How To Talk Really, Really Good

How To Talk Really, Really Good (and how to get the chance to)

I don’t know anything that anyone will find interesting

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln Nothing is easy until you know it ● It’s easy to dismiss the things you’ve learnt as easy ● What do you get excited about? ● What lessons did you learn? ● What can be learnt from your experience?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln But you could also learn something new… ● Some people find fear a great motivator ● But remember: You must be prepared enough for questions. Learning content takes time.

But why would anyone care what I have to say?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Who are you ● What’s your experience in this area? Bio ● Something fun

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln Jessica is a software developer, international speaker & avid learner. Topics that they are interested in include community building, monitoring and continuous improvement of systems. Bio (Tech talk) They have been involved and lead a number of projects relating to continuous improvement, diagnostics and metrics including introducing standards across teams. Before switching to technology, they spent a previous life as a neuroscientist. They are easily bribed with coffee & loves hearing about other people’s experiences.

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln Jessica is a software developer, international speaker & avid learner. Bio (WiT talk) They founded and organised Women In Tech Nottingham from 2015 to 2017, a meetup that continues today with over 40 regular members. Currently, they are a Director and Co-Founder of DDD East Midlands, a technology conference which will take place in 2019. Before switching to technology, they spent a previous life as a neuroscientist. They are easily bribed with coffee & loves hearing about other people’s experiences.

How do I write the description of the talk

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Purpose ● Grammar Be Clear ● Plain English

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● How is the talk useful? Why will people care? ● Who is it useful to?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln How is it different? ● What makes this different from the other talks?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln What value do you add? ● Will your audience take anything from this talk? ● Can it be applied or is it just entertainment?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Hook & what problem are you solving solving. The Proposal ● Briefly, what does the talk include? ● Who is it useful for & last hook.

But what about writing and doing the talk?!

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln Secret Tip ● Don’t worry about writing the talk until it’s accepted

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln Mentorship

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln Workshop

I’ve submitted! What’s next?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Write out what you want to cover Clear points ● Can you clearly talk about all the material in the time you have? ● Do you need more depth in any areas?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Organise your thoughts Thinking about flow ● Story telling technique ● Do all your points make sense and fit?

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Capitalisation & dyslexia ● Not too much text ● Colour Blindness Accessibility ● Language

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Rehearse the full thing Rehearse ● Rehearse the bits you falter on individually ● Cut back on your notes ● Timing and pacing tricks ● Do what’s right for you.

But why put in the effort?

Little acts of rebellion lead to greatness

@dddeastmidlands @digitallincoln ● Asking a question at an event ● Asking the first question at an event Building it up ● Attending events ● Volunteering ● Talk at a meetup ● Talk at a conference

Little things have lead to a lot.

Make friends

Challenge yourself & learn

Make your CV shine