Hi, i'm going to be presenting a paper at a grad student symposium and am rather nervous about it. It's my first time, and the subject area is history. Any suggestions for a newbie?
Thanks

I just went to my first conference last weekend, and this is only based on my observations of a few speakers, but here are my thoughts:

--Relax!

--Really pay attention to the time limit; practice ahead of time so you don't go over, and don't tell yourself that you can squeeze in everything you'd like to say if you just speak fast enough. The speakers who I've seen try to do this usually wind up flustered when they realize it won't work.

--It's better to just pick out the major arguments and supporting evidence from your paper without including every single detail. If an audience member is really interested and would like to know more, he or she can always talk to you later.

--From personal experience--don't drink too much coffee or caffeinated soda for a few hours before you present. Trying to calm your trembling hands and concentrate on your speech at the same time is not fun . . .

Good luck!

Good advice mecunningham,

I was wondering about what you said:

Is it typical that an audience member would ask you for a copy of yoru paper? Should you give it to them? What if you don't know them at all?

My only suggestion is to wear a diaper so you can pee and noone will notice.