BS2093 Presentations Frequently asked questions

1. Do I need to include a list of references that I have used?

Yes, it would be a good idea to have one slide at the end of your slideshow that list
all the references you have used during the research and presentation of your talk.
There is no need to talk about this in your talk.

2. Do I need to cite images that I have used in my slides?

Yes. Include a small in-text citation in the normal Harvard way.

3. Should I include my name and title of the talk in the 1 st slide?

You should include the title but the presentations will be marked anonymously so
there is no need to include your name.

4. Do I need to use slides that have a UoL format?

No need to include the university logo for these talks.

5. How will the talks be assessed?

Your presentation will be marked by one of the BS2093 module team using the
presentation rubric that was circulated previously. The assessment of your
presentation will be based on the following aspects with the relevant weightings:
 Scientific content and understanding 50%
 Clarity of the presentation 25%
 Clarity of the visual aids 25%

Once your presentation has been marked all work will be moderated using the
normal School policy to ensure that the marks awarded are consistent between
markers.
BS2093 Presentations Advice on your presentation

Make your PowerPoint slides clear and simple

 A good slide will have 2-3 main points, with a minimal amount of text and a
good image/figure to help illustrate what you are discussing.
 Ensure the font size is large enough to read clearly.
 Avoid the use of clashing colours that make it difficult to read text.
 Do not write out word-for-word what you are saying!

Do not have too many slides

 A 7 minute talk should have about 6-7 slides.

Structure your talk for maximum effect

 Think carefully about what you want to say in your talk.
 Look at the points we have asked you to discuss and make sure that you
cover them all.
 Think carefully about how to summarise material.
 Focus on molecular and biochemical detail.

Practice your talk

 A well-rehearsed presentation looks professional and convinces an audience
you know what you are talking about.
 Keep to the time – sensible length of talk would be between 6.5 and 7.5
minutes. You should be able to do this you can re-record material to meet this
target. Remember that a short talk is likely to miss out key information.

Talk clearly and slowly

 A good talk will sound too slow to you when you deliver it but should be about
right for the audience.
 Make sure you practice any difficult words so you don’t stumble over them.

Project a confident image

 Make sure you know what you want to say when you begin – once you get
going you will not have a problem.
 Make sure you have a distinct ending to your talk.
 Sound interested in what you talk about – your audience is much more likely
to stay engaged