HISTORY

In your opinion/experience, what is the purpose of a conference? A conference has a few purposes, whether you are presenting or simply attending. For participants, conferences are an opportunity to share your research, whether you are sharing a new item such as research in progress, or giving your expertise to a conversation with others engaged in the same or similar fields. For an audience member, conferences are often a way to learn more about things beyond your specialty, such as the work of historians of other time periods or places. Increasingly, conferences are also including workshops and opportunities for people to learn new techniques, think about job searches, or just recharge by hearing about exciting work other scholars are performing.

In your field, is it typical to deliver Poster Presentations or Oral Presentations? Oral presentations are the standard method of presenting at history conferences but many conferences are also trying to expand their offerings. For example, some have poster sessions for younger scholars and many are embracing workshops, lightning rounds, and round tables that are more conversations than formal presentations.

1. In your field, do panelists typically read papers or speak without notes? People are often split on if you should read a paper or speak without notes. I’ve always presented by reading a paper, but making sure I take time to look up, connect with the audience, and not worry if I go slightly off script from my paper.

In your opinion/experience, what is the responsibility of an audience member? Audience members should be respectful, but ultimately they should be there because they want to learn or want to support a presenter. If I tweet or otherwise share information from the panel I make sure to credit the speaker, indicate the session and conference, and be careful to accurately describe their research, not take anything out of context. If I’m going to ask a question, I think about what questions would benefit not just me but other audience members.

How would you describe your presentation persona? (or What is an effective presentation persona?) My presentation persona is controlled anxiety! I know I will have some anxiety, so I try to channel that energy into an engaged reading of my paper. I make sure to make eye contact with my audience often and remind myself that I’m an expert on my topic. Although this might sound like a small thing, I also try to have an outfit that I find comfortable and professional so I feel I’m ready to present and not having any discomfort. For example, I wore new shoes for a conference once but never will again after I got a blister on day 1 of a 3 day conference!

How do you handle performance anxiety? I know I will always have some anxiety, so first, I accept that and don’t expect myself to be perfectly calm. I focus on having all the things that give me some security in presenting, including having my paper printed out in a large font (no losing my place because I’m reading tiny print!), staying hydrated, and remembering that I know my stuff. I often have anxiety about what questions I might get after I present, so if someone asks me a question I always write down what they asked to a) give myself a second to think about the topic and b) make sure I don’t go off topic and end up avoiding the question. I also remind myself that “I don’t know” or “that’s beyond the scope of my research” is a perfectly fine answer if I get a question I can’t answer. I might remember a silly comment I made, but if you asked me to name a silly thing I heard someone else say at a presentation I couldn’t. We are often our harshest critics.

How do you 'network'? Networking often depends on many factors, from how comfortable you are talking to stranger to who else you know at a conference. I am not as confident approaching strangers at a conference, so before I go I try to reach out to anyone I might want to meet. For example, you might email someone to see if they would get a coffee with you during a break one day. You can also talk to people at the end of their presentations. Another important element of this is following up afterwards—email all the people you met. Many conferences are somewhat specialized, so you will end up seeing some of the same scholars presenting year after year, so in the future you can remind them of how you met and ask if they want to talk more.

Any tips you normally give to first-time goers? For first-time goers, I suggest you review the schedule before you go but be prepared to be somewhat flexible. The first professional conference I went to, I wanted to attend every session but after several hours of talks I felt myself totally unfocused. Being strategic and going to a few panels while giving myself time to relax, go for a walk, or get a snack helps me get the most out of the sessions I attend. If you are a first time presenter, don’t be too ambitious with the day you present. I’m usually so tired after I present (all that anxiety finally gone!) that I take at least an hour or two break after my presentation. Conferences are great places for learning and professional connections, but they should also be times to find yourself recharged and excited about your work, so give yourself the time and breaks you need to not just attend a conference but enjoy it.