I have read tips on websites on how to present research at academic conferences. This week, I rehearsed my presentation with Luca again and again and revised my script and slides. In the first practice run-through, I talked about most of the things I wanted to include, which took 40 minutes (but my slot is only 15 minutes!). My last rehearsal was 20 minutes speaking very fast. Luca’s feedback was very helpful; I should talk less about the theory and reduce the number of examples. I initially added four examples in my slides but reduced that to three. I have learnt that less is better and fewer sentences are better, although I was thinking that more information would be better. As well as reducing the content, I have continued confirming and revising my preliminary analysis (there is no end to it anyway).

 

Table lamps

Last weekend, I bought three table lamps for our desks and bedside. They are lovely little metal lamps with a white pleated shade in a French style. I really love them. Since we welcomed the lamps into the house, the atmosphere in the rooms has changed a bit: it’s more relaxing. On the window sill, we have started lighting a candle; it feels like autumn has truly arrived.

 

My plans after the conference

This year seems like my first conference-centred year. I submitted my proposal this January (why are conference paper deadlines always so early?). I will have attended three conferences and will submit a full paper in December. Over the rest of this year, I would like to complete the draft of the theory and methodology chapter. For my non-research activities, I am going to finish all my coursework for the teaching programme in October and want to resume my weekend baking as well.

 

 

My achievements in Week 89

• Revised my presentation slides and script, and rehearsed many times.
• Submitted a piece of coursework for the teaching programme.

Goals for Week 90

• Attend the full programme of the conference in Cardiff.
• Start the third revision of my chapter.