3 ms·

I've spoken at a few conferences over several years. I feel (and the feedback seems to reflect) that I've had some good talks and some that maybe weren't so go

I've spoken at a few conferences over several years. I feel (and the feedback seems to reflect) that I've had some good talks and some that maybe weren't so good. IMHO, perhaps the most important thing is to know your subject inside and out, upside and down. Given that, you can speak freely and ad-lib colorful comments to fill time if needed. You are also a much better Q&A responder. The soft skills count for a lot, too. But I think super-deep knowledge is a must-have.

musiccog 7y ago
Deep knowledge is important but I think I can add a few more thoughts: - DON'T 'make-stuff-up' If you get a tricky question about something you don't know, just say you don't know - you will screw up and get caught out when you get it wrong. No one knows everything. - DO only speak on subjects that you have a passion about I believe that this is very important, and the difference between a good talk, a bad talk, and a transforming talk.