Use this tip sheet to help you prepare for a speaking engagement, including what to ask, how to get organized, and how to confidently share your story.
Jump To:
- Find out the event logistics
- Ensure you have a direct point person to contact
- Get details about the audience
- Have your headshot and bio ready
- Practice! Practice! Practice!
Event Logistics
- Name of the event or conference. Gather all registration information and make sure to schedule your calendar accordingly
- Topic or goal of the overall conference. What are the other main session topics? What community does this event serve?
- Date/time for your specific session. Note any preparation meetings the event coordinators have asked you to attend. They may have a deadline in which you have to send them slides.
- Is this a panel discussion or a solo presentation? Will there be a moderator? If this is a panel, can the event coordinators send you questions beforehand?
- What is your topic? Are you being asked to present on something specific or is it up to you to come up with a topic?
Point of Contact
Who’s who?
- It’s important to have one person to coordinate with.
- Make sure to get that person’s email and phone number, if possible.
- In the case that something comes up last minute, you need to be able to get a hold of someone: you’re running late, having tech issues, or having problems accessing the link or finding the location.
Audience
Who are you speaking to?
- Is there a specific disease group or demographic you are speaking to?
- How many people are they expecting to have in the audience?
- The tone and way you communicate your presentation may change depending on your target audience. Presenting to a group of your peers will be different than speaking in front of a company, for example.
Bio & Headshot
How to present your best self
- Event planners will typically ask for a short biography and headshot when you are confirming the speaking engagement. This is usually included in their event program or event website- and sometimes on social media promotion.
- Bios are usually 3-4 sentences long and highlight your achievements that are relevant to the conference.
- Headshots are typically photos of the shoulders and up and have a professional look & feel to them. The dress code is usually ‘business casual’. Avoid using selfies, prom photos, or pictures that include other people.
Preparation
Practice! Practice! Practice!
- The event coordinator may have a slide template they ask you to use. You can also use the RARE Young Adults slide template or create your own. Either way, it’s good to ask beforehand if the event planner has a set style or topic they absolutely want you to mention.
- When booking yourself on a speaking engagement, prepare your slides in advance so you can practice presenting them to yourself. You can practice either in the mirror or in front of others.
- We recommend timing yourself and ensuring that your presentation can be spoken at a good pace and doesn’t go over the time allocated to your session. Remember to leave time for Q&A.
- We are here if you need additional practice time and feedback.
Reminders
- You got this
- You have support
- Your voice matters
