Presenting your researchYou will be judged first and foremost on your research, which means that you should strive for a great presentation. In other words: Know what attendees at this particular conference expect, e.g., reading your paper vs. summarizing your paper? PowerPoint slides? Know your research and what it contributes to the larger body of research. Never, ever, exceed the allotted time! Think of your presentation as a headline service. You cannot cover all points, so select the ones you believe are most important. A few tips to help you navigate the conference: Read the conference program; attend the sessions that interest you, but don’t plan every hour. Be ready with a brief “elevator talk” about your research. Conferences are very busy times, and people will not have time to hear a full explication of all your research projects. Identify the individuals you would like to meet and ask your mentor/adviser to introduce you. Introduce yourself to people. Many graduate students feel as if they know no one, so you’re not alone. If you are interested in meeting faculty and “big names,” walk up to them when they appear to have a spare moment, and talk about how you are using their research in your own work. Chances are they will want to learn more about you and your work. Attend graduate forums and receptions. Socialize at receptions held by various departments and schools. Regardless of the sessions you attend and the people you meet, always remain professional. You want to be remembered for your research and professional demeanor, not anything else! http://grad.washington.edu/mentoring/memos/presenting-research.pdf
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