Required Reading

The reading list for seminars and conferences sometimes border on the ridiculous. Since everything is electronic, it is additively easy to find and share information. There is always another article that is interesting and possibly relevant. I'm a fast reader but I shepherd my superpower in this instance. In my experience, there are more important aspects to a successful seminar and conference attendance than doing all the required reading.

I show up, my secret weapon. First, that means I am physical at the conference or seminar. Second, I am mentally there. I have "nothing on my mind", a Getting Things Done reference. I have my 8 hours of sleep. While I am physically in the room, I not checking my email, twittering, or looking up what is happening elsewhere. I know this is where I need to be in the universe. I feel like I'm cheating when I fully present at conferences or seminars, even though sometimes I don't all the mandatory reading.

Even though I just made an argument for not reading, sometimes it is better if you show up prepared. Here are my tips & tricks:

1. Read all the abstracts
2. Rank order the articles
3. Read the 1st paragraph of the general discussion
4. Summarize the article in your own words
5. Read the methods
6. Create a list of limitations based on the methods
7. Interpret the figures
8. Read the results
9. Read the discussion
10. Create a list of limitations based on the discussion
11. Read the introduction
12. Create a list of research they should have cited (mostly your own!)