From Participant to Presenter: Demystifying Conference Presentations
If you’ve attended a conference—perhaps the NCTE National Convention or ICTE’s Spring Conference—you know they’re a fantastic source of professional encouragement, intellectual growth, practical solutions, and meaningful connection. The experience is even richer as a presenter, and the good news is that presenting needn’t require a lot of extra time or effort. The best presentations grow out of topics, research, and experiences you are already interested in; they highlight work you are already doing, making it visible and useful to others. Here’s a “how to” guide to get you started.
Step 1: Write and submit a conference proposal.
Several months before a conference, organizers circulate a Call for Proposals (CFP) describing the conference theme, listing suggested topics and accepted formats (workshops, panel discussions, research presentations, virtual vs. in-person presentations, etc.), and providing details for the proposal (such as word count and deadline).
Proposals are usually very short (100-500 words, or about two paragraphs). Your proposal should clearly state your argument or purpose, briefly contextualize it (by identifying the gap in the research, practical problem, or other challenge your work will address), and articulate what your audience will learn or take away from your presentation. You will also need a catchy, descriptive title for your presentation—ideally, a title that gestures toward the conference theme. Some conferences, including ICTE and NCTE, may ask you to provide a list of keywords and/or identify your target audience. Most CFPs also require a brief (1-2 sentence) professional bio that includes basic information such as your job title and home institution.
Pro tip: Many conferences invite panel or session proposals as well as individual proposals. If you have 1-2 friends (preferably from other institutions) who want present on similar or related topics, consider proposing a complete panel as these tend to have a higher acceptance rate than individual proposals. As an added bonus, presenting alongside friends can feel less intimidating than presenting in a room full of strangers.
Step 2: Plan your presentation.
Once your proposal is accepted, you will need to plan out your presentation and rehearse it several times. Pay close attention to the time limits, technology constraints, and other logistical information supplied by the conference organizers. In some disciplines, presenters essentially read from a paper they’ve written, but most memorable presentations include a less formal (though still organized and prepared) style of address as well as some degree of audience participation; either way, eye contact with your audience is crucial. Consider using a printed outline or notecards (rather than squinting at notes on your phone or simply reading off your slides), and plan strategic pauses, opportunities for eye contact, and body language. If you are using slides or handouts, proofread them carefully to ensure they are clean and legible, and that they enhance (rather than duplicate or distract from) what you plan to say.
Pro tip: Polish your presentation and build confidence by practicing it in front of colleagues or even your students and inviting their feedback.
Step 3: Stand (or sit) and deliver.
Arrive early to scope out your room and test the projection technology. Bring a water bottle and a physical copy of your paper or notes, silence your phone, and ready your stopwatch app. Most conference sessions designate a “chair” to introduce each speaker, ensure presenters stay within the time limits, and facilitate the Q&A; if not, you can coordinate with the other presenters to perform this role for each other. In most circumstances, presenters stand at the front of the room (often behind a lectern) when speaking; however, depending on the size of the audience, configuration of the room, formality of the conference, and other factors, you may choose to stay seated. Most conference sessions are in classroom-sized rooms that do not have microphones, so be sure to project your voice and speak clearly.
Pro tip: Invite a friend to your presentation and task them with giving you subtle countdown signs to ensure you finish on time. Have them take photos during and after your presentation (great for sharing on social media and/or sending to your supervisor or your institution’s marketing team), and take notes on the questions you receive during Q&A. If you’re especially anxious, you can go one step further and have your friend ask a preplanned question during the Q&A.
Step 4: Make the most of it.
Your presentation is over, but you’re not done yet! Update your resume or CV to include the details of your presentation (title, conference name, location, date). Report back about your presentation and conference experience to your supervisor and/or your institution’s marketing team; it’s important to document your presentation for your own professional development and for your department or institution’s scholarly reputation. Plus, this kind of communication helps institutions understand the value of conferences and encourages them to support you and your colleagues’ participation in future conferences.
Pro tip: A conference paper is often a first step towards a publication (whether a blogpost, an article on Edutopia or a similar website, or an article in a peer-reviewed journal or book). Use feedback from the conference Q&A to help you revise your presentation and reformulate it into a publishable piece.
Lauren G. Rich, Ph.D. is a Professor of English; Director of English & Journalism Program; Co-Director of Winona Christian Writers Conference; Director of Office of Faith, Learning, & Scholarship at Grace College
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