A sampling of comments from Paper Presentation Critiques
Econ 730, Fall 2005

Problem statement:

The research problem is clear; objectives clearly stated
Research problem: why is it important?
Mention the reason why chose this paper; There was hardly any discussion of why this paper was selected until the end of the presentation.
Clearly stated at the beginning why you are interested in this paper and how it relates to your own work
In the intro, you didn't mention about the objective or contribution of the paper. It would help listeners to understand what they expect to see.
The presenter should first start by stating the problem (objective) of the paper, not just start from the beginning to the end of the paper.

Analysis, explanation, contribution:

Clear presentation of the literature
You should also state why this paper is important, not just its objective; There was no formal placement of this paper in the lit.
The speaker covers too much literature and loses focus on the main area of focus.
Had command of paper: because so familiar with field and rest of literature, it makes the audience feel very comfortable.
Good summary of where this fits into the literature
Maybe should give more background for someone not familiar with the area.
Spend more time on the core concept/definitions
Maybe should provide a little more detail about the methodology
Lots of intuitive explanation of the topic
Managed to keep a theoretical paper precise
Relate the paper to the rest of the lit: what's different about this work, what contributions does it make, how is this theory different from others?
State results (in words) rather than math and empirical significance only. What do the results imply, mean?

Critique and Potential Future Work:

The part on Further Study is good to clarify important assumptions and factors not considered in the model
It is also desirable if you can mention what contributions you can make
Be a little more specific about your planned studies. What will you test? How?
I liked how you kept relating to your own research plans
Good critique of the author's conclusions
Relate to your own interest/direction of research. You have general areas of further study but what specifically would you do? why?
Kept saying paper was good instead of looking for potentials extensions
Enthusiasm and knowledge of topic: very interesting ideas for future research
No conclusion, take-home message

The Math Problem:

If you would give us more verbal explanations of the equations it may be easier to catch up
I think we shouldn't show he equations if we will not talk/explain them
The speaker should explain the graph and equation in a more intuitive way.
Should explain which factors affect positively or negatively on ... and its intuition
define notation and explain intuition behind each equation
Given the time limitation, it is difficult to describe all equations. It might be better to start with the setup, then explain the results only intuitively.
More intuition with less math.
Too many equations but not every equation was explained
Too much math
There are some equations in your slides that you neglect to explain.
As you explain the model you should refer to (or point to) the specific term in the slide.
Intuition behind equations in the slides are very well explained and it is easy to follow the paper for a non-expert in this literature.
Maybe you can point to some of the significant central empirical values rather than talking generally about a table of numbers.
Need a conclusion or "take home message "

Presentation mechanics:

I liked the summary at the beginning that mapped the presentation .
Arrange the whole presentation tighter and introduce the topic clearer at the beginning.
Concentrate on just a few important points in such a short presentation; Be more selective in explaining elements of the paper
The presenter was best when [he/she] forgot to be nervous and let [his/her] enthusiasm shine through
The Powerpoint is very clear and easy to read
The graphs are nice but should spend more time explaining them
Good eye contact and comfortable with audience
Engage the audience more by talking to audience, not to PPT slides.
Clear, but sometimes fell into trap of reading from slides.
Didn't read from screen--good job
Please try not to block the projector from being read
No handout?
Visuals a bit too busy, sentences too long.
I can't see the table!
Table results can be replaced with short sentences of major findings.
Maybe show a table or two of results instead of just having a sentence on the findings.
I like that you only put things on the slides that were integral to the paper and that you thoroughly explained everything printed on them.
Enthusiastic presentation!
Speak just a little louder
Too fast; speak more slowly and your presentation will be vastly improved-- because the speed with which you speak affects all aspect of the presentation, including audience understanding and mood.
Very well organized; easy to understand
Lecture style was slow; keep some enthusiasm
It is very distracting when you click your pen throughout the pres.
Too many results on one slide
Don't expect people to have a copy of the paper in their hands.
Good handling of time
In 15 minutes, you probably don't have time to explain everything.
Needed to better manage time--spend less time on relatively less important aspects (e.g. lit review)
Do not interrupt questions
Answers to some questions were to long; just get to the point!
Don't be so nervous! You know the material very well...better than everyone in the room, in fact. Speak as if you're the authority on [topic]!