Presenter Tips

Whether you’re a first-time presenter or a seasoned pro, it’s always helpful to be prepared for your breakout session.  Here are commonly asked questions, useful information and reminders in order for you to have a successful presentation.

• You can arrive up to 15 minutes before your session to setup your equipment and prepare for your presentation

• Be considerate of the presenter(s) after your session and their need to set up

• The professional photographer may wish to take photos of your session (and may speak with you first or may take the photos candidly)

Room Monitors

• Room Monitors are FLA attendees who have volunteered to assist during your session; what help can you expect from them?

• Help connecting your laptop to the projector and/ or contact proper personnel for:

• Technical assistance

• Room issues

• Speaker questions

• Introducing you before your session.  Provide your Room Monitor with the following:

• Welcome greeting

• Name of presentation

• Name of presenter      

• Short presenter bio

• They will count your session attendance.

• They can provide timing updates for you to ensure a timely presentation.

Technology

• You are expected to set up your own laptop with help from the Room Monitor.  Learning how to adjust your settings for dual monitors is important.

• The projectors have HDMI and VGA connections.  Bring whichever cable your laptop uses to connect to the projector.

• Bring your own laser pointer if you need one.

• All breakout session rooms will have wireless internet, however, with such high traffic usage throughout the day, the connection could be weak.  For optimum results, it is advised to download your information before your session and save it to your laptop.

Handouts/Business Cards

• You are more than welcome to bring handouts/flyers/information for your session attendees.  Listed below is the capacity for each room to help you plan accordingly.

• Bring business cards so the audience can contact you to follow up or post a slide with your contact information (you may not be able to stay in the room long after the session and answer all questions if there is another session right after).

First-Time Presenter Tips

• Start off strong! Open with a compelling message.

• Preparation is key, be prepared and know your information.

• Include anecdotes to make your presentation more personal.

• Keep slide text to a minimum.

• Nervousness is normal! Remember, it doesn’t show as much as you feel it.

• Talk to your audience, not at them. Avoid reading directly off slides, and maintain eye contact.

• Rehearse, but no too much. You want to appear comfortable, but not scripted.

• Relax and don’t forget to smile! Let your personality come through.

• Avoid talking too fast, and don’t forget to breathe!

• Focus on having a conversation, not giving a speech.

• Leave the audience with what you want them to remember. The most important words are your last ones!

Source: https://www.extension.harvard.edu/professional-development/blog/10-tips-improving-your-public-speaking-skills

Room Style Diagrams

 Theater

Classroom

Rounds