ABSTRACT
When preparing to publish a research article, a scholar frequently also presents the same material at a conference. Although the goal is to communicate the same information, certain components are frequently eliminated or minimized because of time constraints. This chapter gives ideas on how to prepare an interesting and informative academic conference presentation, using the principles of argument structure and prewriting, writing, and rewriting. Since there is not sufficient time to develop a complete argument, a presentation should instead be an interesting story, with an attention-catching beginning and a strong ending. Hints are given for using presentation software effectively. Conference posters, although the format looks quite different, contain the same basic components as a research article. Suggestions are given for layout and presentation. Technical presentations vary widely, depending on the goal and audience. As with technical writing, the presentation needs to consider intertextuality–how much the audience knows about both the background and technical aspects of the talk.
