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Presentation Consultations: Conferences & Poster Sessions

The Presentation/Conference Paper Consultation provides an opportunity for a faculty member, graduate or undergraduate student to practice an oral presentation before appearing in public.

Faculty and graduate students may request Presentation/Conference Paper Consultations for the following types of presentations:

  • conference talks and poster sessions
  • departmental colloquia presentations
  • dissertation defenses
  • presentations of research outside a classroom setting
  • job talks
  • interviews

Presentation/Conference Paper Consultations can help undergraduates prepare for:

  • interviews before academic scholarship review committees (Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, etc.)
  • presentations of class projects (whether individual or group)
  • presentations of research (Royce fellowships)

Presentation/Conference Paper Consultation Guidelines

  1. Fill out the PC Sign-up form on the website at least two (2) weeks in advance in order to give the Center sufficient time to arrange for a consultant. This form is VERY IMPORTANT. It is your chance to let the consultant(s) know what to expect in the session s/he will observe and what you are trying to accomplish with the presentation. You will be asked to describe the purpose of your presentation and the rhetorical means by which you plan to convince your audience. Remember that the consultants are NON-EXPERTS in your specific field, which ensures that they focus on your presentation style and effectiveness rather than on the content of your presentation.
  2. You will need to make arrangements for a location in which to hold the session in your department and for any AV equipment you might need. If this is a problem, please let the Center know.
  3. Depending on your preference, one or two Sheridan Center Teaching Consultants will observe the session. After your presentation, the consultant(s) will remain to offer immediate feedback and suggestions. If you wish, the consultant will supply a written list of the suggestions s/he made.
  4. You may request that your presentation be videotaped. If so, you will be given a copy of the tape.
  5. A Follow-up Questionnaire will be sent to you by email.. Please fill it out and return it to the Center as soon as possible.