In this seventh and final part of our series, we will explore strategies on successfully delivering your talk - maybe the most nerve-wracking, but also most rewarding part of the whole experience.
If you have come this far, you have already succeeded: You have found a conference that's a great fit, written a great talk proposal, gotten accepted and created a storyline and prepared your slides. Great job! You can already be so proud!
Now, you will have to deliver your talk, so let's explore how to go about this without loosing your cool.
One Day before
While many conferences require you to hand in your slides a little ahead of time, others let you present on you own machine and in full control of last minute updates. The day before, a few things you could do to calm your nerves and ensure a smooth conference day:
Double check your slides and materials: make sure everything is where it is supposed to be, in the correct order and format.
Make sure you have offline copies of everything. Yes, it's a tech conference and one would think internet is crucial here, but it happens more often then not that the connection isn't that great and videos or even your entire slide deck do not load. All the essentials your talk relies on should be available offline.
Prepare your bag: If you are using a clicker, pack one (if you are intending on using one, make sure to practise with it 😉), bring your charger, your notes, some water, anything else you need to feel comfortable. Maybe bring some headphone if you want to run through your talk last minute in a busy area.
Check where you need to be and how to get there. Depending on the location, whether you maybe had to travel to a different country, be sure to check logistic questions ahead of time. Many conferences organize shuttles or taxis for speakers, but it's good to know your way around. Conference buildings can be massive and confusing, so plan sufficient time for orientation on the ground.
If your speaking event is online, you don't have to worry about most things mentioned above, but it's still worth while checking time slots and streaming arrangements, your contact person and background for the stream. You don't want to realise when sitting down to deliver your talk how your light could be optimised or how busy your background looks.
Day off the conference
Especially if it's your first public talk, you might be nervous, and while good planning can help you sooth stage fright a little bit, it's completely normal to freak out before your first talk. Don't worry, we have all been there. It's important to listen to yourself and what you need in that moment, because what helps us in these moments is very personal. Here are a few things that help me:
- Get up early: It would only add to my level of stress if I had to rush, so I always leave enough time for breakfast, to get to the venue, find a speakers room if there is one, run a technical check etc.
Move: It's scientifically proven that moving your body can help relieve stress. If I get really freaked out I go for a little walk outside if time allows it.
Find a quiet area: Many conferences offer a place for speakers to do last minute prep and escape the hustle and bustle before their talk. If this doesn't apply to your event, there will be other options to distance yourself and find your calm - if nothing is available, headphones and your favourite music can help quite the noise.
During your talk
Now is your time to shine - going on stage and presenting your work, everything you have prepared so well and know so much about. I personally don't believe in tips like 'imagine the audience naked' (I'm sorry, how would that calm me down?) - but I'd rather focus on a friendly face in the audience. Maybe it's someone you know, or maybe there is just someone looking very encouragingly.
Trust that people want you to succeed. You will do great. But even if you don't do your absolute personal best, no one will judge you for it. It's scary being on stage, at least for most people, and the audience has a lot of respect for that. They are rooting for you and they want to learn about everything you have to say, because you are the expert for your talk.
Try to breath. Most of us rush when we are stressed out. Try to consciously take a breath, slow down a bit or take a sip of water. For my first talk, I had 25 minutes and I spoke so fast that I only used 13. It's normal. But you will bring your point across much better, if your audience has time to digest a little bit. The pauses that sound so long in your head? The audience will probably not notice at all.
- It's ok to be nervous and to admit it. If you are comfortable with it, you can say that it's your first time to speak like this, and that you are a little nervous. Sometimes, admitting something can be really freeing. But of course, you don't have to disclose anything. But you can if it makes you feel better.
- Enjoy. This is your moment, you worked for it, you've practised. Now it's time to enjoy! Even though it's scary, try to make the most of the experience and if it's not for you, you might never have to do it again.
After your talk
Congratulations, you've done so well! 🎉 You've conquered your fears, you've been on stage, you have delivered your first talk! That's a big feat and you have done it! Hang around after your talk to chat to people, listen to their feedback, make contacts and answer their questions for a little. Enjoy your moment and celebrate afterwards - you surely deserve it! ✨
How was your first experience of public speaking? Did you enjoy it? If you have any questions, noticed something missing from this little guide or want to get in touch, feel free to reach out to me on socials!
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