The Science Fair Oral Presentation

When you decide to be in a science fair, you must consider your presentation as important as any other part of your project.  Practice will make the difference in how well you present yourself to the judges. 

Here is a step-by-step approach to constructing your presentation:

1. Introduce yourself. "Hello, my name is _____________."

2. Give the title of your project.  "The title of my project is__________."

3. Explain the purpose of your project.  "The purpose of my project is_________."

4. Tell the judges how you got interested in this topic.

5. Explain your procedure. "The procedure I followed was________."

6. Show your results.  If you have charts, graphs, or a notebook, show them to the judges and explain them.  If results are shown on your backboard, point them out.  

7. List your conclusions.  Explain what you have proven.  If you think that you had some problems or error in your experiments, don't be afraid to admit these.

8. Tell the judges what you might do in the future to continue your experimentation.  What would you have done differently if you were to do the project again.

9. Of what importance is your project to the world?  Explain any applications of your study.

10. "Do you have any questions?"  If you do not know the answer to a judge's question, then say, "I'm sorry,  I don't know the answer, but I think the answer is___________."   Do not "fake" like you truly know an answer when you really don't.  If a judge is asking a question, then he / she most likely knows the real answer.  

11. Thank the judges.

Most science fairs limit the amount of time for your presentation.  Therefore, it is very important to use that time well.  You will want to impress your judges with your project, your knowledge, and your enthusiasm.  All people are affected in one way or another by the way we look, the way we talk, and the way we act.  Adults are usually impressed with good manners and nice cloths.  Here are some tips:

1. Wear your best clothes.  Really dress up.

2. Stand up straight on both feet when a judge approaches your project.  Don't sway from foot to foot.

3. Stand to the side of your exhibit so the judge can get a good look at your project.

4. Look straight into the eyes of your judges.  Pay attention to each of your judges.

5. Get the judges involved in your project.  Let them hold your research paper, notebook, or apparatus.  Point out charts, graphs, and photos.

6. DO NOT CHEW GUM OR CANDY!

7. Speak loudly enough to be heard by all of your judges.  Remember some of them are "OLD" and hard of hearing.

8. Smile!

9. Be Polite!