The Paper Session format is similar to
professional meetings of scientists and engineers. The presentations should
concisely report the results of personal research efforts. Students should
demonstrate skill in communicating to the audience the research problem, the
approach to solving the problem, and the research results. This year, the times
have changed for presentations and questions, based on the National guidelines
for JSHS.
Timing: Oral
presentation of research may not exceed 12 minutes, followed by a maximum
6-minute question period. A session moderator will aid the student in
maintaining this schedule and in fielding questions from the audience. The
procedure for maintaining the time includes a 10-minute signal for the student,
and finally a 12-minute signal. At the 12-minute point, the student speaker
must stop the presentation even if he or she has not finished. Following the
presentation, the session moderator will ask for audience questions. The
moderator may entertain questions while the exchange appears interesting and
relevant. Questions intended to harass student speakers will not be allowed by
the session moderator. The speaker should repeat a question before answering so
the audience may understand the entire dialogue.
Use of Audio Visuals/Available Equipment: Available audio-visual equipment will include: (1) one
overhead projector and LCD projector; (2) one projector screen: (3) a laser
pointer. The use of VCR's or computers is permitted, however, the use of this
equipment is restricted. (Refer to VCR and Computer usage at www.jshs.org).
Equipment will have been set up prior to the
beginning of the session, however, equipment operators are not provided. If
helpful, students may get help from a teacher or fellow student, especially
when using overhead projectors. Students should number visuals in sequence so
an assisting operator or the presenter can easily re-show one. Many times
visuals are re-shown during the question period.
Aids to the presentation: No written handouts are permitted. Research apparatus may
be used if it is integral to the presentation and only if the apparatus is
hand-held.
VCR and Computer Usage: Students who plan to use either computers or video during
the presentation must:
1. Request equipment as soon as they know that they will be presenting in the (oral) paper session.
2. If computers are used, it is strongly suggested that the student or their teacher contact the University Conferences and Catering office at 603-862-0863 or 603-862-1900 or conferences@unh.edu, to discuss any specific technical details.
3. a. Only VHS 1/2" tape format is permitted.
b. The video component cannot make up more than one (1) minute of the presentation.
c. No audio or background music is permitted other than the sounds that are an integral part of the research. Recorded or mechanically produced narration is not permitted. Narration must be done in person by the speaker.
d. Computer generated graphics, videos (and audio, if any) may be used for those aspects of the research design or scheme that cannot adequately be presented by slides or overheads. Computer and video material presentation must be an integral part of the research and should not be a substitute for presentation of data. Videos and computers must not be used for presentation of common procedures, illustrating equipment or showing laboratory facilities. Videos and computers should illustrate work that was done and should not be used for simulation or aesthetic value.
e. The use of software such as PowerPoint may be used to prepare or to drive slides or overheads. Students must provide their own equipment and software.
Suggestions to Prepare for the Oral
Presentations
Remember, you are the expert. No one in the
audience knows as much about your research as you. Therefore, remember to
explain your research in enough detail so the audience will understand what you
did, how you did it, and what you learned.
Whenever possible, avoid jargon or
unnecessary terminology. If it is essential to use specialized terms, remember
to explain the specialized terms briefly. Give your audience enough time to
understand what you are trying to convey.
Graphs, tables and other representation help
explain your results. Keep them simple and uncluttered. Focus on important
information; for example, remember to name the variables on both axes of a
graph, and state the significance of the position and shape of the graph line.
Deliver your presentation at a comfortable pace.
It helps to practice your presentation before a non-specialized audience.
Practice will help perfect the presentation and the timing. Do listen to the
advice of your non-specialized audience but also get help from a teacher or
other advisors as needed.
For additional information on
paper preparation, style and presentation, please visit the web site for the
National JSHS Symposium at http://www.jshs.org.