Part 13 of a series of lessons on writing an academic paper. Presented in English to graduate students at Kansai University, Osaka, Japan.

1. Lesson 13 Presenting an Academic Paper Kansai University 2011

2. Academic Presentations Preparing the Presentation Writing Notes Practice Before the Presentation Delivering the Presentation Voice Body Language Overcoming Stress Audience Reaction Positive Thinking

3. Preparing the Presentation Know the audience Size of your audience Knowledge level Motivation level Prepare your presentation to fit your audience Preparing slides or visuals Keep the slides simple Use pictures that fit your slide Write notes at the bottom of your slide Be sure that you do not have any errors in spelling or grammar

4. Limit Use of Sentences Authentic learning typically focuses on real-world, complex problems and their solutions, using role-playing exercises, problem-based activities, case studies, and participation in virtual communities of practice (Lombardi, 2007).

6. Real-world problems and solutions

7. Variety of learning activities

8. Role-playing

9. Problem-based learning

10. Case studies

12. Practice, Practice, Practice Practice by yourself, by saying your presentation aloud. Say difficult words until you can say the easily Be able to say your presentation by looking at key words Practice with friends, colleagues or people who you make you feel comfortable. Practice in front of a mirror, and look at how you deliver the presentation. Practice many times so that you are comfortable saying the words of your presentation and can talk about your topic easily. By the time of your presentation, you should be able to talk about your topic comfortably.

13. Before the Presentation Organize your notes, slides and papers Check out the presentation room Be sure that it has the necessary equipment for your presentation Check that slides work on the room’s computer and projector Ask for audio if needed Check if a microphone is provided Check that there is an electrical outlet for your computer

14. Delivering the Presentation (1) Talk to your audience, don’t read Keep your voice loud and clear Speak at a good rate: not too fast or too slow Emphasize key words Take time to breathe Pause at times to relax Take a deep breath if you are feeling nervous Refer or glance at your notes or slides

15. Delivering the Presentation (2) Body Language Stand straight and keep your body relaxed Look around, make eye contact or look slightly above the heads of your audience Avoid unnecessary movement of hands, feet and body Use hands to gesture to show important points Keep face relaxed, smile when appropriate Appear confident and enjoy the presentation Position Stand where you can see the audience Avoid standing in front of your presentation slides Some people stand at the left of the screen

16. Overcome Your Stress Understand and be able to explain your presentation Over-practice your presentation Know the parts of your presentation Practice whenever you have time: On the train, waiting for the bus, walking home Confess that you are a little nervous giving a speech in English, but that you’ll do your best. Before you begin your presentation Take a deep breath Shake out the nervousness in your hands

17. Audience Reaction If someone asks a question in the middle of the presentation, answer the question or say, “Thank you for your question. I’ll be answering questions at the end of the presentation.” If you don’t understand or need time to answer, Repeat the question Ask for clarification when words are not clear. If you don’t know the answer, say, “That’s a good question. Is there someone in the audience who can answer this question?” Sometimes, it’s OK to say you haven’t researched that yet and will look into it in the future. Remember that questions are good. Relax. Do your best to answer questions.

18. Positive Thinking Visualize or see yourself as being successful Do your best Tell yourself, “I can do it! I will do the best that I can do. If I make a mistake, I will learn from my mistake. I am not perfect, but I will do my best!” When you begin to feel nervous Tell yourself to calm down Take a deep breath Try to relax your body. Think of yourself as an actor in front of an audience. Act and look confident Smile and appear to enjoy giving the presentation

19. Class Activity Return to the two groups you used when videotaping Review the other group’s videos in the following areas Delivery Slides Content Share positive and ways to improve presentations

20. Homework Revise your slides based on what we discussed in class Improve the content of your slides and presentation Prepare your notes for your presentation Practice your presentation Give your presentation our final class

21. Conclusion Giving an academic presentation is not easy, but it’s a good way to share what you learned from your research. Presentations give you time to organize your research and listen to other people’s ideas about your findings. Presentations help to improve research and to learn more about how you can develop your ideas. Most of all, relax and enjoy your presentation!

22. Links on Public Speaking Giving presentations http://www.llas.ac.uk/video/6097 http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/NeedHelpGivingaSpeech/TipsTechniques/10TipsforPublicSpeaking.aspx http://www.slideshare.net/jhaustin/presentation-tips Sample Presentations Steve Jobs: Watch his body language, pace of speechhttp://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/1103pijanbdvaaj/event/index.html Lisa Katayama: Watch how calm she is when her remote control doesn’t work. She seems relaxed and comfortable. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fle6Vr7C9Jc&feature=share

23. Favorite Presentations Steve Jobs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc Sheryl Sandberg http://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_why_we_have_too_few_women_leaders.html Guy Kawasaki http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x290c5Httfg&feature=player_embedded

24. Question and Answers Kansai University Spring 2011