MODALITY

In your field, is it typical to deliver Poster Presentations or Oral Presentations? In your field, do panelists typically read papers or speak without notes?

In writing studies, there’s a mix of poster presentations and oral presentations. There are also conferences that have digital poster presentations, Ignite talks, and other (non-traditional) forms. I’ve seen both [reading and speaking without notes]. The more engaging presentations I’ve seen are ones where papers aren’t read, but it took me a long time to feel confident NOT reading a paper. However, I still use notes (and slides can help too). I’ve always been more comfortable with notes I can return to and still read sections of work when I present. (Dr. Janine Morris, Writing)

In the field of history, conference presentations are almost exclusively given orally.  In my experience poster presentations are extremely rare at history conferences. Both [reading and speaking without notes] are common forms of delivery at history conferences. (Dr. David Kilroy, History)

Oral presentations are the norm.  Poster presentations are rare. Both [reading and speaking without notes] really.  More often people read.  Some conferences I’ve attended specifically asked presenters NOT to read. (Dr. Ben Mulvey, Philosophy)

There are some poster presentations, but it is not the norm. Panelists typically speak without notes. (Dr. Ransford Edwards, Political Science)

Both [Poster Presentations and Oral Presentations]. We usually sit for a workshop and then create/practice. Both [reading and speaking without notes]...I prefer speaking without notes (Prof. Kandy Lopez, Art + Design)

Oral presentations in Political Science. Both. [reading and speaking without notes] Many of the conferences I attend the speakers speak plainly and openly, maybe with just a few notes. However, in the past couple of years I have seen more academics (typically younger academics) who prepare a written version of their research and read it to the audience. I am personally more comfortable talking off the cuff. (Dr. G. Nelson Bass III, Political Science)

In modern languages/literatures, we share our research via oral presentations. Those in the fields of linguistics /second language acquisition deliver poster presentations and oral presentations. For the most part, we read papers, and/or use Powerpoint/Prezi presentations. (Dr. Yvette Fuentes, Modern Languages)

Oral. Read papers…but presentations are more engaging with visual aids and periodic ad-libbing by the speakers (Dr. Marlisa Santos, Literature & Film)

My field, life sciences, both poster presentations and oral presentations are given. Oral presentations are usually seen as more "prestigious". 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. (Dr. J. Matt Hoch, Life Sciences)

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Conference presentations in both literary studies and film studies are oral presentations, although the exact format may differ. A traditional panel presentation is most common – other typical formats include a more discussion-based roundtable or shorter ‘lightning talks’. While not the norm, poster presentations are on occasion included in conferences within these fields, especially when presenting digital humanities projects. Panelists in both literature and film studies usually read their papers, often peppered with asides and ad-libbed remarks to strike an engaging and conversational tone. Many panelists use visual aids in their talks – not only in film papers (which might likewise be supplemented with short film clips) but also in literary studies presentations, where slides may include visuals reflecting relevant cultural context or specific passages that are closely analyzed in the paper. (Dr. Yair Solan, Literature & Film)

Oral presentations are more common in philosophy. I happen to work in a very interdisciplinary area, so most of the conferences I attend have a strong focus on technology, law and policy as well. In these conferences panelists typically speak without a prepared text over a PowerPoint. At more traditional philosophy conferences, however, it is fairly common for panelists to simply read papers, which are often works in progress. But unless the speaker is putting a strong emphasis on delivery, papers that are simply read usually make less engaging presentations. (Dr. Jeremy Weissman, Philosophy)

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. 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. (Dr. Katy Doll, History)

Oral Presentations are typical and people mostly read from papers or prepared notes. (Dr. Amanda Furiasse, Religious Studies)

In law, most people speak to their slides, without notes. In history, most people read papers. (Dr. Teng Li, History & Legal Studies)