My presentations are very visual (arts field) and often involve the discussion of several historical sources so I usually bring a handout that lists these sources with key info, mainly in case people want to look more into the topic. The only time I haven't done this is when I know the audience will be 50+ people. The audiences are always academic so I don't think it's necessary to explain basic concepts etc.

Do you always bring a handout for the audience? If not, what determines your decision? If so, what info do you normally include and why?

Thanks!

bump!

I am in engineering and I never see handouts. I assume the audience knows basic stuff and add the occasional reference in the presentation itself. If they have further questions they can ask me in person but I am a very different field. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

I have never seen handouts being used - but again, different field. I attended an interview not long ago that was for something for candidates from different disciplines. And in addition to giving a presentation we were told we could bring handouts if we had complex information that could be more easily conveyed through visual materials. But I assume you use powerpoint slides and can put stuff on there in your talk?

I think to guide me in your situation I would be asking what do others do (ie what is the norm in my field) and also are handouts necessary (or are the majority of people just going to throw them away).

Curious what has prompted your question at this time!

Thanks for this, Tudor! Well it seems that I can probably leave the handouts. I am giving a paper in a couple of weeks and the subject is something I'm a bit less comfortable with so I'm second-guessing myself! Yes, it'll all be powerpoint slides. Thinking about 'the norm' is probably a good way to go - I wouldn't expect to see lots of handouts at a big conference, if only for logistical reasons.