Guidelines for Slides and Presentations
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Slide Content
- Use keywords, short phrases, and bullet points—avoid full sentences.
- Prioritize visuals over text. Diagrams, images, and examples help explain complex ideas faster than formulas alone.
- Provide simple examples to illustrate methods; avoid abstract descriptions without context.
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Formulas & Mathematics
- Use formulas only when necessary.
- Define each variable and explain the concept in simple words.
- Ensure formulas are readable; LaTeX is recommended. If using Google Slides, the auto-LaTeX extension works (although slowly).
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Figures & Images
- Create your own figures; do not copy directly from the paper.
- Avoid colors that are too similar to represent different components.
- Avoid colors that are too bright since they are not easily readable.
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Design & Readability
- Use clear, professional fonts.
- Maintain adequate font size for visibility.
- Avoid slides with too much text (very important!).
- Bold text to emphasize points; avoid underlining.
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References
- Include references on the same slide where the content appears.
- Avoid having a separate “literature” or “references” slide at the end.
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Timing & Practice
- Practice your talk to ensure it fits within the time limit.
- Do not read the entire presentation from slides or notes. Use notes only for key points.
- Consider practicing with friends, colleagues, or family. Not only can they give you feedback but it is also useful to simulate the presentation day where your might be nervous.
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Slide Numbering
- Number your slides so the audience can reference specific points during questions.
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Final Slide
- End with a summary or conclusion rather than a blank “Thank you” slide.
- Highlight key takeaways.
Report Guidelines
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Content & Focus
- Focus on methods presented in the paper. Results are secondary.
- Explain concepts clearly; avoid copying text from the paper.
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Figures & Tables
- Create your own figures and tables to illustrate complex concepts.
- Provide a caption for every figure, describing what is displayed; this should be roughly understandable even without context.
- Reference every figure and table in the text.
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Mathematics & Formulas
- Define all variables that are used.
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Writing & Layout
- Use LaTeX for professional formatting and scientific writing practice.
- Font size 12, reasonable margins (don’t save too much space).
- Keep the report clear, concise, and well-structured.
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References
- Include a proper references section at the end.
