LIFE SCIENCES
Dr. J. Matt Hoch, Professor
In your experience, what is the purpose of a conference? The purpose of a conference is to present one's own work and consume the work of others. This is to share discoveries. It is a way to know the state of the art of one's field and to ensure that you are at the forefront of techniques and analysis. It is also a venue for networking to find job opportunities and form new collaborations. Humans are social and they allow the benefits of social interactions for members of a field, and in discussions new ideas and paradigms can emerge.
In your field, is it typical to deliver Poster Presentations or Oral Presentations? My field, life sciences, both poster presentations and oral presentations are given. Oral presentations are usually seen as more "prestigious".
In your field, do panelists typically read papers or speak without notes? In life sciences, panelists usually speak without notes, although if someone did speak with notes, it would not seem too out of places. I would estimate that 1% read from notes.
In your experience, what is the responsibility of an audience member? Audience members listen to the presentation quietly without interruption. At the end of the presentation audience members may ask questions to present ideas to the speaker. Interruptions, even questions about the content during the talk, are very rare and would be seen as disruptive.
How would you describe your presentation persona? (or What is an effective presentation persona?) In life sciences, powerpoint slide presentations are the norm. I try to have less text on presentation slides. Usually, an outline of the points that I will be covering on each slide. I use more images and graphs because I believe the audience will stay engaged better if they have something to look at. I try to keep my speech clear so that non-specialists can follow along too. I usually try to include humor, but not too much because it would be distracting. I set up my research presentations as a story, with a moral or message that I am building towards.
How do you handle performance anxiety? By practicing. I also convince myself that most people are too worried about their own business to spend any effort judging me harshly.
How do you 'network'? In life sciences, poster sessions are the major networking opportunity. You can meet authors of posters at their poster at a designated time. Usually other of their collaborators will pass by or you can ask for introductions. Many conferences organize special social opportunities for people interested in specific topics.
Any tips you normally give to first-time goers? Don't be shy about talking to people. That is the reason they came to the conference. Make the best of the opportunity.