Speaker Resources

The IAPP has provided the following tips to help you prepare your presentation and make the most of your speaking opportunity.

10 ways to make your session more advanced

10 ways to engage your audience

10 ways to create a strong presentation using PowerPoint

10 ways to be a stronger presenter

 

10 ways to make your session more advanced

  1. Present clearly defined objectives.
  2. Avoid long introductions, it takes away time from 'going deep'.
  3. Coordinate your presentation with your fellow panelists in advance so as to avoid overlapping material.
  4. Know your audience. For example, ask questions at the beginning of your session to gauge how advanced your audience is and then bring them into the discussion. 
  5. Avoid presenting information that is too basic. Provide insight, analysis and solutions instead of stating obvious problems.
  6. Get into technical, specific details and work through the issues (avoid issue spotting, for example, with the application of legal developments.
  7. Use case studies to illustrate your points.
  8. Incorporate lessons learned and problem-solving in real-world situations.
  9. Provide handouts that are action-oriented.
  10. Make it practical, practical, practical!

 

10 ways to engage your audience

  1. Relate to a recent event.
  2. Describe a scenario, tell a story or share a personal experience.
  3. Offer a humorous anecdote, use a prop or tell a relevant joke.
  4. State a fact that is troubling, amusing or remarkable.
  5. Explain your own interest in the topic.
  6. Tell listeners why the topic is relevant to them and/or their job.
  7. Piggyback on a previous speaker's remarks or theme.
  8. Show a compelling visual image.
  9. Ask provocative questions.
  10. Change the tone of your program by doing a Q&A midway through your presentation.

 

10 ways to create a strong presentation using PowerPoint

  1. Make use of "PowerPoint Wizard" to guide you through creating a presentation.
  2. Focus on content and not PowerPoint "glam."
  3. Limit points on a slide to three to six.
  4. Don't overuse effects or overcrowd slides.
  5. Stick with the same backgrounds, styles and transition effects.
  6. Use a large font.
  7. Use an easy to read font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman).
  8. Never forget a conclusion slide (three to five points) leaving a strong impression of your presentation.
  9. Practice: The more comfortable you are with PowerPoint, the more comfortable you will be when presenting.
  10. Own your presentation.

 

10 ways to be a stronger presenter

  1. Believe in your message.
  2. Tell it, don't read it.
  3. Let the audience know where you are going: Offer an outline at the beginning of the session to set expectations of how the session will flow.
  4. Beware of the PowerPoint trap: It's a wonderful tool, but it should be used to support, not replace, you.
  5. Come out from behind the podium.
  6. Walk through the aisles.
  7. Talk loudly.
  8. Enunciate your words.
  9. If sitting is more comfortable, sit TALL so that everyone can see you.
  10. Make sure to allow time for Q&A. Repeat questions aloud so all audience members can hear.