Getting active at a Conference. A key step on the journey to conference speaking.
In his most recent article, “10 steps to Conference Speaking” AAE Trainer and Coach John Scarrott highlighted “Be active at a Conference” as a key point on the journey. Here, he explains why it is important and how to go about it.
Speaking at a conference is something you can build up to in small steps. A useful step on your journey is to go to a conference and be active. The being active part might be different to how you have attended an event before, and this difference is the key to unlocking your growth at this point on the journey.
Being active at a conference is:
- More than just attending
- Less than actually speaking
- You’ll feel nicely stretched, and
- See yourself more clearly as a future speaker
There are three phases of activity:
- Warm up
- Stretch
- Reflect
Here’s what to do in each phase:
Warm Up
- Get there for the start: get a feel for the event (eg check out the stage set-up)
- Grab a coffee: say hello to someone in the queue
- Join a table at the front: position yourself for involvement
- Get involved: ask a question and contribute to a table discussion
Stretch
- Thank the Speaker personally: go up to the stage afterwards, grab a selfie!
- Ask them a question: smile, say thank you and offer your question, observation, or thought
- Speak to a stranger at coffee: make a new connection
- Say something about the talk, and ask them what they made of it
- Meet the organiser: find and say hello to someone from the event team
- Ask about speaking: “How would I best approach you to be considered as a Speaker?”
Reflect
- Stay until the end: often, when something interesting happens
- Reflect on the event: content the formats, and styles
- Notice logistics: where were the speakers before they were welcomed to the stage?
- Recall the Q& A: how was this organised? How did Speakers handle questions?
- Reflect on Speaker content: case studies, educative, visionary, personal stories or a mix?
- Complete feedback survey: send constructive thoughts to the organiser
- Summarise the event: write a short summary piece for your internal newsletter
- Share internally and on socials: post to your social channel of choice (with selfie!)
- Repeat this cycle at different events. You’ll find your voice, learn from seasoned speakers,
- meet some new people who could be helpful in the future, and begin to feel that you belong
- as a speaker.
Thanks for reading, and happy conference speaking!
About the Trainer
John Scarrott, a former membership director, and an ICF Credentialed Coach, combines his knowledge of associations, speaking and chairing experience and 10 years training and coaching.
John Scarrott is an AAE training and coaching partner. He has been working with AAE members since 2014. Prior to focusing on training and coaching John spent seven years as a Membership Director. He has spoken in the UK, Europe, Australia and India.
John has trained Speakers, Facilitators and Chairs for associations including, among others, the AAE, World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, the Association of the European Self-Care Industry, British Veterinary Nursing Association, Institute of Physicsand the British Parking Association.
