(Plain Text Version)
Journal Article Assignment for MATH 5830: Applied Statistics 

Guidelines for writing and delivering reports

The following is just a slightly modified version of Professor Kafadar's Guidelines.

An essential element of being a good statistician-or any professional-is
the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. The
right solution is useless if it cannot be communicated to the client (and others)!
 
Oral presentations are useful for generating discussion and feedback,
particularly for interim
results. Written reports often are required in a business environment to
finalize a project and to communicate results and action items.
Personally, we both find it easier to prepare our oral presentations from our
written reports. Guidelines for preparing both follow. 
 
For 5830 you will present the results from a journal article you have read. 
The written report is to be in YOUR OWN WORDS. You are also required to give an oral presentation.  

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Guidelines for written report

A. Prepare an outline.
 
1. Abstract (1 paragraph, in your own words) 
2. Introduction: Objectives and general background (not a book!)
3. Methodology: Approach to problem 
4. Results
5. Conclusions, further work, action items, recommendations
6. Bibliography (if necessary)

Note: Abstract, introduction, and conclusions should be able to
stand on their own. Some people will read only these sections, so they
need to be especially clear.
 
B. Write the report. (DO NOT hand in the above outline, just the report, below)
 
1. Start with your name, position, and article title and reference.
Sections 1-5 above SHOULD be included. 
2. Use clear, simple English, and avoid long (20-25 words) sentences.
3. To get started with your draft, write as if you are talking to
someone directly from your outline.
4. Plan to revise your draft-sometimes several versions are necessary.
5. Be careful not to offend anyone.
6. Leave technical details to an appendix.
 
C. Revise.
 
1. To find the right words, consult a thesaurus.
2. Check spelling!
3. Ask someone to read it over, for content, spelling, and (especially)
grammar.
4. Consider judicious, not unnecessary, use of special fonts and
punctuation.
5. Set aside your draft for 24 hours. Upon re-reading it, ask yourself:
. Is it clear?
. Does it read smoothly?
. Is it unnecessarily wordy or too succinct?
. Have you confirmed the numerical results? (It is embarrassing when
clients and others find mistakes!)
 
D. (Optional) Check graphs, tables, displays.
 
1. Color is nice-if it can be reproduced easily.
2. Make clear, self-explanatory title, legends, axis labels.
3. Number sequentially for reference in text (Table 1, Table 2, ...,
Figure 1, Figure 2, ...)
4. State all units of measurement.
5. Use only as many significant digits as can be believed.
6. Consult some good sources on visual displays (e.g., Wainer, Tufte).

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Guidelines for oral presentations
 
See ''Preparing Statistical Papers'' (The American Statistician, May
1983, Vol. 37, No. 2, pp. 106-110). This article was prepared
specifically for presenting 15-minute contributed papers but many of the
suggestions apply to presentations of all types, including those you
will make for this class.
 
A. Organize the material to be presented.
 
1. Prepare an outline!
2. General sections:
. Introduction (statement of problem)
. Background (sources of data, etc. Keep it brief.)
. Approaches to problem
. Results (key points you want them to remember)
. Conclusions/summary, further work.
3. Be aware of your time limit when preparing material.
 
B. Prepare presentation. (You may use a computer, overheads, or the black board)
 
1. Write or type legibly-and check spelling!
2. Use simple fonts and avoid extraneous icons (can be distracting).
3. Offer no more than 4-5 key points on a page (subpoints OK).
4. Size of font: Put page on the floor; you should be able to read it
from a standing position.
5. Avoid complicated tables! Use graphical displays wherever possible.
 
C. Prepare handouts (optional but often useful)
 
1. Include your name, title of presentation, statement of problem,
summary of results, key figures
2. Length: KK's rule of thumb: no more than 1 sheet of paper (unless the
talk is long)
 
D. Oral presentation.
 
1. Rehearse!
. Rehearse at least once, more often if possible
. Ideally, rehearse with a colleague-but anyone will do
. Ask for constructive criticism and check timing
2. Check the screen to be sure your visual displays are clear, focused,
and centered properly.
3. Use a pen, rather than a finger, as a pointer. (Your hand will shake
visibly if you are nervous.)
4. Don't be nervous; rehearsing will give you confidence.
5. Allow time for questions. Listen carefully to each one; try to
answer, or explain why you cannot answer at this time.