How do you Introduce Yourself at an

Academic Conference?
Are you planning to give a presentation at the upcoming academic conference? If so, ensure
you sound good and look good. In other words, you need to get the opening speech right.
Introducing yourself at an academic conference matters a lot. At least much more than what
you speak after it. A thoughtful introduction is a great investment! These tips can help you
shine with a captive introduction.

Keep it Short

First of all, keep your first few sentences crisp. Psychologists say every word carries more
weight when you keep your sentences short. A 15-second, quick introduction consisting of
your name, company, and expertise is enough. It will impact the attendees compared to a
250 sentence introduction.

Here is a pro tip to follow. Ensure you have brilliant voice modulation during this time. For
instance, speak your name on a higher note. Similarly, end sentences on a lower note, etc.
Also, display all the crucial information on the screen. It will help the audience understand
your field and expertise better.

Explain Your Area of Research

When you finish the first part, start introducing your area of research and focus. Start by
giving an insight into your presentation’s topic. Then move on to your wider scope of study
and focus. But, again, keep it short and sweet.

Four to five sentences are enough to give them an idea about your expertise and research.
Next, ensure you present impactful stats and data to keep the audience hooked to their
seats. Only invest a little time in this process. Instead, save it for the main part of the
presentation.

Use Bold Ideas

Presenting vague and irrational ideas will take you nowhere. On the contrary, it will make
you come out as a confused researcher. Therefore, experts recommend using bold and
strong opinions in your introduction. Say a few things, but say them well.

Keep your ideas linked to the main topic of your presentation. Trust us; you will make a
much better impact on the attendees. For instance, “We, at our organization, measure the
real-time value of open spaces. This data can help us immensely safeguard open spaces
against concrete constructions.”

Give Online Links to Know More about your Initiative / Project

Modern-day academicians need to have a solid online presence. It presents them as

confident and well-researched professionals. So, ensure you share your details to help
attendees know more about your project. Likewise, researchers can share their academic
website details.

At the same time, students can share their university profiles. You can also create a
separate website exclusive to your presentation topic. Lastly, you can also share your
ORCHID ID to give the attendees access to your publications. Whatever method you
choose, ensure all the details are up to date.

Create an Impressive Elevator Pitch

A punchy elevator pitch can break the ice during presentations and networking. It also works
wonders if you are working in front of a new audience. Describe your unique skills, strengths,
and abilities in one to two sentences. Then, explain how they can benefit the attendees.

Experts recommend keeping an elevator pitch in hand all the time. It helps you connect with
new people. It also helps in communicating your brand value. Last, include a sentence
explaining how your project can drive better outcomes.

Getting the perfect elevator pitch may be overwhelming. But with several iterations and
attempts, you can crack the best one.

Think like the Panel Members

Keep yourself in the shoes of the panel members. It will help you understand their
expectations of you. Refrain from going the generic way, as it can sound mundane. Instead,
find innovative and creative ways to present your ideas.
Remember, your presentation should help you meet your ultimate aim. It can be a
scholarship, sponsorship, or partnership. So, prepare your introduction to make you an
eligible candidate in front of the panel members.

You can incorporate interesting facts and stats to grasp the attention of the attendees.
However, do the best research before presenting industry stats and facts. Moreover, align
your introduction to match the audience’s tone, culture, and communication style.

Provide Social Media Handles

No, we are not talking about Facebook and Instagram handles. Since you will present at an
educational event, you should share your LinkedIn and other professional social media
handles. For instance, you regularly update your research and events on LinkedIn.

A subtle hint and displaying bold social media handle links on the screen are enough. Again,
ensure you live up to the expectations of the audience here. Keep your profiles up-to-date
and valuable. Avoid posting controversial content, as it can impact your online image.

Express Your Happiness

Express your happiness to present in front of the elite panel members. Emphasize that you
will be happy to connect with them post-presentation. It is a great way to break the ice and
open doors to new connections and conversations.

But will they connect with you? You need to share your email ID and other professional
contact details. However, you can also include this section at the end of your presentation.
But incorporating it in the introduction part can have a different impact.

Things will be fresh in the minds of the attendees. And you never know who gets impressed
by your presentation and wants to connect immediately! Here’s a great way to incorporate
your contact details:

“Please feel free to approach and communicate after this session. You can reach me at
[Link]”

Be Enthusiastic and Energetic

Display your natural passion for the topic intact when on the stage. In other words, be
enthusiastic and energetic when you introduce yourself. It will help you keep the audience
engaged and interested.
Including many hand gestures and professional body language can immensely help here.
Feeling nervous in front of an experienced audience is natural. You can pause for a few
seconds and lower your tone. It can help you channel your energies and come back more
confidently.

To avoid such instances, ensure you practice your introduction multiple times. You can also
create a dummy set-up and present your topic to a dummy audience. It is a great tip for first-
timers and students.

Involve Storytelling

Storytelling is another icebreaker. It is a great way to introduce a topic of presentation or

research. It will allow you to reach the attendees’ minds and get them interested. Again,
incorporate your prior knowledge and some thought-provoking questions to entice the
audience.

Moreover, good storytelling will also motivate the audience. They will be willing to listen to
your introduction closely. Their probability of agreeing with your ideas will also increase
significantly. A well-told story always leaves a lasting impact on the attendees’ minds.

Bottom Line
So, it is all about introducing yourself at an academic conference. Academic events are of
great relevance for authors, researchers, students, and scholars. An impactful introduction
and insightful presentation can open doors to unlimited growth and learning opportunities.

The process may seem difficult to some of you initially. But as experts say – practice makes
a person perfect. So keep practicing and get the best elevator pitch. Meanwhile, rest all your
academic event concerns to [Link].

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