Research Methodology (ECEG 7093)

Research Methods And Communications (ECEG

7035)

Chapter Five

Reporting Research Finding

Written and Oral Presentation

5/27/23 Haramaya University, HiT, SECE

 Objectives
2

 After completing this chapter you will

 have acquired the skills necessary to effectively
communicate your research findings using both a
written and oral medium.
 be able to prepare a scientific presentation
 identify your audience
 organize your presentation to be informative
 consider stylistic issues to make your presentation
interesting
 avoid common errors
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Writing a Scientific Report: Introduction
3
 Today, one of the most basic means of communication
in our professional life is written presentation
 scientific paper
 conference report
 technical report
 Abstract
 theses/dissertation (Full-length papers)
 research (thesis) proposal
 Books
 manuals
 assignment report
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Writing vs Oral Presentation
4
 Presentation: To convey information to others via
 Writing: article
 Speaking: oral presentation
 Written presentations are exposed to readers
• Time
 The communication between author(s) & readers are indirect
factor
 In verbal presentations, reports are exposed to audience • Is like
 The communication between author(s) & audiences are direct ROM vs
 Face-to-face (Oral) RAM
 To avoid any confusion on the part of the reader, written presentations
demand
 Logic
 clarity and
 precision
 Poster is a kind of combination

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Elements of Good Technical Writing
5
 Technical Writing
 Generally, writing is presentation of ideas using text
 Technical writing is “To structure information using both text and design to achieve an
intended purpose for clearly defined audiences” (G.J.Alfred,et.al. Handbook of Technical
writing, 7th ed., Martin’s Press)
 Engineers perform technical writing to communicate pertinent information that is
needed by upper management to make intelligent decisions that will effect a
company’s future
 Technical writing is NOT used to entertain, create suspense or invite differing
interpretations
 Technical writing is not only writing “good sentences”
 Normally writing is an art
 This section will not impart all the artistic skills to turn you into an
accomplished author
 However, it will provide you with guidelines and tips that will improve your writing
skills sufficiently to serve a purpose.

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Elements of Good Technical Writing…
6

 Thoughtfulness:
 What is written has been thought of several times over
 Persuasive and economical, both in structure and words
 Correctness:
 Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and proper syntax
 Appropriateness:
 Have the right tone (professional) and avoids verbosity
 Readability:
 Text flows smoothly, reader knows where the paragraph is
heading, summaries may be used to assist the reader to digest
the chapter or section.
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Elements of Good Technical Writing…
7

 Points to remember
 Be succinct and formal: Try to say a lot in few words

 Be professional and serious

 Maintain accuracy and clarity

 Always keep your objectives and your audience in

mind
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Example: Writing a Literature Review
8

 “… all literature is not eligible for inclusion.“

 Even the peer reviewed and peer refereed publications should be
evaluated critically before inclusion in a literature review
 A successful literature review:
 presents an overview of relevant research; provides a commentary on
the literature in the field
 states or indicates what one plans to do to expand existing knowledge
 highlights the similarities and differences between the current work
and the work of others
 says why and how the study will contribute to the existing knowledge
 locates the research problem within a theoretical framework and
review the underlying theory

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Steps in Writing
9

 Preparing :
 Assess your readers
 Establish clearly you writing goals
 Frame and keep the main points and the overall report
in mind.
 Organizing
 Composing
 Reviewing with the view to revise

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Steps in Writing: Preparing: The target audience
10

 “One does not write to himself, writing is targeted

for the benefit of others ”
 “Focus on the need of the reader, not on the writer’s
desire. ”
 Identify the relevant target audience
 we want the report to be read by as many interested
current and future researchers as possible
 at times it may be necessary to prepare a report for
policy makers, general public, etc

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Steps in Writing: Preparing: The target audience…
11

 Issues to remember
 Not properly identifying your reader usually leads to
some mistakes in writing (such as use of abbreviations)
 Anyone who picks up to read your writing is either
interested in acquiring new information or achieving a
better understanding.
 in order to serve the reader, your paper should have
pertinent information.
 the information you would like to convey must be presented
in an arrangement such that the reader will not spend an
inordinate amount of time in extracting the information
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Steps in Writing: Preparing: Purpose
12

 The goals of technical writing are:

 To tell others what you found and how you found it (them)
 This is a record of your research process, not just a summary of your findings
 To let others benefit from your work and experience (includes negative
experiences)
 To give an indication of where you or other researchers might go next
 Scientific progress is the cumulative effect of ideas that were
effectively communicated over many centuries
 Note: a very good idea that is not effectively communicated
 May be lost
 Do not have impact or contribution to the advancement of science

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Steps in Writing : The Organization
13

“The key to making writing informative is organization ”

 The organization of the paper refers to the structure
 the sequence in which you present each type of information.
 Organization is very important to convey your ‘idea’ in a
comprehensive and meaningful way
 Due emphasis should be given to how the flow of
information is organized to attain a fluidity and
cohesiveness to the reader
 Remember you are writing to provide a scientific service to
the reader, not to unload all that you know onto a white sheet
of paper
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Steps in Writing: The Organization
14

 Organizing
 Decide on the structure and outline
 Prepare a complete outline for each element of the structure
 Decide on and make the basic units of the structure
 Organize the Units
 Write about the structure so that your reader understands
how your report is organized and presented.
 Write an outline for every chapter/section
 Select the main points or ideas to be included and the order
of their presentation

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 General structure of a research report
15

 Title
 Acknowledgement
 Abstract
 (Table of Contents)
 (Lists of Figures and Tables )
 Introduction
 Literature Review
 Materials and methods
 Results
 Discussion/Conclusion
 References
 Appendices, where applicable

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Title
16

 The title is a short statement that encapsulates the

main thrust of the paper

 The title should accurately reflect the content of the

paper.
 A specific and concise title is crucial to persuade the
reader to continue reading the paper.

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Acknowledgement
17

 The acknowledgement is non-debatable in most respects

 Generally, those persons who have professionally contributed to
the work be it in kind or in ideas must be acknowledged.
 you also need to acknowledge the institutions that have provided
funding, research space, manpower, etc towards your research
project.
 Finally, you may want to mention individuals who have
provided personal support and assistance that is separate from
professional help.
 However, do not overdo it
 There is no need to mention those individuals that hampered or
somehow made your work more difficult
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Abstract
18

 “An abstract is the summary of the paper that is read the most. “
 Even though, the abstract immediately follows the title page, it is usually best to
write it after you have written the entire paper
 The abstract is a short summary of the information in the paper that provides an
overview of the purpose, scope, and findings contained in the report
 An abstract should include
 the principal objective and scope of the investigation
 describe the methodology employed
 summarize the results and
 state the principal conclusion.
 Abstract thus provides an “in a nut shell” description without providing
underlying details
 If the title is the bait that lures the reader, the abstract is the hook that
captures his/her attention to continue reading
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Introduction
19

 The Introduction prepares the reader to read the main body of the report.
 It focuses on the subject, purpose, and scope of the report.
 The Subject defines the topic and associated terminology; may include theory,
historical background, and its significance.
 The Purpose indicates the reason for the investigation, objectives.
 The Scope indicates the extent and limits of the investigation
 State in the introduction
 statement of the problem
 problem must be pinpointed;
 Goals and significance of the study
 Relation to other issues
 Purpose of the study relative to the problem
 Review, critique, and summarize related research

 N.B this part may be partitioned

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Materials, Methods & (Assumptions)
20
 The Methods, Materials & (Assumptions) section answers the question : “
how did you study the problem?”.
 The Methods, Materials & (Assumptions) used in the investigation are
described so the reader could duplicate the procedures of the investigation.
 The contents of this component are discipline specific
 In the social sciences, you may not have laboratory equipment, but you may list
the questionnaire you used.
 Methods indicate, such as how you discovered the problem? What
measuring tools were used? What measurement system was used?
 Assumptions :What do you think, but cannot substantiate as fact?
 It is thus important to describe the experimental design used, how the data was
analyzed and test methods used.
 This will allow the reader to assess whether you have properly planned and
executed the research project.
 The information provided should be as detailed as possible.
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 Results
21

 Core section of the scientific report

 The results (and discussion) component answers the question:
 “What did you obtain from the experiments you conducted?”.
 The results section
 describes what you learned about the problem as a result of your research
 identifies the degree of accuracy related to your findings and
 gives the reader your view of the significance of your findings.
 Results include:
 assumptions and definitions; theorems, simulations, experiments; limitation of
your results
 You are expected to present the results you obtained from the methods and
materials
 The presentation of the results must be clear and arranged in a logical order.
 Results will usually be heavy in tables, figures/graphs, charts, etc.
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23
 …Results
22

 If your research was quantitative

 it is best to present your results in tables and figures/graphs in stead
of words.
 make sure that you properly label your tables and note the legends
of your figures
 Each table/figure should be a stand alone as an information snippet
 The words in the body of the paper that accompany each table or
figure are to provide further elaboration of the results.
 At times the reader may chose to skim through the charts, tables
and figures presented in your results section to get a quick grasp of
the results you obtained to help him/her decide on whether to read
the entire paper

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Discussion, conclusion & recommendations
23

 Depending on your area of specialization this component

may be called discussion or conclusion.
 This component basically answers the question:
 “What do the results mean?”
 This component (which may also be part of Results), always
related to objectives
 It gives discussions on
 Interpretation of your results
 Generalizations and abstractions from your results
 Description how accurate your findings are
 What is the significance of the results of the research.

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 …Discussion, conclusion & recommendations
24

 Conclusion
 Is summary of the report – the work and the results.
 Restatement of results:
What are the factual findings that resulted from your research?
 What are you implying as a result of these findings?

 Concluding Remarks: What are your opinions based on the findings and results?
 Recommendations :
 may indicate a course of action on the applications of the results and findings or
suggestions for future work
 The results you obtained are not isolated from previous scientific knowledge.
 you not only provide the reader with interpretation of the results, but you are also
expected to put your interpretation in context of the existing body of scientific
knowledge.
 N.B. Establish a clear and unambiguous statement on how your interpretation of
the results has addressed your objectives

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 References
25

 The references section is the place where the author cites all of the secondary
research sources that were used
 This section lists all the previously published sources of information that you
have cited in the body of the paper.
 Only the papers cited, not all the papers that you have read or consulted, are referenced.
 If you deem a source of information should be cited in the references section, then you
must have mentioned it in the body of the paper.
 Example: In the text:
 [3]; Name et al. [4];Name(1993).
 In reference list
 [3] J.Strohbehn, Ed. Laser Beam Propagation in the Atmosphere. New York: Springer,
1978.
 [4] E.Shin and V.Chan, “Optical communication over the turbulent atmospheric channel
using spatial diversity" in proc. IEEE Conf. Commun., 2002, pp. 2005-2060

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Oral Presentation
26

 After completing this section

 you will have acquired the skills necessary to
effectively communicate your research findings using
oral medium(supplemented with AV system)
 prepare a scientific presentation
 identify your audience
 organize your presentation to be informative
 Consider stylistic issues to make your presentation
interesting
 avoid common errors

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Introduction
27

 Presentation is conveying information to others via speaking

(oral) or in written form -reports.
 Presentation has a specific purpose
 communicating with others
 persuading others
 training/teaching other
 graduating
 Presentation is a part of research by definition
 The higher your position is, the more presentations you have to make
 Presentation is also an important part of professional practice.
 Good presentation skill contributes to professional success

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 …Introduction
28

 An oral presentation, unlike written presentations, is a direct

communication between a presenter and an audience.
 Speaker:
 Wants to convey something
 Audience:
 May want to listen and benefit
 Speaker:
 One person
 Audience :
 usually Many
 Speaker:
 Familiar with the topic
 Audience :
 May not be familiar with topic

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Planning your presentation: Issues
29

 Determine the objective (type) of talk

 Talk to present new research results
 Review/Overview talk
 Tutorial talk
 Training/Teaching
 Presentation for selling an idea or a product (proposal)
 Assess knowledge level of audience
 Homogeneity of audience
 Knowledge of audience
 Tailor your talk to the audience
 Major points you want to present
 3-5 points

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Planning your presentation: Organizing
30

 organize your message around the following

 Why was the work done?
 State problem and goal
 What are possible solutions?
 State solutions
 What findings resulted from the work?
 Present the results of your work
 What do the results imply?
 State implications/consequences of your work

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Planning your presentation: Structure
31

 Tell them what you are going to present

 Overview, introduction, motivation 20%
 Your main presentation
 Main body of your talk 70%
 Methods, Analysis, Results & Discussions
 Tell what you told them again
 Summary 10%
 Conclusion and Recommendation
 Create a logical order for your presentation:
 Message 1
 Sub-messages

 Message 2
 Sub-messages

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 …Planning your presentation: Structure
32

 Cover - Title
 Authors/Affiliations
 Introduction
 Problem statement;
 Check regularly whether
 Research question
are you focusing on the main
 Literature review
points
 Main
 Check regularly for logic
 Research method
 Research design
and structure
 Key assumptions  Keep the allotted time in
 Results/discussion mind
 Ending
 Implications/conclusion & recommendations
 Limitations of results;
 Future work

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Preparing an Oral presentation
33

 Visual aids
 VAs enhance understanding of topic
 VAs guide you through your presentation

 Computer/LCD
 Check how to operate before talk
 How/where page up/down

 Overhead
 Avoid hand writing
 Landscape

 Handout
 For failure of Vas
 To stay at a particular slide

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Preparing an oral Presentation…
34

 Stylistic Issues:
 The Slide
 Despite the fact that it is commonly called “oral presentation” it is equally
visual as it is an auditory medium.
 The slide should be clearly visible and legible to the audience members sitting
even at the very back of the room.
 We have to consider Layout, Background , Font
 Layout:
 The background color of the slide & the color of the text should have a
sharp contrast
 If unsure about what color combination to use for the text and
background
 the safest choice is to use black text on white background.

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 …Preparing an oral presentation
35

 Background:
 After you have chosen an appropriate background for your
slides
 stickto your choice and use the same background throughout the
presentation
 particularly for scientific presentations, a plain background is preferred
(a gradient of the shades of the same color is also acceptable).
 If you are inclined to add graphic, picture, in your
background
 make sure that it is subject appropriate and
 does not draw attention away from the text and figures that you
are attempting to communicate.

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 …Preparing an oral presentation
36
 Font:
 ‘Small’ case letters are easier to read than ‘CAPITALIZED’ letters.
 if you feel you need to use CAPITAL letters, use them sparingly.
 The type, size and typeface of the font are equally important.
 Do not use script type fonts
 they may seem fancy on an invitation card, but are unsuitable for professional/ scientific
presentations.
 Select a font type that is easily legible and has sufficient spacing between letters
(do not use condensed fonts, where one letter appears to overlap with the next).
 font size, may be in the range of 18 to 28
 a good starting point is twenty-four, you may, however, adjust the font size particularly
for titles, graph legends, etc.
 Using bold font typeface throughout is not necessary: limit the use of bold fonts
for titles, headers and words you want to emphasize.
 Limit the fonts to at most 2 different types

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Content of pages in the slide - Text
37

 You should limit the use of text only to

 state the problem
 frame the problem in the appropriate context
 summarize results and state major conclusions.
 Limit your lines
 State key concepts in bulleted phrases or short declarative statements
and cover the details verbally.
 Don’t write every single word on your slides in full sentences. (Tempted
to help you remember what you want to say )
 This usually leads to reading the text from the slide verbatim.
 It is safe to assume that the audience is literate and can read for themselves,
making the presenter a redundant actor that does not add value to the
presentation.

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 …Content of pages in the slide - Text
38

 crowding each slide with a dense text is mind-numbing

 Slide page content should be such that it satisfies the rule
minimum 10s per slide and maximum 100s per slide or
average 60 s (or 1 min) per slide.
 The rule for technical presentations may be the “2
minutes per slide” rule.
 N.B:
 One slide - one message!
 Don’t overdo formulas (also be created with eqn editor)
 Watch your colors (at most 3 colors)

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Content of pages in the slide – Tables and graphs
39

 Simplify the tables so that you only have a few columns and/or
rows.
 If need be, breakdown your table into bite-sized snippets that the
audience can absorb and digest.
 graphs, drawings or pictures in a slide page should be large
enough to be clearly viewed
 Should be well labeled
 variables on both axes scaled and clearly shown with units.
 Appropriate coloring for sharp contrast with background and other
content in the slide.
 If need be (for comparison), may be a few multiple of them as far as
eligible

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Content of pages in the slide – Errors
40

 Errors
 Major/Minor errors such as misspelled words, grammatical errors, punctuation
mistakes, etc.
 Errors convey to the audience that you have not put in enough attention to your work.
 The implication of errors is the audience will be skeptical about the soundness of the
work you are presenting.
 If you did not pay attention to the material displayed in public, can you really be
trusted to pay due diligence during the actual conduct of the research?
 Errors that you could have easily corrected in a few minutes will taint the entire
body of your work.
 Avoid such errors at all cost
 If your spelling and grammar is not up to par
 you can always make use of the built-in spelling and grammar checker in the presentation
software
 consult a friend or an advisor

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Rehearse your Talk
41

 Rehearse for yourself

 Rehearse with audience

 Take rehearsals serious

 Rehearse early enough to make modifications

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Presentation Delivery
42

 Plan ahead
 know the room; technical equipment…
 Know the introduction by heart
 Concentrate before your talk
 Recall your main points
 Speak freely (don’t read and don’t recite)
 Dress right

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Presentation Delivery…
43

 Attitude/Style
 Keep good time, Be enthusiastic, Be dramatic
 Voice
 Speak loudly and clearly, Avoid monotony
 change volume, speed, rhythm, make pauses
 Mannerism
 Look at your audience, Keep eye contact, Move, but
don’t pace, Use gesture and body language

Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23

 Presentation Delivery…
44

 Interact with audience

 Questions to audience (not frequently), Be open to
questions
 Ending a point and beginning a new point
 Slow down and higher volume, Short pauses, Appropriate
expressions
 Dealing with nervousness
 deep breathe, slow down, and confess it
 Language (English)
 Keep it simple, Emphasize the key points, Check the
difficult pronunciations
Haramaya University, HiT, SECE Research Methods 5/27/23