The document provides 10 tips for improving conference talks. The tips include: 1) Bringing a laptop adapter to connect to projectors, 2) Starting with an engaging story rather than biography, 3) Sharing the URL for slides early on, 4) Turning your body toward the screen to not block the microphone, 5) Using caution with jokes if the audience wants facts, 6) Drinking water during natural breaks to not disturb the microphone, 7) Avoiding repetitive polling of the audience, 8) Using less text-heavy slides and providing time to read, 9) Signaling the end and allowing applause before questions, and 10) Focusing question and answer sessions.

1. 10Easy Ways
to Improve
Your Conference Talk
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2. I had the privilege of presenting a
workshop on analytics and UX at SXSW
Interactive 2016.!
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3. 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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4. I started really paying attention wondering,
“How can our favorite speakers be even
better the next time they present?”#
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5. Here are my 10 concrete tips that’ll help
you make your next speaking engagement
even more amazing!$
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6. 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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7. Start with a good story engaging us in what
you promised to teach. Beginning with your
biography can be dull.
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8. Show the URL to your slides in the first five
minutes. Otherwise we’ll furiously take notes
and fumble for our cameras.
3 @KENTABOR

9. 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

10. Don’t make jokes if your audience isn’t
interested in laughing. Sometimes we simply
want to learn facts from an expert.
5 @KENTABOR

11. Take care of your dry throat during a natural
pause advancing slides. Don’t crinkle the plastic
bottle because a lapel mic amplifies noise.
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12. Avoid asking us to “raise your hand if…”
repeatedly. It’s not as engaging as you think. It
becomes uninspiring sooner than you guess.
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13. 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.
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14. 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

15. Focus audience members during Q&A. They’re
excited, unprepared, and often ramble. Help
them frame their inquiry.
10 @KENTABOR

16. Good luck and have fun when you hit the
big stage. I know you’ll be fantastic!♥
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17. 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

18. 10 Easy Ways Conference Speakers
Can Improve Their Sessions (+6 Bonus)
ReadMorefromMe
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The Analytics of Handheld UX @SXSW
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Click`em!
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19. www.katworksgames.com
Myblog,slides,projects,andmore
@KenTabor
Tweetsoncode,UX,andleadership
speaking@katworksgames.com
Reachouttomewithanemail
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An entire history of tools exists stuck
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