Dr Matthew Emerson, chair of the Register's Professional Development Committee, would like to share a few tips on delivering presentations at conferences. 

Delivering a strong conference presentation isn’t just about sharing your research—it’s about communicating it clearly, confidently, and respectfully to your audience. These practical guidelines, adapted from recommendations by Dr. Matthew Emerson, help presenters prepare with intention and deliver with impact.

Before Your Presentation

Strong presentations begin long before you reach the podium.

• Use a prepared speech—not a publishable paper. Conference talks should be written for listening, not reading.

• Cite verbally. Always acknowledge others’ scholarship aloud.

• Number your pages. If you drop them, you can recover quickly.

• Format for readability. Double‑space or use a larger font to make reading easier.

• Match slides to minutes. A 15‑minute talk should not have more than 15 slides.

• Mark slide transitions. Insert slide numbers in your script (e.g., “slide 2”) so you know when to advance.

• Preview your slides.

  • Keep a copy on your device

  • Label the file with version info (e.g., emerson_3.0final)

  • Bring a backup on a thumb drive

• Practice. Read your talk aloud several times and time yourself.

During Your Presentation

Once you begin, your goal is clarity, focus, and connection.

• Skip opening remarks. Organizers and chairs will handle introductions and acknowledgments.

• Start with substance. Lead with assumptions, a major question, a problem statement, or a hypothesis.

• Speak with intention. Slow down, enunciate, use facial expression, and make eye contact.

• Pause for emphasis. Highlight key points so the audience can follow your argument.

Using Slides Effectively

Slides should support your talk—not replace it.

• Describe what’s on the slide. Don’t assume the audience will infer its significance. Use phrases like, “This slide shows…”

• Point with purpose. Mark your place in your text before looking at the screen so you stay oriented.

Podium Presence

Small habits can strengthen—or distract from—your delivery.

• Keep water nearby. A sip can give you a natural pause.

• Avoid distracting movements. Don’t lean on the podium, fidget, or adjust clothing.

• Manage your pages. Move finished pages out of the way to stay organized.

Ending Your Presentation

A strong conclusion helps your audience absorb your message.

• Signal the ending. Use a clear transition such as “In conclusion…”

• Thank your audience. It’s a simple, professional way to close.