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Preparing Papers for Conferences in the Social Sciences
Content
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For your topic, choose a major theme or question that represents a "thin
slice" of the field's current debates. Be on the cutting edge.

On the first page, locate the question in a body of knowledge/literature.

Make the theoretical significance of your ideas clear.

Have a strong, creative research design. Anticipate possible critiques when
setting up your research design.

Use clear terminology, but use as little specialized terminology as possible.

Consider the paper a legal brief that makes a persuasive case and fits it into
an ongoing dialogue.

Use a "bullet" conclusion. In the final part of the paper, repeat the question
posed, then explain how you addressed the question, and why the question is
relevant. End with a statement of the larger implications of your question.
Presentation

Because you have limited time, avoid complicated arguments. Make only a
few points and make them clearly.

Write/speak with the active voice.

Use signal words as you speak (thus, therefore, first, second, finally).

Construct sentences with frequent closure.

Avoid derived words ("isms," "ations").

Use metaphors and analogies to help the audience better understand your
concepts.

Don't show the entire thought process, just the end points.
The Writing Center: Preparing Papers for Conferences in the Social Sciences