Session Abstract Guide
A guide for speakers who want to write engaging and meaningful session abstracts
What is a session abstract?
A session abstract is a brief summary of your presentation that describes the main topic, objectives, takeaways and target audience of your session. It is usually the first thing that potential attendees will see when they browse the conference program, so it is important to make a good impression and attract their interest. A well-written session abstract can help you set clear expectations for your audience and increase the chances of them attending your session and benefiting from it.
How to write a session abstract?
Writing a session abstract can be challenging, especially if you have a lot of information to convey in a limited space. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you craft a concise and compelling session abstract that will capture the attention of your audience and communicate the value of your presentation. Here are some tips to follow:
Start with a catchy title that summarizes the main theme of your session and sparks curiosity. Avoid using jargon, acronyms or vague terms that might confuse or alienate your audience. Try to use keywords that are relevant to your topic and the conference theme.
Write a clear and concise introduction that provides the context and motivation for your session. Explain why your topic is important, relevant and timely for your audience and the conference. Highlight the problem or challenge that you are addressing and the main question or goal that you are pursuing.
Outline the main objectives and takeaways of your session. What will your audience learn or gain from attending your session? What are the key points or messages that you want to convey? How will your session help your audience solve a problem, improve a skill, gain a new perspective or apply a new technique? Use bullet points or numbered lists to make your objectives and takeaways easy to read and remember.
Identify and describe your target audience. Who are you speaking to and what are their needs, interests and expectations? What is their level of knowledge or experience on your topic? How will you tailor your session to suit their background and preferences? Be specific and realistic about who will benefit from your session and why.
Use clear and engaging language that reflects your personality and style. Avoid using passive voice, complex sentences or technical jargon that might make your session abstract hard to understand or boring to read. Use active voice, simple sentences and everyday words that will make your session abstract easy to understand and appealing to read. Use examples, anecdotes or questions to illustrate your points and engage your audience.
Proofread and edit your session abstract. Check your session abstract for spelling, grammar, punctuation and formatting errors. Make sure your session abstract is consistent, coherent and concise. Remove any unnecessary or redundant words or information that might distract or confuse your audience. Ask for feedback from a colleague, friend or mentor who can give you an honest and constructive opinion on your session abstract.