When addressing the public or judges, speak distinctly. Don't talk too fast.
Keep good posture when speaking. Don't slouch.
Practice speaking in front of people. Try to keep strength in your presentation.
It's OK to write a script for your presentation, but don't merely reel off a memorized speech. With sufficient practice, your "speech," should sound like conversation, not canned.
Do not clutter your presentation with long words and lists of numbers. It is OK to generalize, unless you are asked for specific data to support your claims.
Get plenty of rest for two days before the fair opens. It is surprising how tiring a fair can be!
Do not be ashamed or hesitate to utter the words "I don't know." The more you work on a project, the more you realize that you don't know.
Do not falsify or hide information. Be truthful at all times.
Do not make exaggerated claims. More than likely, you project will not change the world. However, it is OK to be excited and energetic about your work.
Cite all of the help you received. Give credit where credit is due.
Rehearse your presentation on two groups of people: those who have a scientific background and are familiar with your topic, and to those who know little or nothing of science.
Check your time. You should be able to completely explain your project in two to three minutes, or within 10 to 12 sentences.
On fair day, wear comfortable clothes.
Keep your display board simple, clear, and free of unnecessary clutter. A neat and tidy Showboard is preferred over a fancy or expensive model.
Avoid name-dropping, bragging, or embellishments.
Allow plenty of time in your presentation for judges to ask questions.
Don't answer questions too quickly. Pause and consider before speaking.
Hints from Winners Students who have prepared successful projects and won at ISEF and the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge
On the day of the fair, wear comfortable shoes!
Get lots of rest before the fair. You'll need it!
Don't wait until the last minute. You can always tell who has done that.
Be prepared to not win a top prize the first year you enter. It takes a while to learn how to create a good project. Don't give up!
Make plans for securing items used in your display. Secure your stuff!
On the day of the fair, arrive as early as possible. It sometimes gets to be a mad house when everyone is sitting up their displays.
Watch the judges judge. You can learn a lot from them.
Ask last year's winners for hints. They usually like to brag and you can learn a lot from them.
I usually pack some high energy snacks to see me through fair day.
I print up short descriptions of my project to distribute to people. It saves my throat.
Don't try to bluff the judges. They'll get you every time.
Pack repair supplies in your fair kit. Things always get broken or need a last minute patch.
When selecting a project topic, choose something you really like. It makes the work go easier.
Don't forget to thank your mentor, teacher, and anyone who helped you. It will mean a lot to them.
Make copies of important papers, and backup your files.
It's OK to work on the same project for several years. You become an expert that way.
Keep your parents informed of what you are doing, and what the schedule is. It might keep them from getting mad.
I try to get my project done two or three weeks before the fair. That gives me time to make final changes or improvements.
