Attending medical conferences is a fantastic way for me to reignite the excitement and curiosity that come with practicing medicine. For physicians practicing subspecialized care in a community setting like myself, these events are an opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues from across the country, discuss the latest advances in our field, and explore a new city. The energy of being surrounded by fellow professionals, all eager to learn, is exhilarating.
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending conferences -- and a highlight of my professional life -- is presenting on a larger stage. Delivering a conference talk isn’t just about sharing knowledge. It’s about diving deep into a specialized topic and engaging with peers in a meaningful way. Over the years I have given several podium presentations in varying styles and formats and it remains one of the most enjoyable aspects of my career. While giving a talk can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, solid preparation can turn it into a success.
Start with a focused and organized abstract
Your abstract isn’t simply a project proposal; it’s a blueprint for your presentation. A well-prepared abstract ensures your content is organized and relevant, aligning with the goals of your talk and the conference requirements. A 10-minute talk demands different details and organization compared to a 50-minute presentation. If your abstract submission requires learning objectives, use them to guide your content. Your title and abstract also serves as a personal advertisement for your session, often appearing verbatim in conference schedules to attract attendees.
Choose a relevant topic
Choose a topic that resonates with your specialty and aligns with the conference theme. Subjects that address current questions or offer innovative solutions tend to capture attention. If you’re new to the field or unsure about hot topics, collaborating with a special interest group can provide valuable insights. Aim for diversity in both presenters and content. Consider including perspectives from clinicians who practice in various settings, treat specialized age groups, patient populations, and disease processes, can address social determinants of health in relation to your topic, or bring a unique personal perspective. Abstract reviewers look for sessions that will engage attendees, draw interest, and offer something new.
Start early, revise frequently
Many presentations involve collaboration, and coordinating schedules can be challenging. To ensure a smooth process, give yourself and your team ample time for revisions. Most conferences have a deadline for submitting presentations, so starting early and setting goals for drafts is essential. Find a balance between repetition and redundancy. Repeating key points can reinforce important messages, but excessive repetition can lose your audience’s interest. Timing your presentation is crucial. Make sure your presentation covers all your points within the allotted time and leave room for questions. This not only shows respect for your audience’s time but also reflects your professionalism. Consult colleagues or mentors to anticipate audience questions and refine your content based on their feedback.
Keep your slides simple
Slides packed with text may help you while presenting but distract your audience. Instead, use slides to support your narrative and make it easy for listeners to remember your main points. I recommend the “assertion-evidence” model: state the main point of the slide in one sentence at the top, support it with visual evidence, and keep the remainder of the slide simple. Well-designed slides help maintain focus on you, not the screen. My most successful presentations, even remembered up to two years later, followed this model and concluded with a visually appealing summary slide.
Leave time for last-minute technical issues
Test your slides on the conference laptop a day before your presentation to avoid last-minute glitches. Check for compatibility issues with fonts, images, and embedded videos, and ensure that audience response systems are working. Most conferences have tech staff available to assist, so checking in advance allows time for any necessary fixes. On the day of your presentation, if possible, check the room setup and adjust it to meet your needs. Planning seating arrangements for breakout sessions or other requirements ahead of time can streamline transitions and keep the audience engaged.
Enjoy the experience
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, have fun! Embrace the opportunity to teach and inspire your colleagues. Your enthusiasm for the topic will be contagious, making the presentation more engaging and memorable. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver a presentation that not only informs but also inspires your peers. Good luck!
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