How to write and publish a scientific paper - Barbara Gastel, Robert A. Day 2022

Making a mini-presentation
How to present a paper orally
Conference communications

Chances sometimes arise to speak very briefly about one’s work. One instance is when, at a conference or elsewhere, one is asked, “Well, what kind of research do you do?” Another instance is when one can talk at an event such as a Three Minute Thesis competition.

The response to the “What do you do?” question is sometimes called an elevator speech because it should be brief enough to give in an elevator ride with someone. Like other communications, it should be geared to the audience, be it a newly met colleague at a conference or your long-lost nonscientist cousin at a family reunion. Regardless of the audience, the following flow can be helpful. If your identity might not be clear, introduce (or reintroduce) yourself. (“I’m _____ _____, a graduate student in _____’s lab at the University of ____,” or “As you may recall, I’m your cousin ____ from ___.”) Briefly provide some context at the appropriate technical level. (“Our laboratory focuses on basic mechanisms of ____, especially as _____,” or “My work relates to ____, which has become an increasingly serious problem in this country.”) Then say more specifically—again, at a suitable technical level—what you are working on. And finally, look ahead. (“I’m currently seeking postdoc opportunities in this field,” or “I hope my research will contribute to addressing this problem.”) The ideal is to leave the listener wanting, and requesting, more.

In a Three Minute Thesis competition, participants briefly present their research in a suitable way for a nonspecialist audience (University of Queensland n.d.). Such competitions began at the University of Queensland in Australia and have now been held at hundreds of universities worldwide. Tips to consider when preparing and presenting a Three Minute Thesis include to start with a relevant statement that engages the audience, move from broad context to your specific research, structure the presentation as a story, emphasize the “why” or “so-what,” speak slowly enough, rehearse extensively, and share your enthusiasm for your work. Other advice from this chapter and chapter 26 (on writing for the public) can apply. Whether or not you win, a Three Minute Thesis competition can be a fine chance to share your research and enhance your communication skills.