In the latest Nature Careers advice column, a PhD student asks how to manage nerves and sensory overload when presenting a poster at a busy conference.
Experts offered various suggestions to help the student navigate poster presentations more effectively. Susan McConnell, a neurobiologist at Stanford University in California, emphasized the importance of preparation, advising the student to rehearse two versions of the presentation: a concise three- to four-minute version and a longer 15-minute one. This allows for flexibility in responding to audience interest. McConnell also recommended rehearsing out loud and practicing control over the presentation, even in chaotic environments.
Practicing a poster presentation three times in a big auditorium with fellow students and colleagues, as suggested by Mark Freiermuth, a linguist at Gunma Prefectural Women’s University in Tamamura, Japan, can also help presenters anticipate questions and improve performance under real-world conditions. For Mr. Freiermuth, seven is the magic number for practice talks.
Last but far from least, Laurie Dupar, founder and director of the International ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) Coach Training Center, encourages students to familiarize themselves with the presentation space in advance and advocate for a more suitable location if needed. She stressed the importance of self-care, such as taking breaks and practicing relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
According to experts, even the most prepared speakers can experience nerves, and it is important to practice self-compassion. Audiences are generally supportive and empathetic, and occasional missteps are often less noticeable than presenters may believe.