BEYOND BOPSA:Turning Ideas Into Great Keynotes , Talks, Panels and more

Michele WeldonDirector, Medill Public Thought LeadersJanuary 2014

15 seconds to take control. • Grab the

audience.• Be prepared. • Consider it an

oral version of a great oped. • Write the script.

These skills transfer. • Panels• Media appearances • Job or funding interviews• Presentations• Working dinners • Networking events

Tip # 1:

• Enter the room.

Tip #2:

• Great opening line. • Humor• Question• Big statement• Confession• Go big, or go

small but go

Tip #2: Claim your expertise

• Establish your area of research • Your interests?• Your career

experience?• Life experience?

Tip # 3: The Value of Three

• 3 main points• Clear beginning,

middle and end• Close up, medium

and long shot

Tip # 4: Deliver solid content• Write a script • You can’t just be charming.• Research• Be topical, newsy• Be interesting• Say something only you can say• Create memorable phrases• Have a takeaway

Tip # 5: Be unforgettable

• Repetition of phrasing• Memorable quotes through history• Ask questions• To Be Sure • Next steps • Establish creative links• Connect ideas in new• ways

Tip # 6: Earn the respect• Deliver a good argument• Be worth their time• Be professional• Do a good job

NEVER, EVER SAY:• “I didn’t prepare any remarks.”

Tip # 7: Learn from the audience• Pay attention at

breakfast (lunch, dinner)• Go to the cocktail

party• Email the planners• Get audience

demographics• Find out who spoke

last year• Read body language

Tip # 8: Surprise

• Do a demonstration• Ask for

participation• Minimal visuals

on PP• Walk around• Ask a question

Tip # 9: You can do this well.• Expand on your teaching/lecturing skills. • Good writers can be good speakers.• Have a career on the side that can take you

places you want to go.

Tip # 10: Promote yourself.

• On your website. • On social media• Say yes to opportunities to speak

WHY? • Network, collaborate • Promote your ideas, become known• Sell books• Get more bookings• Get invites for other work•Make extra $$• Go places

BEST Tip : Get a booking. Practice.• Network: NU Clubs, academic organizations, professional

groups, libraries • Send queries with your topics• Research the market• Learn techniques http://www.nsaspeaker.org/,

http://www.ted.com/• Do it for the experience

•Ask.

Learn from good speakers. • George Lombardi, Mother Teresa: • http://themoth.org/posts/radio-extras-for-the-moth-radio-

hour-episode-1302• Personal:

http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend.html

• Good facts: http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_asks_why_are_we_happy.html

• http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html