The Lightning Talk format is very similar to a standard paper session or complete panel, only with more papers and shorter presentations. Six to eight papers are presented in a more abbreviated manner (six-minute maximum). After each presentation there will be two minutes of Q&A. Rather than using designated discussants, each participant reads the other papers and provides comments on one of them. At the conclusion of the presentations there is time for more extensive Q&A about any of the papers. The chair will help to keep presentations within the exact time limit, and each presenter will read the other papers and provide comments on one of them.
If you are participating virtually in a Lightning Talk session, you can view instructions for the hybrid conference and virtual attendees here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to upload my research paper to the MPSA online conference program?
Yes. Uploading your research to the online conference program (instructions found here) allows those attending your session to come prepared with meaningful feedback. Instruction on how to access and download the research that has been uploaded to the online conference program can be found here.
What do I need to do to prepare for my Lightning Talk session?
In Lightning Talk sessions, presenters also function as discussants for one of the other papers being presented. Coordinate with your fellow panelists prior to the conference to determine which paper you will be providing comments on. Likewise, send your paper to the panelist who will be reading and commenting on yours. To view email addresses, click on a participant in the online program (you must be logged in to view email addresses).
What date/time is my Lightning Talk?
You can find the schedule for your Lightning Talk session in the online conference program. The online program is searchable by participant name, session time, and session format.
Where is my Lightning Talk located?
Lightning Talk sessions are held in standard conference rooms at the Palmer House (i.e., many of the same rooms that host paper sessions and roundtables). The assigned room for your Lightning Talk will be available in the online conference program, the app, and in the print program at the conference.
How long should my presentation be?
No more than six minutes. Rehearse your presentation with a timer prior to the conference. Given the number of presenters, it is crucial that Lightning Talk presentations do not run beyond the allotted time. The chair will help to keep presentations within exact time limits.
Where can I access additional author resources?
Additional author resources and guidelines may be found here. Information on the breakdown of session times, as well as session formats and role descriptions can be found here. Instructions for the Hybrid Conference and Virtual Attendees here.
What do I bring to the conference?
Please bring your PowerPoint presentation to the conference on a removable USB-A flash drive. Your flash drive should be formatted for a Windows-based PC, not iOS.
What time should I arrive for my presentation?
Arrive at the conference room 10 minutes before your session begins.
What should we do if the chair is absent?
All chairs listed in the conference program have confirmed their participation and are expected to fulfill their role. In the event of an emergency, chairs should make every effort to notify session participants in advance and designate a replacement.
If the Lightning Talk chair does not arrive, the first presenter should assume the role of chair.
The acting chair should follow the hybrid conference instructions posted in the room and may refer to additional guidelines for chairs here.
Chair responsibilities include:
- Introducing each paper, its author(s), and the discussant(s).
- Introducing each paper and the authors as well as the discussant(s).
- Managing time to ensure all presenters stay within their allotted slots. As a guideline:
- 5 presenters: 10 minutes each
- 4 presenters: 13 minutes each
- 3 presenters: 14 minutes each
- This should be followed by approximately 20 minutes for discussant comments and 15 minutes for audience Q&A.
- Ensuring that discussion remains respectful and productive.
After the session, please inform the MPSA of the chair’s absence by emailing the Conference Director (speelmon@mpsanet.org).
Looking for additional resources for the conference and/or your visit to Chicago?
View Author Guidelines, Chair Guidelines, Discussant Guidelines, Poster Guidelines and FAQs, and Instructions for the Hybrid Conference and Virtual Attendees.
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