Conference Presenter Basics

Are you planning to speak at a conference anytime soon? If so, here are a few basic things to remember...

Before you begin speaking...

• SEND your information. Your photo, presentation title and blurb, AV Requirements etc. DON'T wait for them to chase you! Be pro-active and make it easy for the organiser.
  
• Write an introduction. Email it to the organiser and also print it out and take it with you. Make it fun and focussed more on your message than on you.
• Take your presentation slides. Take it on a USB, and name it with YOUR name. Not just the conference name. Make sure it is the ONLY file on the USB to avoid confusion.
• ARRIVE in the conference room early.
• FIND OUT what has happened before your presentation and what will be happening afterwards.

Things to remember when on the stage...

• Don't say, I'll get to that in a few minutes, or I'll speak about that later in my talk.
• Don't read your slides.
• Don't use someone else's material without attribution.
• Do make the organiser look good. If authentic, praise them from the stage.
• Do acknowledge the time remaining signs held up at the back of the room (or elsewhere). A nod will do.

And finally,

Make sure you know the actual finish time and length of talk, so you finish then, no matter what!

M@

Matt Church