[ScholarX TakeAways] Presenting Your Research
Research is a term that we often hear in our day-to-day life. Market research, background research, company research, scientific research — these are all terms that we are familiar with.
However, for most of us, it is only during our undergraduate life that we truly touch upon the concept of research. At some point, it becomes an incredibly important and value-adding aspect of our higher education.
But here is the deal. Research is not all about experiments and new findings. Rather, it is also crucial to know how to present your research, if and when the need arises.
Hence, during my ScholarX journey, our mentor — Dr Kasun Bandara took his time to discuss the importance of effectively presenting our research. And here I am today, to share with you what I have learned, AS PROMISED!
Why Present in the First Place?
Before delving into the specifics, let us take a look at the different scenarios in which you may end up having to present your research work.
As a researcher, your goal would be to discover new knowledge. And once you do so, you will expose this knowledge to the outside world and present your research — most probably in the form of a research paper.
But your research presentations are not limited to this. Because you will also have to present your work when you are looking to collaborate with other researchers or organizations, acquire funding for your studies, and even network for new opportunities. And in these scenarios, things may be different.
Tip #1: Know Your Audience
I think it goes without saying that you have to know who you are speaking to — AT ALL TIMES. For instance, how you speak to your lecturers is entirely different from how you speak to your friends. It is not just the form of communication that is different, but also the style and content.
This applies to when you are presenting your research as well. For example, if you are looking to collaborate with other research groups, you would reach out to those who are working on a similar research topic. In such instances, you would not have to go into the details of the very basics — because they would already be aware of it.
But if you are looking for funding from external organizations or even to collaborate with the corporate world, things would be different. Because chances are that these people would not know your research domain in-depth. Hence, you need to present your work in a simple manner that also touches upon the very basic concepts.
For us computing-related undergraduates, this is an ideal example of technical and non-technical audiences. And I think the terms speak for themselves.
Tip #2: Knowing How To Present
Now that you know who your audience is and how to focus on your work when communication with them, up next is knowing how to present. Because different audiences have different needs. For example, other researchers might be interested in your research methodology and findings. Whereas, your corporate stakeholders would be more interested in the potential of your study and its contribution to the industry.
Therefore, when presenting your work, you might have to choose the optimal form of communication. A well-explained WIP paper with the numbers? A more customized slide deck with visualizations? You’ve got to think and decide.
Tip #3: Network!!!!
And last but not least, if you get the chance to present your work to fellow researchers in the same domain — do not miss out on the opportunity! Because, these people might have been working on the same research area over several years, thereby gaining a lot of knowledge in the process. They will be able to point you in new directions that you had never thought of! And how great is that?
So, if you ever get the chance to network with fellow researchers or research teams, do not think twice! You sure will have a lot to learn from them, and also a lot to think and consider after!
Aaaaand folks, that’s about it for today! I am currently working on the next blog that will tell you about the importance of promoting your research and how to do so!
And till then, adios!
