Lightning talks and the power of a short speech

I have been watching for a couple of years now, the evolution of a concept around the discipline of preparing short talks. It goes by a bunch of names like Ignite, Pecha Kucha and Speed Talking. My favourite is the IT industries adoption of the term 'Lightning Talks'. This metaphor works for me.

They all operate with slight variations in duration of sessions and number of slides.

This is my favourite format so far:

• 5 minute presentation
• 20 slides only
• 15 second automatic transitions

I love Jason Preston's example... How to break up with someone on Twitter - watch it here.

Create a lightning talk using this format, as it forces you to get to the point and lifts your energy as a presenter.

Go on, give it a go!

P.S. Learn about Lightning Talks and more... Improve the quality of your speaking, from mastering advanced presentation techniques through to formulas for creating compelling speeches during Matt's Speakership Week in October. Read more...