This chapter begins by outlining the nature of research, identifying the key steps that both comprise the research process and help you to plan the presentation of your research. It highlights the advantages that can be gained as a geography student if you complete the research process right through to communication of your findings. The chapter makes explicit the principles of effective research communication in a variety of oral, visual and written formats, including checklists that you might use to help you prepare for and feel confident in presenting your research in specific settings. The increasing number of venues in which you can make your research public are identified, moving beyond your department and institution to a variety of public audiences. Delivering verbal presentations, defending posters, writing papers for publication and authoring web pages and blogs are examples of the diverse ways in which you can communicate your research. When dissemination is aimed at external multi-disciplinary audiences, you will develop a broad range of intellectual, organizational and inter-personal skills that can help you to gain relevant employment after graduation.
The chapter is organised into the following sections:
1. What is research and why engage in research as a geography student?
2. What are the elements of the research process?
3. Who are the possible audiences for student research?
4. Communicating your research effectively to different audiences
5. What are the outcomes of effective research communication?
6. Conclusion