Post on 13-Apr-2017
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
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
10 Tips for a Winning Hackathon Pitch
The Analytics of Handheld UX @SXSW
Public Speaking: Top 12 Resources
Click `em!@KENTABOR
www.katworksgames.comMy blog, slides, projects, and more
@KenTaborTweets on code, UX, and leadership
speaking@katworksgames.comReach out to me with an email
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I wrote this book for designers who have accidentally (on purpose) become developers.
They are talented and tenacious, but not well equipped to code, test, and debug responsive and mobile-first websites.
An entire history of tools exists stuck in the domain of software engineers. My book collects them into a single box of awesome within your reach.
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