1、Unit 4Writing a Conference ProposalGuidelines for Preparing/Submitting a Conference ProposalIComponents of the ProposalIIReflections and PracticeIII2After completing this section,you will be able to explain the common guidelines that should be followed when preparing/submitting a conference proposal
2、;describe the appropriate content of a conference proposal.3Part IGuidelines for Preparing/Submitting a Conference Proposal4After finishing your research and having selected one or more conferences,youd like to present your research findings.Then its time to create an effective and professional prop
3、osal for your contribution to be selected.51.Guidelines for Preparing/Submitting a Conference ProposalThe submission process and proposal/abstract requirements may vary among conferences,but one common thing is that they are all submitted online and they are relatively short in length.61.1 Be profes
4、sional in correspondenceMostly the submission of the proposal/abstract is done via e-mail.Remember to follow the e-mail etiquette rules and be professional in the correspondence.It may be helpful to include a short paragraph about your scholarly background and the reasons why you select to submit yo
5、ur research findings to this specific conference.It is also recommended to include a subject in the subject line,use an appropriate salutation and closing and so forth in the e-mail.71.2 Select proper word formatThe proposal can be a Word document or a PDF and it should have double or 1.5 spacing an
6、d the font selected should be easy to read.According to The Modern Language Association(MLA),“always choose an easily readable typeface(e.g.Times New Roman)in which the regular style contrasts clearly with the italic,and set it to a standard size(e.g.12 point)”.So which fonts are“easily readable”?An
7、d what exactly is a“standard”size?For academic papers,an“easily readable typeface”means a serif font,and a“standard”type size is between 10 and 12 point.81.3 Proofread to keep the proposal error-freeProofread carefully.You may ask other researchers in your field to read and evaluate your proposal.It
8、 is critical that the proposal is done professionally and free of typos,spelling errors or grammatical problems.91.4 Meet the deadlineMake sure you read the call for papers carefully to consider the deadline and orient your topic of presentation around the buzzwords and themes listed in the document
9、s.You should take special note of the deadline and submit prior to that date,as late submissions leave a bad impression and suggest poor planning skills.Try to avoid submitting the proposal at the last minute.Here are 3 tips to avoid some of those last minute problems:10 Planning make yourself aware
10、 of the deadline and prepare a schedule Organization get hold of the information that youll need so you have it to hand when you require it Time management Finish and submit your application at least 24-48 hours before the deadline.Remember:stuff happens computers crash;uploads take too long;the Int
11、ernet goes out.111.5 Relate your topic to the key issues/themes of the conferenceAvoid a narrow topic and make it relevant to the key issues/themes of the conference.It is important that you do not simply summarize your research.121.6 Create a descriptive titleA catchy and interesting title will gra
12、b attentions.Conference attendees will often choose their sessions based on the title and they do not want to be misled.It should be specific enough to provide them with a good idea of your topic.131.7 Outline your researchYou should describe your research question,your overall methodology and your
13、conclusions.Remember that you will need to be concise in this section.It is tempting to provide more details than necessary at this stage.141.8 Know the literature related to your topicKnow what has already been done in the field and how your research fits into that.It is not necessary to go into de
14、tail regarding all the research on the topic that has been done before you,but it is important to be certain that your research has something new to contribute.151.9 Be focused in your proposalPresentations have time limits and you may not be able to present your entire paper.Narrowing it down to a
15、manageable topic that fits the time frame will make it more likely for your proposal to be selected and for you to have a professional and effective presentation.16Part IIComponents of the Proposal172.Components of the ProposalA conference proposal typically consists of an introduction to your topic
16、,which should not amount to more than one-third of the length of your submission,followed by your thesis statement and a sketch of your approach to your research problem.182.Components of the ProposalYou should then explain why your thesis is original and innovative as well as important and interest
17、ing to researchers who might be outside your specific area of research.As Kate Turabian states in the book A Manual for Writers of Research Papers,Theses,and Dissertations,“Whether your role at a conference is to talk or only listen depends not just on the quality of your research,but on the signifi
18、cance of your question”.This portion takes up approximately three to five lines,whereas the rest(approximately another third of the total length)focuses on the conclusion that you will arrive at in your essay and exemplary evidence.192.Components of the ProposalSimply speaking,the conference proposa
19、l should specify the following components:an introduction,the main message or content,and a conclusion.20Part IIIReflections and Practice 211.What guidelines should you keep in mind when you prepare to submit your conference proposal?2.What components are absolutely indispensable in your proposal to be submitted to the targeted conference?22THANK YOU23
