Speaking at a conference is something you can build up to in small steps. A useful step on your journey is to go to a conference and be active. The being active part might be different to how you have attended an event before. And this difference is the key to unlocking your growth at this point on the journey.
Being active at a Conference is more than just attending and less than actually speaking. You’ll feel nicely stretched, and see yourself more clearly as a future speaker
There are three phases of activity:
- Warm up
- Stretch
- Reflect
Here’s what to do in each phase:
- Warm Up
- Get there for the start: get a feel for the event (eg check out the stage set-up)
- Grab a coffee: say hello to someone in the queue
- Join a table at the front: position yourself for involvement
- Get involved: ask a question and contribute to a table discussion
- Stretch
- Thank the Speaker personally: go up to the stage afterwards, grab a selfie!
- Ask them a question: smile, say thank you and offer your question, observation, thought
- Speak to a stranger at coffee: make a new connection
- Say something about the talk: and ask them what they made of it
- Meet the organiser: find and say hello to someone from the event team
- Ask about speaking: “How would I best approach you to be considered as a Speaker?”
- Reflect
- Stay until the end: often when something interesting happens
- Reflect on the event: content and the formats and styles
- Notice logistics: where were the speakers before they were welcomed to stage?
- Recall the Q&A: how was this organised? How did Speakers handle questions?
- Reflect on Speaker content: case studies, educative, visionary, personal stories or a mix?
- Complete feedback survey: send constructive thoughts to the organiser
- Summarise the event: write a short summary piece for your internal newsletter
- Share internally and on socials: post to your social channel of choice (with selfie!)
Repeat this cycle at different events. You’ll find your voice, learn from seasoned speakers, meet some new people who could be helpful in the future and begin to feel that you belong as a speaker.
What do you think?
Can you use what you’ve read?
What more can I help you with?
Feel free to get in touch.
In the meantime, thanks for reading. And happy Conference Speaking.