Is your poster designed? Elevator pitch perfected? Presentation practiced?
Communicating your research to others is an important part of the research process, but it takes time and practice to do it well.
The ability to communicate your findings and the importance of your research should not be overlooked or approached as an afterthought when the next conference looms. Presentation skills are closely tied to opportunities, as sharing your work confidently can help build connections within the community and open doors to further funding and publications. Developing this skills early supports the dissemination of your research as well as establishing engagement with both academic and public audiences.
There are many different ways to present your work, ranging from giving a formal conference presentation to sharing a quick overview in a 30-second elevator pitch. The following information covers multiple ways to improve your presentation skills.
Once your research has been published, it's worth thinking about how others will find it and how it will be connected back to you. This video introduces a few straightforward ways to help your work reach a wider audience and make sure it’s clearly linked to your name. It covers tools like ORCID and Google Scholar for managing your research identity, and discusses options for sharing your work on academic and social platforms. It also touches on how you can track where and how your research is being mentioned beyond traditional citations. Promoting your work in these ways can support visibility, credit, and ongoing engagement with your field.
Academic posters are a common way to present your research at conferences and symposia, and it is important that they present information clearly and effectively, regardless of if you are standing nearby to explain it. This video walks through the basics of what to include, how to organize your content, and what design choices can help your message stand out. It also introduces common tools for creating posters and suggests ways to share extra information using QR codes. A strong poster doesn’t need to be complex. With a focused message and thoughtful design, you can communicate your research in a way that’s easy for others to understand and remember.
Do you feel nervous at the thought of giving a presentation? You're not alone. Presenting your research can feel challenging, but with some planning and practice, it becomes much more manageable. This video covers how to prepare and deliver a clear, engaging presentation by focusing on your audience, using visuals effectively, and speaking with confidence. It also includes practical tips on pacing, tone, and handling the ending smoothly. Strong presentation skills can help your research reach others in a way that is both understandable and compelling.
These short videos offer quick strategies for making a strong impression, whether you're giving a presentation, designing a poster, or introducing your work in under a minute.
Video Shorts:
Presentation Quick Tips
Elevator Pitch
Poster Design
Test your knowledge here.
To take this quiz for credit, access the link while signed in with your UH credentials here.
Presentation Practice Rooms in Hamilton Library: Rehearse presentations in a private room equipped with a computer and projector.
CCSI Virtual Reality Lab at UHM: Practice your speeches and presentations in VR and get data-driven feedback on aspects like speaking rate and use of filler words.