Introduction
Conferences are popular events in the IT sphere. It is reasonable to admit that IT is a rapidly growing industry, which attracts young professionals. Some speakers under the age of 30 have built a solid foundation of knowledge and case studies in solving complex issues. In turn, specialists actively participate in lectures, meetups, and workshops to exchange their experiences, where public speaking skills hold the same significance as professional expertise.
Why Public Speaking Matters at IT Conferences
Whether local or global event, experts deliver their speeches to build their credibility, and memorable performances are equally important as introduced solutions or ideas. Web Summit is a prime example of how a prestigious conference can become a life-changing opportunity for any professional. This event gathers tens of thousands of participants and hundreds of speakers, including the CEOs of companies Apple, Amazon, Google, Tesla, Samsung, Meta, Adobe, and Visa. While it can be an honor to participate in such a conference, getting prepared for public speaking becomes an essential part of the journey.
4 Steps For Improving Your Public Speaking Skills
Mastering public speaking skills is a process of consistent practice, and professionals should learn how to deliver technical knowledge in an engaging and creative way. If the date of your speech at a summit or another IT conference is approaching, here are the key stages that will help you prepare thoroughly. Each step also contains valuable public speaking tips that will boost your confidence and make your presentation impactful.
Step 1: Outline the Topic and Draft Your Presentation
- A good speaker should have a deep understanding of both the topic and the audience. Among professional public speaking tips, audience analysis plays a crucial role in overall success. A skilled speaker must assess the audience and adapt their communication style accordingly.
- Draft your thesis in addition to the speech outline. Mind the word count and time, leaving a window for Q&A.
- Prepare the discussion section along with relevant case studies related to your chosen topic. Another way to strengthen your public speaking skills is to integrate data to support your main arguments organically. Avoid excessive use of code, charts, or tables throughout the presentation, especially at the beginning.
- Do not underestimate the importance of visual design. Your presentation must showcase the topic’s highlights rather than duplicating a report. It is possible to insert illustrations, quotes, and charts while using no more than three colors and fonts per slide to avoid visual clutter.
- Follow the rule of 7-8 slides for a 20-minute presentation. This limitation will make your performance coherent and engaging.
Step 2: Rehearse and Practice
Fear of public speaking is a common challenge faced by both beginners and even experienced speakers. Therefore, rehearsals play a crucial role in the preparation process to ensure the effective delivery of your ideas. It is highly recommended to spend over 50% of your time practicing. In addition to these public speaking tips, you should also record your speech and monitor the total time spent on your presentation.
Step 3: Arrive at the Conference Early
- This step is essential for completing your final preparations before the public performance. Specifically, sound checks and running your presentation on the projector are mandatory to avoid technical problems. It is also a good idea to learn the venue to make yourself feel comfortable, which will allow you to overcome the fear of public speaking.
- Networking is an essential part of any tech gathering. You will have the opportunity to get to know other speakers and guests of the event.
- During the event, use a watch to keep track of time. Additionally, you should listen to other speakers and make notes as you can refer to these quotes during your performance.
Step 4: Deliver Your Speech
- Manage your stress as nervousness will negatively impact the tone of your voice and topic delivery. For example, learning breathing techniques will help you to reduce anxiety.
- IT conferences have a welcoming atmosphere. You can make a few jokes if you forget what you intended to say. If someone points out a mistake, politely thank them for their attention to your presentation.
- It is crucial to grab the audience’s attention by making pauses or making relevant quotes. Moreover, do not forget to make a brief introduction to personal backgrounds after greeting your colleagues.
- You should enjoy the process. Public speaking is about building genuine relationships with your audience, and it is crucial to act naturally and appreciate the chance to share your ideas.
Additional Public Speaking Tips for a Successful Presentation
It becomes evident that such events as the Web Summit require more thorough preparation. In turn, your presentation will require careful planning and analysis of the main topics. Public speaking is an art and hard work, and orators should deliver their presentations for different audiences regularly. If you are going to hold a presentation at a local conference, do not postpone the preparation process. Take advantage of every opportunity to write your speech and present it to any group of people.
