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In this section you want to convey the general procedure, but you don't want to put your audience to sleep by telling them each and every little detail. It is sometimes good to have a simplified schematic of the equipment that shows the main features. Tell in general terms what was done:

"The concentration of the reactants was varied, and the resulting conversion was determined by measuring the corresponding concentrations of the products. A gas chromatograph was used to determine concentrations, and ...." NOT "Valve number 1 was adjusted until the flow rate was between 11.6 and 13.9 cc/min. Then valve number 2 was adjusted to give a total flow of 22.5 to 25 cc/min. Next a stopwatch was started...." 

Be sure to indicate what variables you set or controlled and what variables you measured. If your results have a large uncertainty due to one part of the equipment or one method of measurement, you might want to point that out at this point so you can later recommend a modification that will reduce the uncertainty. This way the listener is prepared later when you discuss that result.

You should be prepared to answer detailed questions if they are asked, but you shouldn't bog down your presentation by including all these details.

last update: 01/23/00