Whether you're about to make your first conference presentation, or you're already a seasoned speaker, we've put together this case study to give you some tips on how to make your next presentation a success. Don't hesitate to share your experiences with us!
Take your audience into account
Who are they? What are they looking for? What do they already know? While it may be a good idea to redefine certain key notions to get your presentation off to a good start, there's no need to waste too much time contextualizing the obvious. There's no need, for example, to explain to a climatologist what's at stake in global warming.
Keep your slides simple and readable
A slide overloaded with text or visuals distracts your audience. Your slides should serve your purpose, not the other way around. "Form is content that rises to the surface" wrote Victor Hugo. So clear the decks. Avoid colorful backgrounds, original typography or even animations between slides. Instead, choose to illustrate them with a few simple, impactful visuals that will support your speech. We provide conference speakers with Powerpoint and Google Slide masks designed to enhance your content simply and effectively.
Watch your language!
Misused or overused, acronyms, anglicisms and jargon in general can be your presentation's worst enemy. Make sure you use them sparingly and, above all, make them explicit. It's true that the audience at scientific conferences is made up mainly of highly specialized professionals, but if you want to be heard, keep your language simple.
Address your audience
Reading your slides is often a reflex, but it should of course be avoided... and it'll be all the easier if you've followed our tip no. 2! Once again, your audience has chosen you over an article or a video. They've chosen to be there to hear you, and no doubt to talk to you too! So let's get talking. It's even possible that your presentation will be broadcast live on the Internet. Don't forget to take this remote audience into account/involve them in your questions and answers.
Keep to the time limit
The rules of the game and time are deliberately set out very precisely by the teams who program the congress. Most speakers play the game well, contributing to participants' comfort and positive perception of the content. Keeping to speaking times leaves time for discussion with participants and other speakers. To make sure you keep to the time limit, a word of advice: rehearse!
Don't play with fire
We have long experience of conventions, and can only advise you to remain ... let's say classic in your choice of software to prepare your support. If our convention preview teams are on hand to prepare for any eventuality... last-minute cold sweat can easily be avoided.
Articles inspired by Lucas Morin @lucasmorin_eolc
