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Tell the audience what your talk is about and where you aim to
take them.
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Introduce the subject by posing the problem you are to address
in the context of what is already known.
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Describe your approach and methods minimally -- if you can
assume knowledge of the audience, assume it to be already given.
This section may be longer if you are presenting a research
proposal.
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Present the results, focussing on no more than three key ideas.
Bring each idea to closure. This section may be shorter if you
are presenting a research proposal.
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Discuss the implications of the results for management or the
discipline of study.
Some good advice: A noted speaker was asked his secret of success. "First," he said, "you write an exciting opening that will draw the attention of everyone in the room. Then you compose a dramatic summary and closing words that will leave the audience spellbound. Then," he advised, "you put them as close together as possible."
Criteria for success
A talk will be considered successful if
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the talk does not exceed the allotted time of twelve minutes.
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the subject is well introduced with the scope set and the
objectives clearly stated.
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the talk is focussed on no more than three major points
with supporting data and argument.
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there is minimal information provided on materials and methods,
unless the talk is methodological or a research proposal.
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the implications for the discipline of study or in application are
clearly stated.
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the talk, and each of the sentinent ideas, are brought
successfully to closure -- the audience is not left hanging or
thinking "so what"?
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textual overheads/slides do not exceed 12 in number.
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overheads/slides are clearly legible from the rear of the room
by the most myopic, and are free of unnecessary detail or
excessive content.
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the talk is presented in a clear voice, audible from the back of
the room and relatively free from, uh, vocal faults.
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the speaker is clearly enthused by his or her topic.
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questions are addressed without evasion and answers demonstrate
deep understanding of the research topic and key issues that
relate to it.
Errors of logic, though devastating in extreme cases, are not to be considered faults of the presentation. Constructive criticism during or following a talk is to be welcomed. Indeed it should be actively encouraged by exposing the weak points of your research to criticism and suggestion.