The anatomy of free paper sessions.

The interaction between speakers, audience, and chairmen was studied by 13 investigators during a medical meeting at which 356 free papers were given before a total audience of 2483 in 48 sessions. A protocol was used to score 21 questions relating to the presentation, 15 to the chairman of the session, and nine to the audience. Many speakers made technical faults in presentation and their use of slides. Most chairmen failed to comply with simple rules of procedure and with the expectations of speakers and audience. The interest of the audience was affected by the performance of speakers and chairman. Speakers should pay more attention to the technique of presentation, and organising committees of medical meetings should provide instructions to both speakers and chairmen.