Tips for First Time Conference Presenters
In October of last year, I had the privilege of leading my first presentation at the Missouri Library Association (MLA) Conference. It was a huge honor to pitch my idea and have other people decide that my presentation was worth having. In my presentation, I was absolutely overwhelmed by the amount of people and was nowhere near prepared for the questions and comments (both good and bad) that would come my way. Through the process, I learned a lot and in the end I came out a better librarian as a result. I want to share my experience with others so that other new presenters will have a positive experience as well. Here are some suggestions to set yourself up for success when preparing for a presentation:
- Nail the Idea Down: What is the most important takeaway from your presentation or poster session? Outline your main points, ensuring a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Consider this: If people walk away with only one idea from your presentation, then what do you want that idea to be?
- Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience’s needs helps you create a more focused, engaging, and memorable presentation. Tailor your content to their interests and knowledge—avoid overly technical jargon if they’re generalists, or provide deeper insights if they’re specialists.
- Consider a Co-Presenter: While I consider myself independent and capable, presenting alone in front of so many people was more daunting than I expected. In hindsight, having a co-presenter would have made the experience less overwhelming. A co-presenter can share the workload, offer different perspectives, and ease the pressure of being the sole speaker. Plus, it creates opportunities for dynamic discussions and audience engagement. Presenting with someone else can transform a nerve-wracking situation into a more collaborative and enjoyable experience.
- Slides: Keep visuals clean and focused—use minimal text and high-quality images to support key points. Avoid clutter or excessive animations. Stick to a consistent design with readable fonts and contrasting colors. Each slide should enhance your narrative, not distract from it.
- Use Notes Wisely: Having cue cards or notes can help you stay on track, but try to avoid reading directly from them to maintain a natural flow.
- Practice: Practice with your partner, your friends, your colleagues, in front of your mirror, on your drive home from work. Commit your presentation to memory.
- Q & A: Anticipate your audience’s concerns or questions, and tailor your presentation to address key issues. Think ahead about likely questions and prepare thoughtful, clear responses. Being ready for Q&A not only boosts your confidence but also shows your expertise and engagement with the topic.
- Day of: Finally, on the day of the presentation, stay calm, confident, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than perfection. It’s a learning experience—embrace it!
Tags: firstimepresenter, libraryconference, presentationtips
