The RCMAR National Coordinating Center presents Red Hot Research, which uses the Pecha Kucha-style format for scientists to share their research through storytelling. Red Hot Research events will each feature 5 presentations from RCMAR Scientists (current and alumni), RCMAR NCC MSI Fellows, and RCMAR Centers. Presentations are limited to ~6 and a half minutes and each will have ~5 minutes allotted for Q&A.
Each session of Red Hot Research will focus on a particular theme related to the latest research findings on aging, AD/ADRD, and/or health disparities in older adults. Presentations will consist of a slide show of 20 images, with 20 seconds spent per slide. Each presenter has 400 seconds to tell their story with visuals (no words or numbers on slides) to guide the way! Red Hot Research encourages scientists to keep their presentations concise and dynamic.
Why Red Hot Research?
Red Hot Research is a fast and punchy format that engages the audience and shares a story. It gives researchers the chance to present without the pressure or stress of a traditional research presentation. Presenters connect with audiences visually, concisely, and memorably in a way that acknowledges people, passion, and creative thought.
Check out an example of a Pecha Kucha style presentation below.
Presenter Guide:
Your presentation cannot exceed 20 slides but can be fewer. You may not spend more than 20 seconds on any slide; you should set your slideshow up to auto-advance slides every 20 seconds. To do this, visit the “Transitions” tab in PowerPoint and on the right side of the tool bar, de-select “On Mouse Click”. Select “After:” and make sure the time is set to 00:20.00. Slide transition effects are encouraged, such as “Fade”, “Wipe”, “Cover”, or any other options that fit your style and presentation.
Before you start:
- Think about what story you want to share about your research!
- When crafting your narrative, answer the following:
- What’s the narrative/story you want to share and why?
- What is your goal?
- To inform? Inspire? Convince?
- What is the impression you want to give?
- What do you want your audience to gain from your research presentation?
Drafting your presentation:
- Start drafting:
- Plan what you want to say, let your ideas flow without filtering or organizing them.
- Include everything that you want to say.
- Organize your ideas:
- Introduction – this is your first impression; how will you engage with the audience (get their attention and make a connection with them).
- Middle – keep the story flowing, each slide should flow from the previous slide and into its subsequent slide.
- Closing – what should your audience remember most?
- Selecting visuals:
- Choose high-quality images that are clear and captivating.
- Align your images with your message, what kind of image complements the narrative that you are telling?
- Maintain coherence, stick with a visual theme, your slides shouldn’t clash!
- Establish emotional connections, images that impact your audience emotionally will be the most memorable.
Still struggling? Check out an example of a Pecha Kucha style presentation here.