Journal Presentation? Consider a thesis student approach
Stellar brief seminars or assessment presentations
It's a bright sunshiny morning in FNQ, Australia. While the Willy Wag Tails trill outside my office window, I'm watching a snappy ytube video on preparing for a presentation about a research journal article.
Stapleton covers each aspect of a published peer-reviewed paper you should summarise. He provides tips and tricks for focused use of AI and other tools, and includes a link to his downloadable template!
Whilst the video content targets post-grads per se, it's of value for the undergrad student too. It will be of great help to you prepping for a class presentation or short seminar.
Similar to Wagtails in my yard swooping for flying insects, Stapleton emphasises selectivity in your choice of article. For example, avoid systematic and narrative reviews as discussion scope is broad. Rather, hone in on the conclusion paragraph to determine if it is clear and concise. He suggests the use of AI tools such as Connected Papers, Lit Maps, and Elicit.com to help with these tasks.
Next, prepare, prepare, prepare. For example, the avid insectivorous activity I observe over the top of my laptop, is due Wagtail preparation for 2 weeks of egg sitting. Be like the Wagtail.
Stapleton suggests reading and re-reading the article you choose, to become familiar with it. Also, track down supplementary materials~ there may be a link after the conclusion, or the literature review may cite other publications about the study.
You will be better positioned to confidently and competently respond to audience questions. Less stress and an interesting Q&A sounds ideal to me.
Be mindful of how you structure your overall presentation as well. Style matters.
Stapleton suggests a title slide that hooks the reader, by making salient "What's in it for me?" As in, make clear how your journal critique presentation is relevant to the audience.
Highlight each aspect of the research article: intro methods (design, sampling, materials, procedure, and ethics), analysis and results, author conclusions, study limitations, and recommendations for the future (which may include theoretical and practical implications).
To finish up, use what he refers to as a "clap slide"~ Thank the audience. Each person has given up part of their day to listen to your educated opinion on a paper. And more than a few (appreciatively) will be taking the time to carefully consider what you have shared. Showing gratitude can help segue to meaningful post-presentation dialogue.
tapleton recommends going heavy on the visuals. This makes sense as humans are highly visual creatures. Less words on the slide with a captivating image means the audience is not reading, while trying to listen. Also, it distracts their focus from being on you (always a bonus!). Where possible, include a Figure from the paper.
However...
An assessment's marking criteria may expect a word-document-cut-and-paste to slides. I do not understand why some lecturers design a presentation assessment this way. It ignores your development of workplace PowerPoint skills. Anyways ... prioritise the rubric; perhaps have elegant or striking transition slides (assuming your not expected to have a set number).
Ditto Stapleton's advice on using red circles and arrows to draw attention to information in a Table or Figure. For an undergrad, this may not be possible when APA7 is required throughout the presentation. However, bold is acceptable in some instances (see Chapter 7 of the manual).
Following Stapleton's video guide should keep your audience gripped during your presentation. And as chatty as a Wagtail in the Q&A. With the help of Chatgpt, I've created a Table of examples applying insights from the vid, for two types of psychology presentation:
I'm keen to hear how you put Stapleton's recommendations into action with your next presentation!
Meanwhile~ I've not noticed where the Wagtails are building their nest (last years has washed away in the rain). Am confident it will be somewhere, again, allowing optimal swooping at my head as I potter in the garden. Joy ~:-)
Light & Life~
Charmayne
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