Guidelines for Speakers

1. Presentations throughout the conference are scheduled in 20-minute blocks. The speaker introduction, presentation and question and answer period must be completed during the 20-minute block. It is very important that speakers stay on time. We suggest that you allow about one minute for your introduction, 15-16 minutes for your talk and 3-4 minutes for questions. The moderator will notify you when there is 5 minutes left in your 20-minute block, 3 minutes and 1 minute. Presentations will not be allowed to exceed 20 minutes.

2. Rehearse your talk before the meeting to be sure you do not exceed the allotted time.

3. A general outline for talks should be: Introduction, Objectives, Methods, Results, Conclusions/Implications.

4. Objectives should be clearly stated. Conclusions should relate back to objectives.

5. Avoid unnecessary detail in methods unless the methodology is the central topic of your talk. Concentrate on the results and conclusions.

6. An excellent article for speakers is “Strategy and checklist of effective scientific talks” (Ecol. Soc. Am. Bull. 72: 8-12, 1991).

Guidelines for Visual Aids:

1. The only acceptable formats for visual aids are 2”x2” slides or computer LCD projection using Microsoft PowerPoint or Corel Presentations. Speakers should refer to the specific guidelines for these two media listed below.

2. At the meeting, each session will be supplied with a podium, microphone, laser pointer, remote control, slide projector, laptop computer and LCD projector.

3. Keep the visuals simple. Limit one idea per visual. Text and data visuals should be prepared specifically for your presentation, NOT copied from a manuscript or paper. Figures and tables for publications usually do not make good visuals for talks because they contain too much detail.

4. When working with words, think brevity. Use a maximum of 6 words across and 5 or 6 lines deep on each slide. Use only key phrases to emphasize important points.

5. Tables should be simple with a maximum of 3 columns and 5 rows or vice versa. Illustrate complex ideas with a series of separate visuals.

6. Experiment with different graph and chart options for presenting data, but keep graphic slides simple. Explain the structure of graphs as well as their content.

7. Visuals look best if you use 2-4 different colors. More than four colors will lead to confusion. White and yellow on blue, green or black backgrounds work well. Avoid color combinations of blue, green and red. People who are colorblind may have problems telling these colors apart.

8. Use an easily read font in a large size; 14 bold or larger.

Instructions for Speakers Using Slides:

1. All speakers must check their slides in at the Sawtooth Room (next to meeting Registration in the Uintah Room) on the second floor of the hotel by 8:00 pm on the evening before your talk. We will begin checking in slide presentations at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 29.

2. Speakers will retain their slides after check-in.

3. A preview room will also be available so speakers can make sure slides are arranged correctly.

4. Bring your slides in a labeled carousel to your scheduled room at least 15 minutes before your session is scheduled to start so that AV workers can prepare it for projection and you can receive last-minute instructions regarding AV equipment. Use only an 80-slide carousel. Slides may jam in the larger 140-slide carousels.

5. Number your slides in the lower left corner on the side the slide is correctly viewed to naked eye. This will allow them to be rearranged quickly if necessary.

Instructions for Speakers Using LCD Projectors:

1. All speakers using LCD projectors must submit presentations using PowerPoint or Corel Presentations.

2. Speakers are strongly encouraged to submit their presentation to the session moderator at least one week prior to the meeting.

3. All speakers must submit a copy of their PowerPoint or Corel Presentation in the Sawtooth Room (next to meeting Registration in the Uintah Room) on the second floor of the hotel by 8:00 pm on the evening before your talk. We will begin downloading presentations at 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 29. Speakers that previously submitted presentations to session moderators must also bring their presentation and check in to make sure their presentation has been downloaded.

4. Bring your presentations loaded to CD. Zip disks will be accommodated if necessary. Personal laptop computers will not be allowed.
5. Save presentations using your last name followed by first name as the presentation title.

6. Presentations will be downloaded to a provided computer in the Sawtooth Room. You will be asked to preview your presentation to detect and correct problems.

7. We encourage speakers using LCD projectors to bring a back-up of either overheads or slides in case of problems. An overhead projector will be available in case these back-ups are needed.

8. Speakers should arrive in your scheduled room at least 15 minutes before your session begins so you can receive last-minute instructions regarding the LCD projection equipment.

Extended Abstracts and Reports

A CD will be distributed with the copy of bound meeting abstracts. All authors of papers and posters are invited to submit more detailed information to be included on this CD. Contact Rob Gipson (307-733-2383 ext. 226 or rob.gipson@wgf.state.wy.us) as soon as possible if you have an extended abstract, administrative report, or other information that you would like included.