Tips for Speaking at the SHARE User Events/USERblue

Review: Review the session abstract and SHARE User Events brochure before you plan your presentation.

Know the Room: Familiarize yourself with the room in which you will speak. Verify that the correct A/V equipment is in the room and practice using it.

Know your Material: Practice your speech and revise as necessary. Being familiar with your material will help prevent and/or decrease nervousness.

Relax: Ease the tension - take a quick moment to breath deeply, or take a sip of water.

No Pitching: Attendees are paying to get your perspective. Do not cheat them by reciting a commercial.

Tell the Whole Story: Attendees want to know the ups and downs, problems, and solutions.

Keep your Energy Level High: Move, shout, ask questions of the audience! Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.

Do Not Assume Knowledge: Back up everything that you say. If you use an acronym, follow it up with a description. If you mention a person, give title and affiliation.

Dress Comfortably: Business casual is the standard at the SHARE User Events.

Provide Contact Information: Give the participants a way to contact you. Provide an email address, a web URL, or a stack of business cards. Many speakers include this information in the first, or last, slide of their presentation.

Review Feedback: Review the feedback from your session(s). The Chairperson will have the results of the session evaluation forms after your presentation. Be sure to follow up with the Chair about the results. This information can be helpful for future speaking engagements.

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