How to write and present a thesis/synopsis paper during Pre-Submission Seminar

Edited by: Dr. Suresh Kumar, Department of Buddhist Studies, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara

The prospect of writing thesis for pre-submission can be intimidating and the processes of presenting the same in a seminar can be scarier.

However, there are certain formats that a Research Scholar should follow while writing and when presenting. I am segregating the same in two parts for the convenience of understanding of Research Scholar.

PART 1: SYNOPSIS PAPER - PRINTED AND/OR DIGITAL

A. STANDARDS

1. Font type - Times New Roman
2. Font size - 
• Tittle - 18 points, 
• Heading - 14 points 
• Subheadings - 12 points, 
• Para- 10 points.
3. Margin - Top and Bottom - 1inch; Left & Right 1.5 inch.
4. Spacing - 1.5 lines
5. Paper size - A4
6. Picture/Image size -

• Thumbnail:  from 50 pixels to 200 pixels
• Small:          from 200 pixels to 500 pixels
• Medium:      from 500 pixels to 1200 pixels
• Large:          from 1200 pixels to 2500 pixels
• Extra Large: from 2000 pixels to 2500 pixels

vii. NNM Logo - Horizontal - 150 pixels Vertical -150 pixels        

B. FORMAT:

The recommended thesis format is generally consistent across most universities, albeit with minor local variations. It encompasses following components:

• Title page
• Abstract
• Acknowledgments 
• Table of contents
• Review of the literature —concluding with a summary
• Statement of the problem- aims of the study, hypothesis.
• Materials and methods (including statistical analysis)
• Results/ Conclusions
• References/Bibliography   

1. TITTLE PAGE:

The title page should encompass essential details:

• Title of the thesis
• Your full name and qualifications.
• The name of the University
• The name of the Supervisor/ Co-Supervisor
• The degree for which the thesis/dissertation is submitted and the year of submission.

2. ABSTRACT:

Following the title page, the abstract, usually concise, is crucial. It should feature a brief introduction and problem statement, along with a summary of the methodology, findings, and conclusion. If preferred, a structured abstract may be employed. 

3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Acknowledgment plays a significant role, requiring the Research Scholar to express gratitude towards Supervisors, statistical advisers, and other friends, fellow researcher who contributed/helped in carrying out the research work or providing moral and emotional support. Mentioning funding bodies is customary, and it is also advisable to acknowledge the patience of those, often family and friends, who endured the process of thesis writing.

4. TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Conventional practice involves a table of contents, followed by lists of tables and figures. This includes all major divisions of the thesis, along with subsections. The relationship between major and minor divisions should be evident through the appropriate use of capitalization and indentations.

                                                                          Inspired from: Prof. S. J. Cunningham, EDIOHCS, London, UK

PART 2 - Presenting research findings.

A. GROOMING:

Effective grooming plays a pivotal role in shaping the positive impression and enhancing the overall impact of presentation.

Beyond the obvious visual impression, grooming directly influences how an audience perceives the presenter's credibility, competence, and attention to detail. Neat and well-groomed appearance reflects professionalism and respect for the audience, establishing a positive first impression. Additionally, it instills confidence in the presenter, allowing them to focus on the content without unnecessary distractions. A polished and composed demeanor reinforces the seriousness of the topic being discussed, capturing the audience's attention and fostering a receptive atmosphere. Ultimately, the importance of right grooming during paper presentations goes beyond aesthetics; it establishes an immediate connection with the audience, fostering a conducive environment for effective communication and knowledge dissemination.

1.1 For Boys:

a. Attire: Choose appropriate and well-fitted clothing, such as a collared shirt, dress pants, and polished shoes. A tie or a blazer can add a touch of formality.

b. Groomed Hair: Maintain neat and well-groomed hair. A clean haircut or styled hair can enhance your overall appearance.

c. Facial Hair: If you have facial hair, keep it well-groomed. A neatly trimmed beard or moustache can contribute to a polished look.

d. Personal Hygiene: Ensure good personal hygiene, including fresh breath, clean nails, and proper grooming of hands.

1.2 For Girls:

 a) Professional Attire: Choose professional and modest clothing, such as a Sari, Salwar-Kameez, Top and skirt/trousers or dress, avoiding anything too casual or revealing.

 b) Neat Hairstyle: Style your hair neatly. Consider options like a ponytail, bun, or loose waves, depending on personal preference.

c) Makeup: If you wear makeup, keep it subtle and professional. Avoid overly bold or distracting colors.

d) Accessories and Jewelry: Opt for minimal and tasteful jewelry that complements your outfit. Select matching accessories with your dress.

 e) Nails: Ensure your nails are clean and well-maintained. Avoid overly long or distracting nail art.

B. ETTIQUETTE AND NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS:

The significance of proper etiquette and non-verbal communication in the context of presenting papers cannot be overstated. Beyond the content of the paper itself, the way information is conveyed plays a pivotal role in influencing the audience's perception and understanding. Etiquette sets the tone for a professional and respectful interaction, fostering a positive atmosphere conducive to effective communication. In essence, combining proper etiquette with effective non-verbal communication transforms a paper presentation into a compelling and impactful exchange of ideas, ensuring that the audience remains focused and receptive.

Do's:

ü Maintain Eye Contact: Establish a connection with your audience by maintaining regular eye contact. It conveys confidence and engagement.

ü Good Posture: Stand or sit up straight with shoulders back. This projects confidence and professionalism, making you appear more authoritative.

ü Gestures: Use purposeful and natural gestures to emphasize key points. Animated gestures can make your presentation more dynamic and engaging.

ü Facial Expressions: Expressiveness is essential. Use your face to convey enthusiasm, interest, and sincerity. A smile can go a long way in connecting with your audience. 

ü Open Body Language: Keep your arms relaxed at your sides or use open gestures. Avoid crossing arms, as it can be perceived as defensive or closed-off.

ü Pacing: Speak at a moderate pace. This allows the audience to absorb information, and it helps you maintain control over your delivery.

Don't s:

• Avoiding Eye Contact: Lack of eye contact may convey nervousness or disinterest. Make an effort to connect with your audience by looking at them.

• Slouching: Poor posture can make you appear disengaged or lacking in confidence. Stand or sit up straight to convey professionalism.

• Excessive Fidgeting: Nervous habits like tapping your foot, playing with a pen, or excessive hand movements can be distracting. Be mindful of these behaviors.

• Monotonous Tone: Vary your pitch and tone to keep the audience engaged. A monotone voice can lead to disinterest and reduced comprehension.

• Overly Fast or Slow Speech: Speaking too quickly can make it difficult for the audience to follow, while speaking too slowly can lead to boredom. Find a balanced pace.

• Closed Body Language: Crossing arms, hunching shoulders, or turning away from the audience can create a barrier. Maintain an open and welcoming posture.

• Reading Slides Word-for-Word: Avoid reading directly from your slides. Instead, use them as visual aids to enhance your spoken points.

C. PRESENTATION SKILLS:

Effective presentation skills are crucial during the delivery of papers as they play an important role in conveying information with impact and clarity. A well-crafted presentation not only enhances the audience's understanding of the content but also engages and captivates their attention. A presenter with strong presentation skills can effectively communicate complex ideas, making the material more accessible and memorable for the audience. The ability to articulate thoughts coherently, utilize visual aids effectively, and maintain a dynamic and engaging delivery style ensures that the audience remains actively involved and retains key information. Moreover, strong presentation skills contribute to the overall professionalism of the presenter. For example,

Dos in Excel While Presenting Statistical Facts:

ü Organize Data Effectively: Structure your data in a clear and logical manner, using proper headers and labels. This makes it easier for the audience to follow.

ü Use Descriptive Titles: Clearly label your tables and charts with descriptive titles that convey the main message or insight. This helps the audience understand the context without confusion.

ü Choose Appropriate Charts: Select the right type of chart for your data. Bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs are common choices for displaying statistical information, depending on the nature of the data.

ü Format Numbers Appropriately: Format numerical data consistently and use appropriate decimal places and units to make the statistics more readable. Avoid excessive decimal places that can be overwhelming.

ü Highlight Key Findings: Emphasize important trends or results by using colors, bold text, or other formatting options. This draws attention to critical points in your statistical analysis.

ü Include Data Labels: Ensure that your charts and graphs have data labels or legends to explain what each element represents. This enhances the clarity of your statistical presentation.

ü Provide Context: Accompany statistical facts with contextual information and explanations. Help your audience understand the significance of the numbers and how they relate to your overall message.

ü Check for Accuracy: Double-check your statistical calculations and ensure the accuracy of the presented data. Mistakes can undermine the credibility of your presentation.

 

3.2 Don'ts in Excel While Presenting Statistical Facts:

lAvoid Overcrowded Slides: Do not overcrowd your slides with too much information. Keep it concise and focus on key points to prevent overwhelming your audience.

lSkip Data Labels: Avoid leaving your audience guessing about the values on your charts. Include data labels or legends to provide clear information.

lUse Inappropriate Chart Types: Do not use chart types that do not effectively represent your data. Choose the chart that best communicates the message without distorting the information.

lNeglect Formatting: Poor formatting can distract from the content. Avoid neglecting proper formatting, such as consistent font styles and sizes, to maintain a professional appearance.

lIgnore Accessibility: Keep in mind the accessibility of your presentation. Ensure that your charts and tables are understandable for all members of your audience, including those with visual impairments.

lRely Solely on Visuals: While visuals are powerful, don't solely rely on them. Provide verbal explanations and context to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the statistical facts.

lOver-complicate Formulas: Avoid using overly complex formulas that can be difficult to follow. Opt for simplicity without sacrificing accuracy.

By adhering to these do's and don'ts, you can create a clear and effective presentation of statistical facts in Excel.

WISHING YOU SUCCESS IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

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