Tip #92: Making a Conference Presentation

During The Presentation:

1. Be conscious of starting and ending times.a. The participants have somewhere else to go after your workshop. b. Recognize that the next workshop presenter needs time to set up.
2. Avoid a long introduction
   – people are generally there to learn about the subject, not about you.
3. Be conscious of the fact that your audience has varying degrees of knowledge and experience in your topic.
   1. If time or workshop size does not permit individual introductions, it helps to get a show of hands on questions relating to knowledge and experience.
   2. Prepare to involve the more experienced participants as facilitators or to draw on them for practical examples.
   3. Make no assumptions about people’s level of understanding.
   4. Explain everything, even if briefly, to ensure a common point of reference.
4. Build in time for participant interaction and application.
5. Build in time for questions.
6. Explain the agenda, format and objectives of the workshop before you begin.
   1. It will help people to focus better on the topic if they know what to expect.
   2. Make sure you deliver on promised content.
7. Come prepared to provide additional information or application exercises in case you misjudge your timing.
8. Focus on your topic, not your personal accomplishments.
   1. People like personal examples, as long as they are not self-serving.
   2. Active marketing of your services or product is considered unethical.
9. Make sure that you are sincerely interested in your topic.
10. Be prepared to present a complete and stimulating workshop, whether the audience consists of five or fifty participants.
    1. Do not take low attendance numbers personally. There are many workshops and activities that will be competing with yours for their attention.
    2. Do not make any assumptions that one time is better or worse than another.
    3. Make whatever number of participants appear feel welcome.
    4. Do not make disparaging remarks about the size of the group.
    5. Be aware that participants may come and go throughout your workshop.
11. Make sure that your content fits well within the given time frame.
12. Follow proven adult learning principles.
13. Some workshop presenters have endeared themselves to participants by handing out gifts or candy for participation.
14. Make sure you have your business cards with you.
15. At the close of your workshop:
    1. Thank the participants for attending.
    2. Ensure sufficient time for evaluations to be handed out and/or completed.
    3. Invite participants to meet with you after the workshop.