Select the material you require for the presentation. This generally includes four parts: introduction, materials and methods, results and conclusion. Think of your presentation as a story to engage the audience. Accordingly select the points to include under each of these headings. For example, come up with a catchy introduction that focuses on what got you interested in the topic rather than just stating the problem. When discussing methods, prepare to explain the different approaches you tried before arriving at one that worked. Keep the results section brief and connect these to the introductory remarks in the conclusion section.
Most speakers at scientific presentations use visual aids. Prepare a slide presentation that succinctly conveys information under each of your topic headings. Arrange slides in the order that they appear in your presentation. Use a clear font type and size that provides sufficient visibility to the audience. Include diagrams, tables and graphs where relevant, but avoid crowding too much information onto a single slide. Check the clarity of the colors you use for the background and the fonts. Include a few cartoons to convey some concepts in your presentation.
Structure your presentation to introduce the topic, discuss it and summarize. When you begin your presentation, provide an outline of what you will cover. Then go on to cover the topic and when you end, summarize the points you covered. This repetition ensures the audience catches the most significant aspects of your work. When you discuss the topic, focus on the broad concepts; leave the specific details for the question-and-answer session. Write out an outline for what you will say in the presentation and rehearse in front of a small audience. Tweak your content or style based on feedback you receive.
Address the audience in a strong and confident tone that is unhurried, but not a drawl. Maintain eye contact with a few members, but avoid staring at the same person for long. When you refer to a slide as it comes up on the screen, pause for a few seconds to let the audience scan its contents. Look at it briefly, but turn to face the audience as you begin speaking about the point. Use jargon sparingly and always introduce a technical term with an explanation. When you take questions, take a few moments to formulate the answer. Answer to the point. If there is something you don't know, accept it humbly and say you need to look into it.