how to write research paper for conference

How to Write a High-Quality Conference Paper

Presenting and submitting conference papers at seminars and academic conferences is a crucial part of academic life, especially for early-career researchers. These events offer attending scholars and researchers a great opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and perspectives on their work. Therefore, when organizers issue a call for submission of conference papers, researchers must try to participate by submitting their papers. When published, these conference proceedings go on to serve as essential academic and research resources for students and early-career researchers.   

Table of Contents

• Why are conference papers important?  
• Difference between conference papers and journal papers  

Research methodology

Findings/ results.

• Writing a high-quality conference paper  

Why are conference papers important?

Conferences offer an excellent opportunity for researchers to share their work with wider audiences through conference papers, receive feedback, and network with other researchers. They also serve as a stepping stone to publishing in peer-reviewed journals, as they allow researchers to refine their ideas and receive insights from peers and mentors before submitting a manuscript for publication. Additionally, presenting research at conferences can not only help establish one’s credibility and reputation as a thought leader in a particular field. Still, it can also lead to new collaborations, exciting research opportunities, and even job offers or promotions.  

Difference between conference papers and journal papers

Compared to journal papers, conference papers are usually short and aim to present initial findings and analysis of ongoing research. Journal papers, on the other hand, tend to be longer and more detailed and are screened through a peer-review process. Depending on the type of presentation that you are going to give at the conference or depending on your specific role, conference papers can be customized as respondent (speaker and respondent roll out presentations), panel (a few speakers speak for a designated period with a discussant), poster (visual presentation), roundtable (few speakers speak with time limits) and workshops (scope for a detailed presentation).   

Tips on writing a conference paper

Writing an impactful conference paper requires a careful blend of good research and clarity in writing. To be accepted on submission, researchers must ensure that they follow the specific guidelines laid out by organizers. A typical conference paper usually begins with a title page, followed by the abstract, an examination of the research problem, the methodology followed and the principal conclusions. It must include the following elements:  

This page should provide the title of the conference paper, your name and credentials, the institution you are working with, and the date of submission. It must also succinctly convey the crux of your research study.  

An essential component of the conference paper, this section must provide a brief synopsis that includes the aims and objectives of your study, methodology, research findings and principal conclusions. Ensure that the length of the abstract is in accordance with the guidelines provided by the conference committee.  

This section is important for conference organizers to assess your paper, and therefore, it must be presented clearly, concisely, and accurately.  

The main findings should be clearly stated, drawing on evidence-based conclusions. Tables and figures are recommended as they help convey complex data more effectively.   

Ensure that you accurately list references to the work you have cited. Most conference organizers have specific formats for citations and references, so do check before submitting your conference paper.  

Writing a high-quality conference paper

• Focus on the audience profile: When writing a conference paper, it is essential to keep the audience in mind. This will help you write your paper in a more engaging and impactful way. Experts suggest keeping in mind both the broader research questions that are sought to be addressed in the conference and the fundamental issues in the primary or related field of study – this will go a long way in helping you link your research to these aspects and consequently, enable you to connect more effectively with audiences.  
• Keep your writing structured and organized. It is essential to organize conference papers logically and convincingly. Focus on the key aspects of your study, and provide solid examples and illustrations to strengthen your argument and make it more attractive to those present.  
• Reading aloud : Experts suggest reading your conference paper aloud several times. This technique helps you identify possible errors in language and grammar and brings clarity to your ideas and presentation.  
• Conference guidelines: It is important to ensure that you follow the guidelines, structure, format, and length requested by conference organizers. This helps ensure that your conference paper is accepted upon submission without too many changes and alterations. 

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Conference Paper Format and Style Guidelines

Published on 23 Jun 2022

There are many different ways to write a conference paper. Most journals have their own requirements around specific length, document type, and the font details of pieces being submitted for publishing.

However, there are certain details that are commonly found in conference papers. Most are brief in length, attempting to explain complex concepts using simple, concise language. They typically include the article’s purpose and objectives, research methods, findings/results, conclusions, and references. 

The information covered in a conference paper is closely-related to the oral presentation that the author is hoping to make at an academic conference. These papers are often written in a format that will “match” the oral presentation with a goal to communicate a research project and its main findings, and to solicit feedback and generate interest in the work being done.

This article will define a conference research paper and describe its purpose, formats, structure and provide tips on how to write the best conference research paper possible. 

What is a conference research paper?

A conference research paper is a piece of writing that an author submits to conference organizers. The papers offer a preview of the work the researcher wants to present to let others in their field know about it and solicit feedback that could generate ideas for improvement.

These papers are submitted for review in advance of the conference. This process begins with a call-for-papers, when a conference organizing committee sends out an invitation to academics in hopes of generating multiple submissions of content to be presented at their event. These invitations can be sent via email or posted to a conference announcement website. Then, the organizing committee conducts a thorough review process to confirm the legitimacy of the work being submitted. Then, the work is either approved or rejected, and those accepted become part of the conference programme and the authors are scheduled to present at the conference .

When the event concludes, these conference papers are combined into a conference proceedings document that is often published and kept as a written record of the event. 

What is the best conference paper format?

The most commonly used conference paper formats start with a title page and abstract and go on to describe the research being conducted and the methodology being used. Conference papers should be well-structured and concise, free of grammatical errors with references formatted based on requirements set out in the call-for-papers.

How to structure a conference paper

Conference papers should be structured around the prime objectives of the research being conducted and the summary of its findings. Most conference papers start by introducing the purpose of the research, the methodology, the results of the study, and references of the sources used. 

Here are the elements that are typically included in a conference paper: 

The title page

The title page is used to identify the main pieces of information needed in order to identify and evaluate a conference paper. It includes the title of the paper, which should clearly identify the focus of the research being presented. The title page should also include the author’s name, credentials, the research institution they’re affiliated with, the submission date, and the name of the conference for which the paper is being submitted. 

While the exact format that the conference is looking for should be described in the call-for-papers sent out by event organizers, you can find templates for conference paper title pages online. Here is one example of an APA style title page you can reference. 

The abstract

Conference papers begin with an abstract. An abstract is a short summary of the prime objective of your research, your hypothesis, the way you plan to conduct the study, the results, and the conclusions. Most abstracts are one or two paragraphs and kept under 250 words, but it’s not always the case so it’s best to check the guidelines provided by the conference organizers. 

The research methodology

In order for conference organizers to review and evaluate a conference paper, they must understand the methods used by the researcher to conduct the study being presented. Include a section in your paper that clearly (but briefly) describes your methodology, including any dominant theories that the methods are based on. 

The results

Clearly outline the results of the study, drawing data-driven conclusions. Present the insights uncovered by the research and how they can be used to advance your field of study. This will generate interest from other researchers in your field, potentially leading to partnerships or funding opportunities down the road. 

Your research results should take up about one-third of your conference paper, so for a 10-page paper, this section should be no longer than 3.5 pages. Whenever possible, display quantitative results in table format to make it easy for readers to understand. 

The references

Most conferences will clearly outline the type of references they expect in their call-for-papers or advertisement soliciting research submissions. Follow these guidelines to reference the work used to inform your research. 

Most events will request APA, MLA or Chicago-style formatting, but be prepared to reference any of the common formats. As a general rule, APA is most often used in education, psychology and sciences, MLA is used in the humanities, and Chicago style is used in business, history and fine arts. 

Tips to write a conference paper

1. focus on the abstract.

The abstract is the first thing academics look at when evaluating a piece of research. If your paper is accepted, you will be presenting your work to a group of your peers, and this abstract is their preview to the information that will be discussed. You’ll want to make it clear, concise, and interesting to read. 

This is also what conference organizers use to categorize different streams of work within the conference, so it’s important that your focus and subject matter is clearly defined and easy to determine. This will ensure you’re placed alongside researchers with a related field of study. 

Begin your abstract by defining the problem you hoped to solve when you began your research. Then, describe how you went about studying that problem before presenting your research findings and how they help solve the problem. 

2. Create a logical flow

Before you start writing, take some time to create an outline that follows a logical, cohesive flow of information. Review your research and determine the most important things you want to share in your presentation, and create your outline based on this list. An outline will help you stay focused and organized, and will make creating the abstract a breeze. 

In your outline, you should also plan to include data points that back up your conclusions to make your paper strong and convincing. 

3. Be careful of length

Look into the structure of the conference and find out the length of the presentations. This is usually stated in the conference posting, but if not, you can use the following guidelines. Most conferences allot 10-20 minutes for each oral presentation, and each page of writing takes about 2 minutes to read. Based on these numbers, a conference paper should not exceed 10 pages. 

4. Follow the format guidelines

Conference organizing committees will most of the time set specific guidelines for researchers to follow in their submissions. These guidelines will include the preferred file type (.doc, .rtf. .pdf etc), the font type and size, the spacing, where they want the page numbers, the length of the abstract, reference format, and more.

This simplifies the review process by allowing the reviewers to focus solely on the paper content, rather than having to decipher references or look for specific pieces of information.

5. Read it out loud

To keep your conference paper short, it’s important that every word counts. To keep your paper free of fluff and unnecessary words, read it out loud to yourself and remove or revise anything that isn’t optimal.

Reading out loud will also help you confirm that the information you’re presenting is organized into a logical flow that builds up support for your overall argument. Sometimes words look good typed out on a screen, but they don’t sound convincing or appropriate when spoken out loud. Since this paper is an overview of the research you hope to present in an oral presentation at a conference, it should sound convincing when you read it aloud. 

6. Write for your audience

Remember that you are writing for academic researchers who are knowledgeable in your field. 

Academic writing uses a more formal tone than a blog or news article. It is free of personal opinions or anecdotes, and does not include any jargon, cliches, or slang. Academic writing maintains a clear focus on the main area of research, and every sentence should resonate with your audience of researchers. 

Every piece of data used in a piece of academic writing should be backed-up with data. Researchers reviewing your work expect to be presented with data-driven insights that can be quantifiably verified. 

Reference everything. Not only does this add weight and legitimacy to your work, but it also shows respect for the researchers who came before you.  

Useful resources for conference papers

There are many resources available to help you write and format your conference papers. These are often free, and easily-accessible online. Here are a few to check out:

Overleaf is an online LaTeX editor that provides known journals and conference paper formats. It is a helpful resource but can be difficult for those that are not very technical. 

A friend to all writers, Grammarly provides free editing and grammar checks through a simple AI-powered platform available through the web or on your mobile device. There are free or paid versions available, depending on the level of functionality you’re looking for. 

Evernote can simplify and organize your research by making it easy to collect and share notes, and keep them with you wherever you go. 

Citationsy is a relatively new application that automates the process of creating and formatting references. This can be a significant time saver and remove one of the less exciting elements of academic writing.

If you’re at the stage in your research where you’re ready to write a conference paper and apply to present at an academic conference, congratulations! This means you have conducted a significant amount of research and are ready to share it with your peers.

We hope you’ve found this article a good resource to help you write this paper. If there are any tips or pieces of information that we’ve missed, please let us know .

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How to Write a Conference Paper

Table of contents

How to write a conference paper with innovation.

• Write a Conference Paper with Precision
• Write a Conference Paper for Peer-review

How to Write a Conference Paper with Worth the Presentation

• Write a Conference Paper with an Appropriate Abstract
• Write a Conference Paper with the Right Format

Before gaining insight into - how to write a conference paper , try to understand that conference papers are meant to get presented in front of a highly knowledgeable audience. This audience is well aware of the subject, yet looks forward to gaining added information or an innovative idea to enhance the current subject. To write a conference paper there are some key principles that you need to follow:

Note that every conference comprises of its predetermined criteria for the selection of research topic, formatting and presentation of the paper.

To write a conference you must understand the purpose, the discipline, and the format of the paper. Unlike any other research paper , a conference paper remains concise and absolute about the new idea or any innovative plan. You need to consider some brainstorming sessions for yourself to resolve a particular problem to build a new way of looking at a particular issue. While doing so, you must express your in-depth understanding and knowledge about the subject in a very precise manner. Moreover, it is also necessary that the audience that comprises your peers get the encouragement to evaluate your paper .

To gain an answer to how to write a conference paper?’ always remain focused on enhancing your innovative research approach, and express the same by following the steps as noted below:

Deal with a Common Topic -> Identify the Challenge/s -> Undergo Voracious Readings -> Brainstorm Yourself -> Find Solution/s to the Identified Challenge/s

By means of offering a unique and effective solution to your conference paper, you can add great relevance to the subject and this is something that gets highly acknowledged by scholars.

Write a Conference Paper with Precision

For a conference paper always create a draft. Try to construct the information around it. Avoid all kinds of repetitions and unnecessary information. Do not ever include any word or sentence that is irrelevant to the topic.

Your Introduction should be constructed as per the interest of the audience. There is no need for any reference to former research work. You are not supposed to elaborate on the ways you have attained the results. Just stay focused in explaining the Results that you have attained from your experiment. Conclude the conference paper with affirmations and possibilities for future research.

Write a conference paper by addressing the following aspects in a very precise and comprehensive manner:

In the first paragraph of your paper, express the purpose of your presentation. Support it with relevant information and statistics. Explain the aim and objectives with great precision. Make sure that you give correct, valid and details about the database. Explain the results that you have attained while resolving the research issue. Express the relevance of your paper and determine its importance for future attention. In every step acknowledge the former researcher who guided you through the research process. In every step add your extended thought.

Be very precise and concrete, yet expressive in every sentence of your conference paper .

Write a Conference Paper for Peer-review

Since the conference paper gets presented to scholars, make sure that you maintain complete professionalism while making the presentation. There should be an adequate amount of clarity in your language and a comprehensive way of presenting every justification. When you write a conference paper, remain specific about supporting your logical sentences with in-text citations. Always explain the reasons to either support or reject the particular thought of the former researcher. Enlist the sources of the in-text citation in the Reference List.

While explaining your research context use transitional phrases, such as-

‘therefore’, ‘hence’, ‘consequently’, ‘moreover’, ‘meanwhile’, ‘however’, ‘therefore’.

Always prefer to address the systematic mode of explanation in a very step-by-step manner. Always use ordinals and signpost phrases, such as –

‘firstly’, secondly’, ‘next’, 'This essay critically examines', ‘The major issue…’, 'This essay is organised ...'.

Open debates for discussions and remain ready for feedbacks and rejections from your peers. If you are getting a notable amount of critical points of view, then consider your conference paper as a success. Gaining the attention of your peers adds relevance and significance to your conference paper. Always welcome and appreciate their ideologies and school of thinking.  

The conference papers are subject to deliver path-breaking ideas and thus the presence of such a paper should be very neatly structured. To bring the scholars to your presentation sessions, you must offer a very convincing Abstract. As the scholars will find the Abstract to be critical and interesting, they will prefer to find out what you are going to present. It is at this point that the presentation of your conference paper must remain strict to the standardised format, as mentioned in the letter of ‘Call for Papers. You can structure the format of your presentation in support of reading out your paper with visual presentations or make it a roundtable discussion.

Write a Conference Paper with an Appropriate Abstract

To get a rigid answer to the question- how to write a conference paper?’ you need to understand that a conference paper is a verbal presentation. This is the reason that the Abstract of a conference paper is saved for all those people who will attend the conference. In most of the conferences, the presentations of the conference papers are distributed in different rooms. The scholars are offered handouts or schedules, where the Abstract of papers will be presented. Specific information about the rooms and timings of every paper is noted in these handouts or schedules. After reading the Abstracts, the scholars decide to attend the respective presentations of the papers, which is complete as per their choices and preferences. This is the reason that the Abstract of a conference paper is much more than just an outline of the accomplished brainstormed conclusion attained by you. Your Abstract must comprise of the following specifications:

Write a Conference Paper with the Right Format

To write a conference paper, the format of a conference paper must be organised in a very systematic way. The core inclusions in the format are:

Unlike any other research paper, write a conference paper in a very different format. There is no specific Introduction or Literature Review. The conference paper starts directly with the Purpose of the Paper, where you need to state the aims and objectives of the research. Then in a very short paragraph, state the research approach. The core concern of a conferment paper is the results that you attained. Present your results in coherence with the innovative conclusive proceeding. Offer recommendations and scopes for developing your thought in future.

Since you need to write a conference paper for a presentation of 20 to 30 minutes, it is necessary to include only information which can support the Purpose and Results of your research. However, always add the Acknowledgements, References, and Appendices to your conference paper and present them in case any scholar wants to have additions support to your statements.

Thus, the aforementioned points are effective in delivering a clear concept on how to write a conference paper?’. Follow the instructions and make a difference in the world of intellectual platforms.

Conference Papers

What this handout is about.

This handout outlines strategies for writing and presenting papers for academic conferences.

What’s special about conference papers?

Conference papers can be an effective way to try out new ideas, introduce your work to colleagues, and hone your research questions. Presenting at a conference is a great opportunity for gaining valuable feedback from a community of scholars and for increasing your professional stature in your field.

A conference paper is often both a written document and an oral presentation. You may be asked to submit a copy of your paper to a commentator before you present at the conference. Thus, your paper should follow the conventions for academic papers and oral presentations.

Preparing to write your conference paper

There are several factors to consider as you get started on your conference paper.

Determine the structure and style

How will you structure your presentation? This is an important question, because your presentation format will shape your written document. Some possibilities for your session include:

• A visual presentation, including software such as PowerPoint or Prezi
• A paper that you read aloud
• A roundtable discussion

Presentations can be a combination of these styles. For example, you might read a paper aloud while displaying images. Following your paper, you might participate in an informal conversation with your fellow presenters.

You will also need to know how long your paper should be. Presentations are usually 15-20 minutes. A general rule of thumb is that one double-spaced page takes 2-2.5 minutes to read out loud. Thus an 8-10 page, double-spaced paper is often a good fit for a 15-20 minute presentation. Adhere to the time limit.  Make sure that your written paper conforms to the presentation constraints.

Consider the conventions of the conference and the structure of your session

It is important to meet the expectations of your conference audience. Have you been to an academic conference previously?  How were presentations structured? What kinds of presentations did you find most effective? What do you know about the particular conference you are planning to attend? Some professional organizations have their own rules and suggestions for writing and presenting for their conferences. Make sure to find out what they are and stick to them.

If you proposed a panel with other scholars, then you should already have a good idea of your panel’s expectations. However, if you submitted your paper individually and the conference organizers placed it on a panel with other papers, you will need additional information.

Will there be a commentator? Commentators, also called respondents or discussants, can be great additions to panels, since their job is to pull the papers together and pose questions. If there will be a commentator, be sure to know when they would like to have a copy of your paper. Observe this deadline.

You may also want to find out what your fellow presenters will be talking about. Will you circulate your papers among the other panelists prior to the conference? Will your papers address common themes? Will you discuss intersections with each other’s work after your individual presentations? How collaborative do you want your panel to be?

Analyze your audience

Knowing your audience is critical for any writing assignment, but conference papers are special because you will be physically interacting with them. Take a look at our handout on audience . Anticipating the needs of your listeners will help you write a conference paper that connects your specific research to their broader concerns in a compelling way.

What are the concerns of the conference?

You can identify these by revisiting the call for proposals and reviewing the mission statement or theme of the conference. What key words or concepts are repeated? How does your work relate to these larger research questions? If you choose to orient your paper toward one of these themes, make sure there is a genuine relationship. Superficial use of key terms can weaken your paper.

What are the primary concerns of the field?

How do you bridge the gap between your research and your field’s broader concerns? Finding these linkages is part of the brainstorming process. See our handout on brainstorming . If you are presenting at a conference that is within your primary field, you should be familiar with leading concerns and questions. If you will be attending an interdisciplinary conference or a conference outside of your field, or if you simply need to refresh your knowledge of what’s current in your discipline, you can:

• Read recently published journals and books, including recent publications by the conference’s featured speakers
• Talk to people who have been to the conference
• Pay attention to questions about theory and method. What questions come up in the literature? What foundational texts should you be familiar with?
• Review the initial research questions that inspired your project. Think about the big questions in the secondary literature of your field.
• Try a free-writing exercise. Imagine that you are explaining your project to someone who is in your department, but is unfamiliar with your specific topic. What can you assume they already know? Where will you need to start in your explanation? How will you establish common ground?

Contextualizing your narrow research question within larger trends in the field will help you connect with your audience.  You might be really excited about a previously unknown nineteenth-century poet. But will your topic engage others?  You don’t want people to leave your presentation, thinking, “What was the point of that?” By carefully analyzing your audience and considering the concerns of the conference and the field, you can present a paper that will have your listeners thinking, “Wow! Why haven’t I heard about that obscure poet before? She is really important for understanding developments in Romantic poetry in the 1800s!”

Writing your conference paper

I have a really great research paper/manuscript/dissertation chapter on this same topic. Should I cut and paste?

Be careful here. Time constraints and the needs of your audience may require a tightly focused and limited message. To create a paper tailored to the conference, you might want to set everything aside and create a brand new document.  Don’t worry—you will still have that paper, manuscript, or chapter if you need it. But you will also benefit from taking a fresh look at your research.

Citing sources

Since your conference paper will be part of an oral presentation, there are special considerations for citations. You should observe the conventions of your discipline with regard to including citations in your written paper. However, you will also need to incorporate verbal cues to set your evidence and quotations off from your text when presenting. For example, you can say: “As Nietzsche said, quote, ‘And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you,’ end quote.” If you use multiple quotations in your paper, think about omitting the terms “quote” and “end quote,” as these can become repetitive. Instead, signal quotations through the inflection of your voice or with strategic pauses.

Organizing the paper

There are numerous ways to effectively organize your conference paper, but remember to have a focused message that fits the time constraints and meets the needs of your audience. You can begin by connecting your research to the audience’s concerns, then share a few examples/case studies from your research, and then, in conclusion, broaden the discussion back out to general issues in the field.

Don’t overwhelm or confuse your audience

You should limit the information that you present. Don’t attempt to summarize your entire dissertation in 10 pages. Instead, try selecting main points and provide examples to support those points. Alternatively, you might focus on one main idea or case study and use 2-4 examples to explain it.

Check for clarity in the text

One way to anticipate how your ideas will sound is to read your paper out loud. Reading out loud is an excellent proofreading technique and is a great way to check the clarity of your ideas; you are likely to hear problems that you didn’t notice in just scanning your draft.  Help listeners understand your ideas by making sure that subjects and verbs are clear and by avoiding unnecessarily complex sentences.

Include verbal cues in the text

Make liberal use of transitional phrases like however, therefore, and thus, as well as signpost words like first, next, etc.

If you have 5 main points, say so at the beginning and list those 5 ideas. Refer back to this structure frequently as you transition between sections (“Now, I will discuss my fourth point, the importance of plasma”).

Use a phrase like “I argue” to announce your thesis statement. Be sure that there is only one of these phrases—otherwise your audience will be confused about your central message.

Refer back to the structure, and signal moments where you are transitioning to a new topic: “I just talked about x, now I’m going to talk about y.”

I’ve written my conference paper, now what?

Now that you’ve drafted your conference paper, it’s time for the most important part—delivering it before an audience of scholars in your field!  Remember that writing the paper is only one half of what a conference paper entails. It is both a written text and a presentation.

With preparation, your presentation will be a success. Here are a few tips for an effective presentation. You can also see our handout on speeches .

Cues to yourself

Include helpful hints in your personal copy of the paper. You can remind yourself to pause, look up and make eye contact with your audience, or employ body language to enhance your message. If you are using a slideshow, you can indicate when to change slides. Increasing the font size to 14-16 pt. can make your paper easier to read.

Practice, practice, practice

When you practice, time yourself. Are you reading too fast? Are you enunciating clearly? Do you know how to pronounce all of the words in your paper? Record your talk and critically listen to yourself. Practice in front of friends and colleagues.

If you are using technology, familiarize yourself with it. Check and double-check your images. Remember, they are part of your presentation and should be proofread just like your paper.  Print a backup copy of your images and paper, and bring copies of your materials in multiple formats, just in case.  Be sure to check with the conference organizers about available technology.

Professionalism

The written text is only one aspect of the overall conference paper. The other is your presentation. This means that your audience will evaluate both your work and you! So remember to convey the appropriate level of professionalism.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Adler, Abby. 2010. “Talking the Talk: Tips on Giving a Successful Conference Presentation.” Psychological Science Agenda 24 (4).

Kerber, Linda K. 2008. “Conference Rules: How to Present a Scholarly Paper.” The Chronicle of Higher Education , March 21, 2008. https://www.chronicle.com/article/Conference-Rules-How-to/45734 .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Structure Your Paper

Learn how to structure your paper for publication. IEEE has put together some tips and best practices for what should be included in your conference paper.

Your paper title should be specific, concise, and descriptive. Avoid using unnecessary words such as “new” or “novel”. Include keywords that will help a reader find your paper.

Provide a concise summary of the research conducted. Include the conclusions reached and the potential implications of those conclusions. Your abstract should also:

• consist of a single paragraph up to 250 words, with correct grammar and unambiguous terminology;
• be self-contained with no abbreviations, footnotes, references, or mathematical equations;
• highlight what is unique in your work;
• include 3-5 keywords or phrases that describe the research, with any abbreviations clearly defined,  to help readers find your paper.

First Footnote

Funding footnote.

If the research reported in your paper was supported by a funding source, include the funder’s name and grant information in a footnote on the first page of the paper.

Human and animal research statements

For papers reporting on research involving human subjects or animals, complete and include one of the following human/animal research statements in a footnote on the first page of the paper:

• Papers That Are Reporting on Human/Animal Research and Have Review Board Approval:   This work involved human subjects or animals in its research. Approval of all ethical and experimental procedures and protocols was granted by (Name of Review Board or Committee) (if provided under Application No. xx, and performed in line with the (Name of Specific Declaration (if applicable/provided)).
• Papers That Are Reporting on Human/Animal Research and Are Exempt From Review Board Approval: This work involved human subjects or animals in its research. The author(s) confirm(s) that all human/animal subject research procedures and protocols are exempt from review board approval.

Refer to the IEEE’s policy on Research on Human and Animal Subjects .

Introduction

Help the reader understand why your research is important and what it is contributing to the field.

• Start by giving the reader a brief overview of the current state of research in your subject area.
• Progress to more detailed information on the specific topic of your research.
• End with a description of the exact question or hypothesis that your paper will address.

Also state your motivation for doing your research and what it will contribute to the field.

Formulate your research question. It should include:

• a detailed description of the question;
• the methods you used to address the question;
• the definitions of any relevant terminology;
• any equations that contributed to your work.

The methods section should be described in enough detail for someone to replicate your work.

Results and Discussion

Show the results that you achieved in your work and offer an interpretation of those results. Acknowledge any limitations of your work and avoid exaggerating the importance of the results.

Summarize your key findings. Include important conclusions that can be drawn and further implications for the field. Discuss benefits or shortcomings of your work and suggest future areas for research.

Acknowledgments

You can recognize individuals who provided assistance with your work, but who do not meet the definition of authorship . The acknowledgments section is optional.

Provide citation information for all the previous publications referred to in your paper. Cite only those references that directly support your work.

How to Structure a Conference Paper?

Are you a researcher or academic preparing to present your work at a conference? If so, you may wonder, “How to structure a conference paper?” Crafting a well-organized conference paper is essential for effectively communicating your research findings to an audience of experts in your field.

Structuring a conference paper involves organizing your content effectively. From the introduction to the conclusion, each section plays a crucial role in conveying your research findings.

In this blog, we will explore the key elements that make up a successful conference paper structure. Let’s dive in and discover how to create an impactful conference paper!

Why Do You Need A Good Structured Conference Paper?

A well-structured conference paper is essential for effectively conveying research findings and maximizing the impact of your work. Here are the reasons why a good structure is crucial in conference papers:

Clarity and Coherence

A well-structured conference paper ensures clarity and coherence in presenting your research. By logically organizing your content, you help readers follow your arguments and understand the flow of your ideas. Clear and concise section headings and subheadings guide readers through the paper, making navigating and comprehending the content more accessible.

Engaging the Audience

A good structure captivates the audience’s attention and keeps them engaged throughout the paper that’s presented at a conference like Arts, Academics, and Humanities Conferences . A well-crafted introduction hooks the readers, while a properly structured body provides a coherent narrative. A clear and logical flow helps the audience follow your thoughts and focus on your key points. Engaging the audience enhances their understanding and makes your presentation memorable.

Highlighting Key Points

An effective structure allows you to emphasize the key points of your research. You can highlight the most important findings, arguments, and conclusions by organizing your content into sections and subsections. This helps the audience grasp the essence of your work and its significance. Effective use of headings and subheadings draws attention to crucial aspects, enabling readers to identify the main takeaways from your paper quickly.

Facilitating Peer Review

A well-structured conference paper facilitates the peer review process. Reviewers and assessors can easily navigate through your paper, evaluating the coherence of your arguments, the rigor of your methodology, and the validity of your conclusions. Clear section headings and subheadings help reviewers locate specific sections, making the review process more efficient . A well-structured paper increases the chances of receiving constructive feedback and improving the quality of your work.

Enhancing Professional Reputation

A good structure reflects positively on your professional reputation. Presenting your research clearly and organized demonstrates your attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to effective communication. A well-structured conference paper showcases your expertise and increases the likelihood of being invited to present at conferences or collaborate with other researchers. It also enhances your credibility in the academic community, contributing to your overall professional standing.

When structuring a conference paper, an organized and coherent approach is crucial for effectively presenting your research. Below, we will explore key elements to consider when structuring your conference paper.

A Clear Objective

Start by clearly defining the objective of your conference paper. What do you aim to achieve or contribute through your research? This objective will serve as a guiding principle throughout the paper, helping you maintain focus and coherence. Avoid vague or broad objectives.

Instead, choose a specific, measurable goal that aligns with your research and the conference theme. A clear objective will help you stay on track and deliver a well-structured paper.

An Engaging Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your conference paper and should capture the audience’s attention. Begin with a hook or a thought-provoking question related to your research topic. Provide relevant background information to establish context and highlight the significance of your study.

Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address and outline your objectives. An engaging introduction will draw the audience in and create anticipation for your paper.

A Thorough Literature Review

A well-crafted literature review demonstrates your understanding of the existing research on your topic. Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant studies, theories, and methodologies. Summarize key findings, identify research gaps, and highlight the relevance of your study.

Organize your literature review thematically or chronologically, depending on what best suits your research. By providing a solid foundation of existing knowledge, your conference paper will contribute to the field and establish credibility.

Well-described Methodology and Data Collection

In this section, explain your study’s research design, methods, and procedures. Clearly describe the data collection process, including the participants or sample size, data sources, and ethical considerations.

Be concise yet thorough, allowing readers to understand the validity and reliability of your research. Address any limitations or challenges encountered and explain how you mitigated them. Transparently presenting your methodology ensures the reproducibility of your study.

Organized Findings and Analysis

Present your findings in a logical and structured manner. Clearly summarize the results and use appropriate visuals, such as graphs or tables, to enhance comprehension. Analyze and interpret the findings, relating them to your research question and objectives.

Discuss any unexpected or contradictory results and provide possible explanations. Support your analysis with references to existing literature and theories. By organizing your findings effectively, you enable readers to follow your thought process and understand the significance of your research.

How to Present a Published Paper at a Conference?

Presenting a published paper at a conference is an exciting opportunity to share your research findings with a wider audience. Here, we will explore the key steps to effectively present a published paper at a conference.

Prepare Your Conference Paper

To present a published paper at a conference, ensure that your paper is structured appropriately based on the conference guidelines. Follow the recommended format, including sections such as introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Adhere to the word limit specified by the conference organizers to ensure your presentation is concise and focused.

Adapt Your Paper for an Oral Presentation

To make your paper readable and engaging during the presentation, modify it to “ read like a talk .” Use shorter sentences and simpler language to maintain the audience’s attention and comprehension. Highlight key points and emphasize the significance of your findings. Incorporate visuals, such as graphs or images, to support your presentation and aid understanding.

Practice and Time Your Presentation

Rehearse your presentation multiple times to become comfortable with the material and ensure a smooth delivery. Time yourself to stay within the allocated presentation slot, typically 15-20 minutes. Practice transitioning between slides and maintaining a steady pace. Consider recording yourself to identify areas for improvement and enhance your speaking skills.

Engage with the Audience

Make eye contact with the audience during your presentation and speak clearly and confidently. Use non-verbal cues, such as hand gestures, to enhance your message. Encourage questions and interaction from the audience, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Be prepared to address potential queries and engage in discussions about your research.

Follow-Up and Networking

After your presentation, take the opportunity to network with fellow researchers and attendees. Attend other sessions and engage in discussions to broaden your knowledge and establish professional connections. Consider adding your conference paper to platforms like Google Scholar and LinkedIn to increase its visibility and potential impact.

Difference Between Journal and Conference Papers

Journal and conference papers differ in their publication format and purpose. Journal papers are published in scholarly journals, undergo rigorous peer review, and have a longer publication timeline. They aim to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in a specific field.

In contrast, conference papers are typically presented at academic conferences and have a shorter publication timeline. They are often reviewed by a program committee and focus on presenting research findings or innovative ideas to a specialized audience.

While both types of papers are important for academic discourse, journal papers have a greater emphasis on comprehensive research and provide more detailed analysis, while conference papers allow for rapid dissemination of research and encourage discussions and collaborations among researchers.

How Long Should a Conference Paper Be?

A conference paper typically ranges from 6 to 10 pages, excluding references and appendices. The length should be around 3000 to 5000 words, depending on the conference’s guidelines.

However, some conferences may specify shorter or longer paper lengths. Adhere to these guidelines to ensure your paper is considered for acceptance. Remember, concise and clear writing is key to effectively conveying your research within the given word limit.

Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Structuring A Conference Paper

While understanding how to structure a conference paper is crucial, it’s equally important to be aware of common mistakes to avoid. By recognizing these pitfalls, you can enhance the effectiveness of your paper and ensure a successful presentation.

• Lack of Clarity in Objectives: Failing to clearly articulate your research objectives can confuse the audience and weaken the paper’s focus. Clearly state your objectives and align them with the overall purpose of your study.
• Poor Organization and Flow: A disorganized paper lacking logical flow can hinder comprehension. Structure your paper coherently, using clear headings, subheadings, and transitions to guide the reader smoothly through your content.
• Insufficient Background Information: Skipping over important background information can leave the audience confused about the context of your research. Provide sufficient background details to help the readers understand the significance of your study.
• Overwhelming Data Presentation: Presenting excessive data without proper analysis or interpretation can overwhelm the audience. Select the most relevant and significant data points and explain their implications concisely.
• Neglecting the Literature Review: Failing to conduct a comprehensive literature review can result in overlooking important studies or research gaps. Review the existing literature to situate your work within the broader academic landscape.
• Lack of Cohesion Between Sections: Each section of your paper should flow seamlessly into the next, with clear connections between them. Avoid abrupt transitions or disjointed content that may confuse or disengage the audience.
• Inadequate Conclusion: A weak or abrupt conclusion can leave the audience unsatisfied and diminish the impact of your paper. Summarize the main findings, reiterate the significance of your research, and provide suggestions for future studies.

Final Notes

Understanding how to structure a conference paper is essential for researchers and academics seeking to share their work effectively. By following a well-defined structure and organization, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your paper.

Start with a compelling abstract and introduction, present a coherent methodology and results, engage in a thoughtful discussion, and conclude with key takeaways. Remember to adhere to the conference’s guidelines regarding length and formatting.

By carefully structuring your conference paper, you can present your research concisely and engagingly, increasing its chances of being accepted and appreciated by the academic community.

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How to Write a Conference Paper: A Comprehensive Guide

• Posted on July 27, 2023

1. Understanding the Purpose of Your Conference Paper

Before you begin writing your conference paper, it is crucial to understand its purpose. Clearly define the main message you want to convey to your audience. After hearing your presentation, ask yourself what you want your listeners to learn, think, or do. This purpose will serve as the guiding light for your research, arguments, and overall content.

2. Knowing Your Audience

Knowing your audience is paramount to crafting an engaging conference paper. Consider the backgrounds, interests, and expectations of the attendees. Tailor your presentation to resonate with them emotionally and intellectually. Connecting with your audience will make your paper more relatable and impactful.

3. Starting the Writing Process

Before diving into writing, familiarize yourself with the conference guidelines. Take note of the structural formats, citation styles, and selection criteria set by the conference organizers. Additionally, read other conference papers relevant to your research to gain insights on effective presentation.

4. Structuring Your Conference Paper

Pick a presentation format that suits your substance. You can decide on a visual presentation with devices like PowerPoint or Prezi, a conventional paper perusing, or a roundtable conversation. Guarantee your composed report sticks to the presentation imperatives, keeping it succinct and all around organized.

Read Also: How to Write University Assignments for Good-Grades

5. Writing an Effective Abstract

Craft a compelling abstract that encapsulates your paper’s core purpose and takeaways. Remember that the abstract is a sales tool, enticing conference organizers and attracting an audience to your session.

6. Seeking Peer Review and Feedback

Reach out to peers for feedback and reviews. Their insights will help you validate and enrich your work. Consider their feedback on clarity, language usage, and overall appeal to ensure your paper is of the highest quality.

7. Polish and Finalization

Stay true to the core purpose of your conference paper throughout the writing process. Review the conference guidelines to ensure your submission aligns with their requirements. Polish your paper to perfection, paying attention to detail.

8. Preparing for the Oral Presentation

Rehearse your delivery to maintain a confident and engaging presentation. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to refine your speaking skills. Maintain eye contact and stay within the allotted time to make the most impact.

Writing a conference paper is a rewarding endeavour that allows researchers to share their work and engage with their community. By following this comprehensive guide, you will be well-prepared to craft a captivating conference paper that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

A:  To make your abstract drawing in, obviously present the principal message and action items. Utilize persuasive language and stress the advantages of going to your meeting. Keep in mind, it fills in as a sales tool for your presentation.

A:  Sticking to time imperatives is urgent during the oral presentation. Regard the distributed chance to keep the audience connected with and guarantee a smooth conference schedule flow.

A:  While not obligatory, looking for peer review is exceptionally advantageous. Peers can give significant input, catch errors, and proposition diverse perspectives that work on the general nature of your paper.

A:  To associate emotionally with your audience, utilize engaging models, storytelling, and anecdotes. Connect with them excitedly and energetically for your research, making it a vital encounter.

A:  Sure! Check out resources from conference paper writing service , research institutions, and conferences’ official websites. Additionally, books on academic writing and presentation skills can be valuable references.

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• Home – AI for Research

How to write a conference paper

Writing a strong conference paper can be a demanding task that requires significant time and resources. But before delving into that, it is necessary to know exactly what a conference paper is. A conference paper is an article presented at a conference. Like journal articles, conference papers (or sometimes only their abstracts) are usually peer-reviewed (by two or more referees) before being accepted for presentation at a conference venue.

This implies that a rejected paper will not make it to a conference. For this reason, it is very necessary to know how to write a conference paper that will scale all hurdles and thus get selected for presentation. The presentation is usually oral and can include visuals and software such as PowerPoint.  

For easier access to a larger audience, conference papers are sometimes later published in conference proceedings. A conference proceeding is a collection of papers published in an academic conference or workshop. In other words, it is a written compilation of papers presented by researchers to other researchers and the public at a conference. Conference proceedings are usually made available to the public in printed and electronic volumes, either before the conference is about to begin or just after it ends.

What is the ideal conference paper format?

Even though they tend to have a broad identical framework, conference paper formats can vary from one conference to another. However, some common sections you are likely to see in a typical conference paper include:

• an abstract,
• an introduction,
• objectives,
• a methods section,
• results/findings,
• discussion of findings,
• conclusion/recommendations,
• acknowledgments, and
• references.

Some will also include subheadings such as problem statement, literature review, and funding footnote. The time allocated for oral presentation can vary as well but usually is not more than 30 minutes.

Importance of conferences

Attending conferences can be beneficial, especially for student researchers who are just getting started with their studies and aren’t quite ready to publish yet. Not only will a conference enable you to acquire new knowledge/insight, but it’s also an opportunity to network with other participants, including potential employers.

For paper presenters, it is an opportunity to get feedback on your research, for example by discussing with, asking, and taking questions from the audience. This can help you think of new ways to tinker with your paper for publication in a journal.

Below are some other reasons that make conferences useful.

• They help publicize research efforts
• They create avenues for cross-fertilization of ideas
• They help add rigor to research
• They are an opportunity to impress potential employers
• They enrich your curriculum vitae
• They are a salient consideration for many teaching positions
• They encourage tourism

Tips for writing a strong conference paper

Study the conference organizer’s guidelines

The very first step to take before you start to write your conference paper is to check the conventions and paper submission guidelines of the conference organizer. Take note of the prescribed citation style or any other writing requirements and write accordingly.

Not adhering to such rules can lead to the rejection of your paper, even if it is of a very high standard. To get a clearer picture, you may also want to look at sample papers of previous proceedings of the conference you will be participating in.

Research the topic exhaustively

Conducting a thorough investigation of the selected topic should be another important consideration before you start to write your conference paper. This is because, when conducted efficiently, it helps provide the researcher with in-depth knowledge about all aspects of the topic, especially the research problem. It will also help in the formulation of the paper’s research questions, hypothesis, thesis statement, as well as the most suitable research methods to use, amongst other benefits. Needless to remind you that your investigation should be multi-dimensional rather than reliant on one source, e.g., the internet .

In a nutshell, a thorough investigation of your topic should not be taken for granted because it will help you to start and complete your conference paper in the strongest possible manner.

Plan your paper

Remember that you will be presenting your conference paper before an audience. So, it is vital to plan it carefully in terms of organization and format, according to the officially provided guidelines. Moreover, every presenter usually has just about 30 minutes or less to present his or her paper, so be sure to take this into cognizance as you plan. However, this limited oral presentation time does not necessarily imply that your paper should be very short because your presentation does not have to include every word in your paper but rather its key aspects.

How strong is your grammar?

At the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the expectation is that your grammar (and reasoning ability) should be fairly sophisticated or polished enough for rigorous and complex work. If this is not the case, it is recommended that you try as much as you can to learn the rudiments of correct grammar (both written and spoken). Without a sound mastery of your writing language, you are bound to struggle in terms of writing a conference paper or other academic papers.

Craft a strong introduction

The Introduction is one of the most important parts of any writing and it’s no different in the case of a conference paper. The introduction sets the overall tone for the paper and can be presented in many ways. It can be kept short and simple with only a small description of the introductory contents or it can be long and elaborative.

Whether short or long, the introduction should be easy to understand and devoid of complex language or vocabulary. Note that some technical jargon peculiar to the topic or discipline should be an exception to this language use prescription and should be used whenever and wherever necessary. Being the first part of the paper, the introduction must be crafted in such a way as to attract and keep the reader.

Help the audience by including some examples

Even academic conference papers could use some examples, especially when a live audience is involved. Examples tend to make understanding easier for audiences, particularly those who are not well versed in the topic being presented. This is in contrast to abstract, complex reasoning that is often confusing.

Though conference papers have a broad identical framework, their format can vary from one conference to another. Like all other academic papers, it is not an easy task to write a conference paper. But if you stick to the conference organizer’s guidelines, conduct in-depth research, have a good mastery of English language, plan your paper well and adopt other measures mentioned above, you should be on your way to constructing a credible conference paper.

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What Makes a Great Conference Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide

A conference paper is both a presentation and a paper. A scholar is invited or selected to present their research at a conference, and will prepare a paper to accompany that presentation. In some fields, conference papers are published as part of the conference proceedings, either before or after they are presented at the conference. In other fields, only abstracts are published in the conference proceedings. These abstracts help conference attendees decide which sessions to attend, which is especially important when there are concurrent sessions. Presenters may be asked to provide a copy of their conference paper to the person moderating their session, to help him/her facilitate discussion. Other times, writing a conference paper is simply an intermediate step for the author, with the final goal being the conference presentation. In these cases, the researcher will usually say they are "giving or presentation" or "giving a talk", rather than "presenting a paper".

Here we will go through the steps of putting together a great conference paper and presentation.

Step 1: Keep in mind the benefits of presenting at a conference

A major benefit of presenting at a conference is the opportunity to connect with people who work on similar topics. By presenting your work in progress, you can get feedback that helps identify and address shortcomings, and/or helps focus the overall research project. This feedback will help strengthen your work before it is submitted for publication through a rigorous peer-review process , and/or submitted for consideration by a thesis committee, selection committee, or tenure committee.

Therefore, one of the major goals of your conference presentation and paper should be to facilitate conversations with colleagues working in related areas. This may involve highlighting unexpected connections, or problems that you are still working through.

By presenting yourself and your work in a professional setting, you are introducing yourself to a room full of people who might be able to help you with your career goals. There will likely be people at the same career stage with insight to share, and people recruiting applicants for graduate school, post-doctoral positions, faculty positions, and other professional opportunities. A good conference presentation can easily cause them to seek you out for additional conversation.

Step 2: Know Your Audience

Think about why people have decided to attend your chosen conference, and your assigned session within the conference. This will help you decide what concepts you need to explain in detail, and what concepts your audience will already be familiar with. Time is almost always a major limitation for conference presentations, while space (and retaining the reader's interest) is a limitation for conference papers and abstracts. Do your absolute best to hit the "sweet spot" where your paper, presentation, and abstract seem familiar enough for your audience to take interest right away, yet novel enough for them to remain engaged.

While some conferences will cover a broad range of topics (e.g. genetics), your specific session will likely be more focused (e.g. genetic modification with CRISPR-Cas9). Know that your audience will have multiple opportunities to learn specifics about the topics that are common to your session, so you should focus on explaining aspects that are specific to your work.

Introduce your topic in a way that appeals to the broadest audience at your particular conference. For example, at a conference focusing on climate change, you might start with how CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be used to modify crop plants to better tolerate climate change. At a conference focusing on genetic diversity, you might start with how CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be used to better understand how specific genetic changes affect plant phenotypes.

Presenting your work so that it appeals to shared interests will help facilitate conversation.

Step 3: Plan for your time limit and your word limit

Conference presentations have very specific time limits, typically 10-20 minutes with a few minutes for questions from the audience. If you go over your allocated time, you will either lose you time for questions (and lose the opportunity to make useful connections), be interrupted by the moderator, steal time from other presenters who have worked hard to stay within the time limit, and/or cause the session to run overtime. None of these are good options. Be courteous and make every effort to stay within the time limit for your presentation.

For a conference paper, the consequences of going over the designated word limit are less dire. However, staying within the word limit for your paper will help you stay within the time limit for your presentation. In general, it takes 2 to 2.5 minutes to read one page of double-spaced text aloud at a reasonable pace.

Plan for the limited time and space. It is better to explain a few topics clearly than to explain many topics poorly.

Step 4: Focus on the big picture

In a 10-minute presentation, you can reasonably cover one big idea. For a 20-minute presentation, you might be able to cover two big ideas. Start with the "big picture", so that everyone can get a basic understanding of why your research is important. Then add enough detail so that people who are knowledgeable about your field can clearly see that you are also knowledgeable, that your study is well designed, and that your conclusions are based on solid evidence.

You may have a lot of results that you are excited to share. Do not share them all in your presentation. Instead, share some of your results with a reasonable amount of detail, then briefly summarize other exciting results in a concise list. This can help generate questions from the audience, and people who are interested in additional detail can easily find you to continue the conversation. After your session is over, stay near the front to see if anyone approaches you with questions. Chat with the other presenters or the moderator. Make sure that your email address is correct in the conference proceedings, and check your email during breaks.

Step 5: Use appropriate visual aids

Follow the conventions of your field for showing data, calculations, graphs, etc. Make sure that everything is clearly labeled, and expect some people to take pictures of your slides. (In some competitive fields, this unfortunately means that you may want to exclude a few key details until you are close to publication.) A good rule of thumb is to spend 1-2 minutes per slide, although this will depend on how much information is included in each slide.

Your slides should complement what you are saying, not repeat what you are saying. Essential labels must be included, but I otherwise recommend limiting the text. A brief title can indicate what is shown on the slide, while an additional line of text might highlight a key conclusion. A list of bullet points might also be appropriate. Use large font.

For scholars who are communicating in a second language (often English), the same rules apply. If you are nervous about the audience understanding you, use clearly labeled diagrams, graphs, and other visual aids to help convey the important points.

Visual aids can also help introduce the "big picture" to the broadest possible audience. It may be appropriate to use stock photos of glaciers, baby animals, hospital patients, etc. Many high-quality scientific images are also available to share through Creative Commons .

Step 6: Write, practice speaking, and revise

Start with an outline of what you want to cover in your allotted time. For a typical 10- to 15-minute presentation, it should be a short list. Also note how much time you expect to spend on each topic (e.g. 2 minutes for introduction, 2 minutes for methods, 4 minutes for results, 2 minutes for conclusions and future directions).

Once you have a basic outline, start writing. I recommend writing one section at a time, starting with the introduction or the section you feel most confident about. Sketch out your visual aids. When you have a few good paragraphs, practice reading aloud with your best "engaging speaker voice". Read with expression, emphasize the important concepts, point to your visual aids, and pause at appropriate times so the audience can digest what they heard.

After the first few readings, you will likely want to edit to improve flow. Once you feel moderately good about your delivery, time yourself. Consider the time limit for your presentation, and decide whether you are happy with your use of time. Revise as necessary. (You can also talk faster, but a top priority should be to deliver a clear presentation.) Repeat this process until you are reasonably happy with each section, and then with the overall presentation.

Next, practice with an audience. (Colleagues who will also be giving conference presentations are often a good choice.) Make eye contact. Be an engaging speaker. Time yourself. Listen to feedback from your audience about what was and wasn't clear, and revise again.

Putting together a great conference paper and presentation is a lot of work, but it is one of the best ways to connect with people who might be able to help you with your research and your career.