Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Conference Talk

10Easy Waysto Improve

Your Conference Talk

KEN TABOR

I had the privilege of presenting a workshop on analytics and UX at SXSW

Interactive 2016.!@KENTABOR

SXSW brings together experienced leaders from across the world. I sat in on many of their talks, and learned from all of them. "

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I started really paying attention wondering, “How can our favorite speakers be even

better the next time they present?”#@KENTABOR

Here are my 10 concrete tips that’ll help you make your next speaking engagement

even more amazing!$@KENTABOR

1Bring your MacBook adapter to connect with HDMI or VGA projectors. Casually hook up your

laptop, relax, and glide into your talk.

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Start with a good story engaging us in what you promised to teach. Beginning with your

biography can be dull.2@KENTABOR

Show the URL to your slides in the first five minutes. Otherwise we’ll furiously take notes

and fumble for our cameras.3@KENTABOR

Turn your entire body when glancing at the screen. That way we don’t loose your voice as

your head turns away from the lapel mic.4@KENTABOR

Don’t make jokes if your audience isn’t interested in laughing. Sometimes we simply

want to learn facts from an expert.5@KENTABOR

Take care of your dry throat during a natural pause advancing slides. Don’t crinkle the plastic

bottle because a lapel mic amplifies noise.6@KENTABOR

Avoid asking us to “raise your hand if…” repeatedly. It’s not as engaging as you think. It

becomes uninspiring sooner than you guess.7@KENTABOR

Avoid slides with big blocks of text. If you do show one offer us a few seconds to scan it.

Don’t read it to us, give context instead.8@KENTABOR

Stop when you’re done and let us know you’re finished. Allow us to clap celebrating your

success. Don’t instantly drop into Q&A.9@KENTABOR

Focus audience members during Q&A. They’re excited, unprepared, and often ramble. Help

them frame their inquiry.10@KENTABOR

Good luck and have fun when you hit the big stage. I know you’ll be fantastic!♥

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SUMMARY

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1. Projector adaptor

2. Start with story

3. Link to slides

4. Mic awareness

5. Humor with care

6. Drink during pause

7. Avoid repetition

8. Less text

9. Strong finish

10. Focus Q&A

10 Easy Ways Conference Speakers Can Improve Their Sessions (+6 Bonus)

Read More from Me

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The Analytics of Handheld UX @SXSW

Public Speaking: Top 12 Resources

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www.katworksgames.comMy blog, slides, projects, and more

@KenTaborTweets on code, UX, and leadership

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