographs may go a long way, so don't feel obligated to add images on every slide.

Looking for some more killer writing advice? Consider this article or this research paper checklist.

 

Step #3: Stay organized while presenting

Again, the number and kind of notes permitted during your presentation may be dictated by your assignment. However, no matter what form of notes you use, you must remain organized.

If you're allowed to use a few note cards, go ahead and do so. (Don't wing it and rely exclusively on your PowerPoint presentation.)

Limit the number of words on each note card to the same number as you did while making slides. It's tempting to attempt to pack your entire speech onto three tiny cards but don't.

When there is too much information on a card, it is easy to lose your place when speaking.

It also makes standing in front of the class and reading note cards more appealing. Keep in mind that you are delivering, not reading.

Instead of cramming everything into a single little card, add the following essentials on note cards:

  • A few reminders about the things you'll cover in your introduction

  • The presentation's main discussion topics (and maybe a few words to remind you of the supporting ideas)

  • A few reminders about what you'll say at the end of your presentation

TIP FOR NOTE CARDS: If you're allowed to use multiple note cards, number them.

Nothing is more frustrating than dropping your cards and shuffling through them for 30 seconds (that feels like three hours) because you can't find your spot in your presentation.

And that is how to easily present a research paper. So, almost...

 

After Planning—But Before Presenting

After you've planned your presentation, don't assume that your work is finished and that you're ready to provide the greatest presentation possible.

Sure, the information is ready, but now it's time to focus on the delivery.

Practice your presentation with some friends, family members, or even your cat. You'll grow used to talking about your topic and see how well your presentation comes together if you present it to an audience.

These practice runs are also an excellent method to improve your timing. If your presentation is scheduled to last five minutes but only lasts three, you can go back to the planning stages.

Of course, if your five-minute presentation becomes a 10-minute speech, you'll need to go back to the preparation stages—this time to cut some content.

Take a few deep breaths, stand up straight, and impress your audience with your fantastic presentation now that you know how to write an excellent research paper and deliver it.

Is your paper not quite ready for presentation? No worries. Allow Study Help Me, expert writers, to write and polish it to perfection.

Did we leave anything out? Please share your best presentation tips in the comments!

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