Improving Your Presentations



Overview

The ability to verbally present your work clearly and concisely is a crucial skill for a researcher to develop. Presenting at seminars and conferences facilitates reflection on constructive feedback. It also enhances your academic profile and helps you to prepare for the final viva examination (where you will need to orally defend your thesis).

During this session we will discuss various presentation contexts, approaches and techniques for both preparation and delivery. There will also be an opportunity to practice, observe and provide feedback.

Please note: students will be expected to prepare a short five-minute presentation in advance of the session.

This session is aimed at external postgraduates who are applying for, or are currently enrolled on, a PhD programme.

Programme details

Before the session

In advance of the session you will be expected to prepare a short five-minute presentation in advance of the session. Details will be provided once your place is confirmed.

Key learning outcomes of the session

  • Appreciate different styles of presentation for different academic contexts.
  • Understand the practicalities of effective presenting and the importance of preparation and practice.
  • Build confidence in terms of effective delivery and providing constructive feedback.

Tutors

Sarah Frodsham is Co-Director of the Graduate School and Chair of Ethics at the Department of Continuing Education.

Alistair Beecher is Co-Director of the Graduate School and a history tutor at the Department for Continuing Education.

About our research skills training sessions

In 2024 we launched a trial series of research skills sessions open to postgraduate researchers external to the University and, due to the sucess of these, the sessions have been expanded for spring 2025.

All sessions can be attended either in Oxford or online.

Other sessions on offer:

Digital Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. 

Fees

Description Costs
Fee for this training session £50.00

Funding

There are no sources of funding (scholarships, bursaries, etc) available for applicants.

Payment

Successful applicants will be emailed an invoice for the training session fee. 

Application

This session is aimed at postgraduate students who are applying for or are currently enrolled on a PhD programme.

Applicants must submit a current CV which will allow the course tutors to assess your suitability for this training session.

To apply for this session, please select the green 'apply' button at the top of this page.

Research skills sessions

Learn more about the other individual sessions on offer as part of this series:

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support