Writing Guides

The following links give more information about writing and presenting:

• Writing Guidelines for Science and Engineering Students
• Some Hints on Mathematical Style by David Goss
• Writing a Research Paper in Mathematics by Ashley Reiter
• Advice on Research and Writing -- collection of links primarily for computer science but also useful to mathematics majors

Presentation Suggestions from David Mankin (′98):

• ALWAYS look over your shoulder to make sure the transparency is all on the screen...Keep the text high on the screen so the projector′s not in the way.
• Have transparency markers in multi colors handy.
• [Maybe] Keep going back to your outline slide to keep the audience up to date on where you are.
• Ask for questions several times in the talk (Only if your talk is going to run short rather than long).
• Spell check your slides before you print them.
• Don′t get in the way of the slide on the screen.
• Don′t erase the chalkboard with your finger!
• Don′t write cursive on the board.
• If using a computer, be sure that it takes ONE click to find the next step.
• Don′t have to say "Just wait a sec while I find this."
• Make sure your talk follows a logical outline so it′s easy to take notes...Don′t just say what comes to mind.
• Have the lights on while writing on the board. [Maybe] off while pointing at transparencies.
• Keep the podium back a ways so you′re not blocking the projector.
• It′s neat to lay transparencies on top of each other, but make sure it looks good the day before.
• Give a brief report on where you are in your project, if it′s good news.
• Hold Still! Don′t kick your feet, or play with your keys or pen.
• Practice! Practice! Practice!
• Separate the backs from your slides BEFORE the talk.
• Don′t forget to conclude. THEN ask for comments. Leave time for questions.
• Give a preview of what′s coming in the next talk.
• Don′t say things like "Like" or "that′s like" or "umm."

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