# Becoming a speaker!
## Workshop by Upasna Hautam
[](https://youtu.be/trr_IorOXs4?t=743)

### Mindset
Reason:
1. Public speaking is a skill that can ONLY be learnt by practice.
2. Everyone has their own unique experience, which means *no one share the exact same knowledges*. There is always something one teach, and something one can learn.

Reason:
1. Easier to just think yourself teaching and sharing.
2. Audiences will capture your passion to share and feel more engaging.

### Steps to Choose a Topic
1. **Define the goal.**
Thank about stories in your daily life. (@17:59)
Some directions to start:

2. **Organize and visualize ideas.**
Make sure to writing / drawing these, not just thinking in the your head.
e.g. from the big center question to the sub circles.
3. Grade your ideas.
For each topic idea, rate yourself by those 4 factor.
And list them in the sheet. Pick the one with high **overall score and PASSION** score. i.e. don't do the ones you have no passion in.

### Steps to Find the Events for You

1. Define your audience.
2. Start small.
* Show your interest. Let your network know you're up to speak.
* Where you already belong is a good place to start. Your company / group / organization.
* Only reaching out when you're READY. i.e. When you have chose the topic and can make a good pitch.

Remember: Size doesn't matter as long as someone is listening.

### Crafting a Compelling Proposal
###### 📝 CFP == Call for Proposal. It's used to apply conference talks.
#### Template: Title + Abstract + Key Takeaways
1. Title:
* Short. (max 10 words)
* Avoid jokes/puns considering that you might have a global audience.
* Make title a question could provoke curiosity.
* [Kickass Headline Generator](https://sumo.com/kickass-headline-generator/)

2. Abstract:
* Summary the scope of your talk. Keep in 4-5 sentences.
* The problem to solve?
* Why it's important?
* What's the value for the auidences?
* This will have a high chance to be used in their agenda, so you're writing for your auidences. Let them know what value they can get.
* A **in-depth introduction to one thing** is better than shallow introduction to many things.

3. Key Takeaways:
* 3-5 bulleted list.
* Should be something they can immediately use.
* Inform the **Next Step** after they listen to your talk.
* Literally use:
*Session attendees will learn: [bulleted points]*
* **Make sure you deliver the values you wrote!!!**

#### Before & After submitting...
* Always proofread.
* Having trusted friends review your proposal.
* Ask for feedback when getting rejected.

### Q & A
* How much should be put on slides?
* Do not put everything on slides. Keep it concise.
* **Each slide should be strong enough to stand out in its own.** Audiences should not need the context from the previous or next to get the idea.
* The rhythm of the talk?
* Go slow. Take as many as pauses if you feel it's needed.
* Record yourself and you will know.
* What do I do when my brain goes blank during a talk?
* Understand why it's happening?
* The content or the sequence might not be nature for you.
* If no one notices it, don't bother it.

---

## Brooke Jamieson @ NDC Sydney 2021
[](https://youtu.be/u5ub-KP_2N4?t=423)

### Getting Ready
#### Understand Your Diagram
* What does the diagram do?
* Knowing your traits.
* Help you understand what kind of conferences you could speak at.
* The traits you have will allow you to speak on different type of conferences for the same topic. (with slightly update of the context, but the key concept should be the same.)

#### Be Strategic about Your Brand
* What you say repersents your brand.
* Mind your words. Be respectful for your current company, but also don't say things you might regret when you change your jobs.

#### Be On Time. Friendly. Genuine.
People care and love about these more than how GOOD your are. Think about these when you freaking out about your personal speaking / technical skills.

#### Getting paid?
* You might be doing talks for free, but these exprience could lead you to higher salary.
* If the $$ is relative small, consider donate it. It's easier (no tax, paperwork etc) and can build your brand.

### Where to Talk?
#### Start Samll
* Speak on meetups, free events.
* Upload videos on internet. Prove you can speak.

#### Topic of the Tools / Platforms You Use
* Contact them and ask if they'd need a speaker or could provide support.
* It's very likely they'd love to have community memeber to speak at their event, and show people how to make product with their tools / platforms.

### Application Tips
#### CFP Formula
1. Opener with Story:
Shows this is personal to you. *You are the only person who can do the talk.*
2. What the talk actually is?
3. Who should come and what they will get?
* Help organizer to value if you're a good fit and how to promote you.
* Help attendees know what to expect.
* Think of a friend that might find the talk useful and write down why.
4. Addtional benefits?

**⭐️ You don't have to be fully prepared of your talk when submitting CFP.**

#### Speaker Bio
* Find a friend who wants to be a speaker too. Write bio for each other.
* **Tagline + Actual Bio + Get to Know me.**
* Tagline: Something that can get anyone know you immediately. Help organizer to promote you on social media.
* Actual Bio: Short bio that's related to your topic.
* Get to know me: The "human" part of you.
* Let the organizer know how to use your bio, so you don't end up with uncomfortable description somewhere.
i.e: Tagline could be use on social. Use the "Actual bio" when you need a short indroduction.

#### Have a Good Headshot
The picture will be shared online and might be up for a very long time. Make sure it's a proper picture of how you want to be seen.

### Addtional Tips

#### Promote Your Company
Having your company name on your promote image / description will help you gain better relationship with your company.

#### Accessibility of Slides
* Color accessibility.
* Make sure the slides are readable when lights on.
* Try your colors on the [WebAIM](https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/).

#### Data Visualization
[DatavizProject](https://datavizproject.com/) - use the filter on top menu to find charts.

#### Text <> Speech

* Use speech to text tools so you don't have to write from scratch.
* Use text to speech tools, listen to what you write and improve it.