Presenting research findings

Presenting research findings is the process of sharing the results of a study in a clear, structured and accessible way. This can include written reports, presentations, visual aids or summaries that communicate the main conclusions and implications of the research.

The purpose of presenting research findings is to:

Inform: Disseminate the evidence and insights gained from the research to academic, professional or public audiences to enable them to make informed decisions.
Validate: Allow peer review and critique, which can strengthen the credibility and reliability of the findings within the research community.
Encourage application: Support the practical use of findings in real-world settings, such as policy-making, clinical practice or business strategy.
Promote further research: Spark new questions, explore areas for improvement in methodologies and advance the field through cumulative knowledge.
Engage: Make findings accessible and actionable for stakeholders like funders, participants or the public, showing the impact and relevance of the research.

Read this post for insights on selecting suitable analytical methods, using professional editing to enhance readability and rigour and valuable resources to refine written and oral presentations. This guide provides practical tips and techniques to maximise the research reach and influence and achieve publication success and audience engagement.

Objectives of presenting research findings
Formats of presenting research findings
Structure for presenting research findings
Tips for presenting research findings
Methods of presenting research findings
Constructing a presentation narrative for research findings
Using editing services for presenting research findings
Resources for presenting research findings

Objectives of presenting research findings

The objectives of presenting research findings are to:

Enhance understanding: Ensure that the findings are conveyed clearly so that audiences grasp the study’s outcomes and implications.
Facilitate knowledge dissemination: Share new insights with the academic community, practitioners, policymakers and the public to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.
Support evidence-based decision-making: Provide reliable data and conclusions that can inform decisions in relevant sectors, such as healthcare, education or business.
Validate findings through peer review: Enable experts to evaluate the study to increase the findings’ credibility and encourage constructive feedback.
Encourage practical application: Translate research insights into actionable recommendations, fostering real-world applications that benefit society.
Stimulate further research: Identify gaps or limitations, encouraging others to pursue new studies that build on or challenge the current findings.
Engage and inform: Communicate results to participants, funders or other interested parties, demonstrating the research’s value and relevance.

Formats of research findings presentations

Different types of research findings presentations appeal to various audiences and settings, and each has a unique format and objectives.

Oral presentations: Delivered at conferences or seminars, oral presentations involve verbally presenting findings, often with slides to visualise important points.
Poster presentations: Common at conferences, these are visual research summaries displayed on a poster.
Online/webinars: Virtual presentations conducted through online platforms, where researchers present findings to a remote audience, often in real-time, using slides and interactive tools.
Thesis or dissertation: Formal, comprehensive documents presenting detailed findings, methodology and analysis, primarily for academic assessment and publication.
PechaKucha: A concise presentation format where 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each, lasting precisely 6 minutes and 40 seconds, designed for efficient storytelling of research findings.
Panel presentations: A group format where multiple researchers discuss their findings on related topics, often followed by a moderated Q&A session with the audience.
Research talks: Informal presentations, often part of departmental or professional gatherings, where researchers share findings with colleagues for feedback and discussion.
Workshops: Interactive sessions that engage participants in discussions to explore research findings and their practical applications.
Research reports: Detailed written documents that present research findings, methodologies and analyses in structured sections, often aimed at academic, government or organisational audiences.
Peer-reviewed journal articles: Formal publications that undergo review by experts in the field, ensuring the findings’ credibility and contributing to the academic literature.

Structure for presenting research findings

A general structure for presenting research findings communicates the research coherently, from context to findings, conclusions and next steps.

Introduction: Provide an overview of the research background and include the problem or question the study addresses, its significance and the objectives. This section sets the stage for the audience to understand the relevance of the work.
Research question(s) or hypothesis: Clearly state the research question(s) or hypothesis.
Methodology: Summarise how the research was conducted, including key aspects of the design, data collection methods and analysis approach.
Key findings/results: Present the main findings logically and concisely. Use visuals (tables, charts, diagrams) where helpful to illustrate results, especially in formats like posters, slides or online presentations.
Discussion and interpretation: Explain the meaning of the findings in relation to the research question(s) or hypothesis, connecting them to existing literature, theories or real-world implications. In interactive formats (e.g. panels or workshops), this can include dialogue with participants.
Conclusion: Summarise the main findings and their implications and reiterate the study’s contribution and any practical applications. This wrap-up reinforces key points for the audience.
Limitations: Acknowledge any study limitations, such as methodological constraints or factors affecting generalisability, to provide transparency and context for interpreting the findings.
Future directions: Suggest areas for further study or new questions raised by the findings. This is particularly relevant in workshops or research talks, where ongoing exploration can spark engagement.
Acknowledgements: Recognise any funding sources, collaborators or institutions that contributed to the research, show gratitude and provide transparency regarding support.
Engagement/Q&A: Conclude by inviting questions or discussion, fostering interaction with the audience and allowing for clarifications. For non-live formats (e.g. reports), a Q&A might take the form of a discussion section where common questions or counterpoints are anticipated and addressed.

Tips for presenting research findings

Here are some additional tips for presenting research findings effectively:

Know your audience: Tailor the depth, language and focus of the presentation to your audience’s level of expertise and interests. For academic peers, focus on methodological rigour; for non-specialists, prioritise clarity and relevance.
Highlight key points: Emphasise the most important findings and implications, ensuring these stand out in your presentation. To avoid overwhelming the audience with excessive data, select only the most impactful results.
Use visuals strategically: Include charts, graphs or infographics to make complex data more accessible and memorable. Keep visuals clean, labelled and relevant to the findings being discussed.
Tell a story: Structure your presentation with a narrative arc: introduce the problem, walk through the investigation, reveal the findings and discuss implications. This helps keep the audience engaged and makes the content more relatable.
Anticipate questions: Prepare for likely questions by reviewing your data and being ready to discuss limitations, alternative interpretations or methodological choices.
Use confident, open body language: If presenting in person or via video, maintain eye contact, speak clearly and use gestures to reinforce points. Confidence in delivery helps reinforce the credibility of your research.
Time management: Respect time limits by prioritising content, rehearsing and keeping within the allotted time. Use transitions to smoothly guide the audience through the presentation without rushing.
Relate to broader contexts: Show the relevance of your findings beyond the immediate study. Relating your research to real-world issues, current trends or future applications makes it more impactful and engaging.
End with a strong summary: Reinforce your main findings and their significance in the conclusion. A clear, memorable closing helps the audience retain key points and leaves an impression.

Methods of presenting research findings

Each method of presenting research findings — statistical analysis, qualitative analysis and comparative analysis — offers different benefits, depending on the nature of the data and research objectives.

Statistical analysis offers precise, numerical insights into data patterns and relationships, which makes this method ideal for studies that require rigorous testing or prediction.
Qualitative analysis provides depth, context and an understanding of participants’ experiences, making it essential for research on complex or subjective topics.
Comparative analysis highlights differences and similarities, offering perspective on contrasts across variables, groups or cases and is useful in qualitative and quantitative studies.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis involves using quantitative techniques to summarise, interpret and present data. It is essential for quantitatively rigorous presentations, where findings are summarised in precise, numerical terms and are often accompanied by charts and significance levels. Common types include:

Descriptive statistics summarise the data set’s main features, providing insights into general patterns or distributions without inferring beyond the sample. Key measures include means, medians, modes, standard deviations and frequencies. Descriptive statistics are often visualised through charts, tables or graphs to highlight trends or central tendencies.
Inferential statistics allow researchers to make generalisations about a larger population based on sample data. Techniques such as t-tests, chi-square tests and ANOVA are used to determine whether observed effects are statistically significant. Inferential statistics provide evidence to support or reject hypotheses and validate findings.
Regression analysis examines relationships between variables to predict outcomes or understand the strength and direction of associations. Types of regression, such as linear, logistic or multiple regression, help identify significant predictors and control for confounding variables. Regression analysis is critical for studies exploring causality or forecasting trends.

Qualitative analysis

Qualitative analysis focuses on non-numerical data to explore complex phenomena, understand experiences and identify patterns in themes. This method is commonly used in sociology, anthropology and psychology, especially for studies involving interviews, observations or textual analysis. The main approaches include:

Thematic analysis identifies recurring themes or patterns within qualitative data, often through coding (labelling text segments with relevant themes). This approach provides insights into participants’ perspectives, experiences or beliefs.
Content analysis involves systematically categorising text or media content to quantify the presence of specific terms, themes or concepts. Content analysis can be qualitative and quantitative, as it may involve counting the frequencies of specific words or phrases.
Narrative analysis examines stories or personal accounts to understand how individuals make sense of events or experiences. This method highlights personal, emotional or contextual aspects that quantitative data may overlook.

Comparative analysis

Comparative analysis examines similarities and differences between variables, groups or cases. This method is valuable in qualitative and quantitative research for identifying patterns across different conditions or populations. Types of comparative analysis include:

Cross-sectional comparison compares different groups or variables at a single time, which is helpful in identifying variations in characteristics, behaviours or outcomes among distinct groups. For example, job satisfaction levels can be compared between departments in a company.
Longitudinal comparison analyses change over time within the same group or between groups, often using time series data. Longitudinal comparison is essential for studies that track developments, such as tracking patient health outcomes over the years.
Case-by-case comparison examines individual cases or specific examples in detail, which is useful in qualitative studies. Case comparison can highlight unique versus common features and offer insights into complex phenomena, like comparing organisational responses to crises.

Constructing a presentation narrative for research findings

Constructing a presentation narrative for research findings involves framing the data in a compelling, logical sequence that guides the audience through the study’s journey. A well-structured narrative creates flow and coherence and makes complex findings accessible and memorable. Here is a step-by-step guide to building a presentation narrative:

#1 Start with a compelling introduction

Set the scene: Begin by introducing the research context, addressing the significance of the topic and highlighting any relevant background information. Explain why this study matters.
State the research question or problem: Clearly define the core question or problem your research addresses. This anchors your audience and gives them a purpose for listening.
Outline objectives: Briefly summarise what your research aimed to achieve, focusing on the outcomes you intend to reveal.

#2 Describe your methodology as part of the journey

Explain your approach: Provide an overview of how you approached the research, including your choice of methods (e.g. statistical analysis, qualitative analysis). Emphasise why this method was chosen.
Highlight key steps: Summarise key steps in data collection and analysis without delving into unnecessary detail. Give enough for the audience to appreciate the rigour and relevance of your approach.

#3 Lead into findings with context

Prepare the audience for the data: Set the stage for your findings by briefly contextualising them (e.g. ‘Based on this methodology, we examined X and found some surprising patterns…’).
Provide a high-level overview: Introduce the general shape of your findings to orient the audience (e.g. ‘Overall, our data suggests a strong relationship between X and Y…’).

#4 Present findings in a logical, narrative order

Organise findings by theme or research question: Rather than presenting all results at once, divide them into logical sections or themes. Address each part of the research question individually if needed.
Use storytelling techniques: Highlight unexpected findings, contrasts or patterns to create interest. Emphasise surprising or significant results and explain their relevance in a clear, engaging way.
Integrate visuals: Use charts, graphs or diagrams to visualise critical findings. Explain each visual carefully so the audience understands its significance without confusion.

#4 Discuss interpretations and implications

Interpret the findings: After presenting the data, explain what it means in the context of your research question or hypothesis. Connect findings back to the research problem you introduced.
Discuss broader implications: Highlight why the findings matter in the real world or within the academic field. Discuss potential applications, changes or actions inspired by your results.
Acknowledge limitations: Briefly address any limitations to give a balanced view and to increase credibility by showing you are aware of the research’s boundaries.

#5 Conclude with a memorable summary

Summarise key points: Reinforce the main findings, interpretations and their significance, creating a strong, cohesive takeaway for the audience.
Suggest future directions: Briefly mention any areas for further research or next steps and encourage thought about the study’s impact and potential for ongoing exploration.
Close with a final thought or question: End with a statement that resonates, such as a call to action, a reflective question or a vision for how the research could contribute to future changes.

#6 Prepare for engagement (Q&A or discussion)

Invite questions: After concluding, prompt the audience to ask questions or engage in discussion. Preparing for this helps create an open dialogue and addresses any uncertainties about your findings.
Reflect on common questions: Think of likely questions ahead of time to provide clear, well-thought-out responses.

Using editing services for presenting research findings

Professional editing services — including developmental editing, line editing, copyediting and proofreading — each play a unique role in enhancing the presentation of research findings in written formats, such as theses and research articles.

Clarity and coherence

Developmental editing improves the logical flow of findings, organises sections and ensures a coherent narrative to make findings accessible and engaging. Line editing sharpens language to eliminate ambiguity and enhance readability without sacrificing technical accuracy.

Structure and formatting

Developmental editing ensures adherence to academic structure, aligns findings with institutional or journal standards and organises headings and subheadings. Copyediting and proofreading handle visual aids, checking labels, citations and formatting consistency to strengthen visual support for the findings.

Language and grammar precision

Line editing refines sentence structure, word choice and academic tone. In contrast, copyediting corrects grammar, punctuation and style inconsistencies to deliver polished and precise language.

Strengthening arguments and interpretations

Developmental editing enhances the clarity and focus of interpretations, emphasises key insights and identifies gaps or areas needing additional support. Line editing further highlights significant findings and ensures key points stand out.

Conciseness and focus

Line editing condenses content, removing redundancies and extra details, ensuring findings remain focused on core insights and implications. Copyediting reinforces this brevity and flow for readability.

Academic integrity

Copyediting checks for proper citations, ensures findings are ethically presented and referenced and reduces plagiarism risks. Proofreading performs a final check to ensure all citations and ethical standards are met.

Publication readiness

Copyediting ensures alignment with target journal standards, enhancing the manuscript’s acceptance potential. Proofreading prepares the document for submission by eliminating any remaining errors and presenting findings with precision.

Resources for effectively presenting research findings

Here are some resources recommended for effectively presenting research findings:

Everything Hertz podcast
Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds
Presenting Your Findings by Adelheid A. M. Nicol and Penny M. Pexman
SAGE Research Methods
Statistics for People Who (Think They) Hate Statistics by Neil J. Salkind
Storytelling with Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
Talk Nerdy podcast
The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams
The Research Whisperer
The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research
Writing for Social Scientists by Howard S. Becker

Key takeaway

Presenting research findings effectively helps communicate insights, validate results and support real-world applications. Structuring the presentation with a clear narrative — from a strong introduction to a concise conclusion — guides the audience through the study’s purpose, methodology, findings and implications. Selecting an appropriate presentation method, such as statistical, qualitative or comparative analysis, ensures findings are communicated with clarity and relevance.

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