Skip to main content
Manager Tools

How To Present At A Conference - A Checklist - Part 1

Read time

2 min

AI-Generated Summary

Key Takeaways

  • Topic Mastery: Only present topics you already master completely - never accept speaking requests requiring you to learn new material or guess audience needs beforehand.
  • Rehearsal Standards: Memorize exact transition sentences between slides, your opening line, and closing statement - if you need written notes or a podium, you are not prepared.
  • Professional Communication: Respond to organizer requests within 24 hours, proactively send bio and headshot immediately after accepting, and maintain contact throughout the event planning process.
  • Microphone Strategy: Request lavalier microphones over podium-mounted ones to enable movement and gesturing - practice with handheld mics using your phone if lavs are unavailable.

What It Covers

Manager Tools provides a 17-item checklist for conference presentations, covering topic mastery, rehearsal requirements, professional communication, equipment considerations, and avoiding common rookie mistakes that damage speaking careers.

Key Questions Answered

  • Topic Mastery: Only present topics you already master completely - never accept speaking requests requiring you to learn new material or guess audience needs beforehand.
  • Rehearsal Standards: Memorize exact transition sentences between slides, your opening line, and closing statement - if you need written notes or a podium, you are not prepared.
  • Professional Communication: Respond to organizer requests within 24 hours, proactively send bio and headshot immediately after accepting, and maintain contact throughout the event planning process.
  • Microphone Strategy: Request lavalier microphones over podium-mounted ones to enable movement and gesturing - practice with handheld mics using your phone if lavs are unavailable.

Notable Moment

Mark describes presenting during an earthquake in New Jersey when the entire audience suddenly disconnected, forcing an evacuation and continuation of his presentation under a parking lot tree.

Know someone who'd find this useful?

Get Manager Tools summarized like this every Monday — plus up to 2 more podcasts, free.

Pick Your Podcasts — Free

Keep Reading

More from Manager Tools

We summarize every new episode. Want them in your inbox?

Similar Episodes

Related episodes from other podcasts

You're clearly into Manager Tools.

Every Monday, we deliver AI summaries of the latest episodes from Manager Tools and 192+ other podcasts. Free for up to 3 shows.

Start My Monday Digest

No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime