Speaker Resource Center

Congratulations on finally taking the big step to share your knowledge and expertise with the world!  Well, maybe not the world…or just not yet anyway. We’re just excited you stopped by to visit us.

We’ve pulled a few resources together to help you prepare for your next speaking engagement. We want to make sure we’re doing everything possible to make your next event a success! 

Feedback

We always want to know what you’re thinking and if this page is helpful to you. So, if you care to share your thoughts, please give it to us straight…we promise we can handle it. Shoot us a message via education@associationforum.org and we will be happy to listen to you sing our praises! 

P.S. Feel free to share any additional resources you’ve found helpful and we can add them!

What’s In & What’s Out?

We would hate for you to prepare a presentation surrounding a topic that no one is interested in. That would be pure devastation! To avoid such a tragedy, click here to view the latest trends! 

Don’t Bore Your Audience…Present Strong!

Every speaker wants their audience to have a memorable experience. This comes with passion, experience and a successful presentation. Before you break out your first slide (riddled with bullets) please remember to:

Tips & Tricks

  1. Bring a backup copy
  2. Include your session title on your first slide
  3. Allow for Q&A throughout your presentation
  4. Embed graphics vs. text (attendees came to hear your ideas, not to listen as you read slides verbatim)
  5. Keep your notes to yourself…avoid bullets! This will keep your audience from reading ahead and losing interest.
  6. K.I.S.S. your slides (Keep It Short & Simple) Enough said!
  7. Limit the amount of information on a single slide
  8. Use a large font
  9. Avoid red letters as they can be difficult to read
  10. Do not use more than four colors
  11. List your contact information on your last slide

Time Guidelines

  • 45 min presentation = 15 slides max
  • 60 min presentation = 20 slides max
  • 75 min presentation = 25 slides max
  • 90 min presentation = 30 slides max

Additional Resources

Articles

  1. Four Quick Tips to Make Presenting Simple
  2. Elements of An Effective Speech
  3. Podium Reminders
  4. Fix Your Presentations: 21 Quick Tips
  5. Presentation Delivery
  6. Effective Presentation Design

Videos

  1. Improve Your Communication Skills
  2. Effective Communication Training

FORUM Articles

  1. 7 Ways to Hone Your Presentation Skills
  2. Six Steps to Delivering a Great Presentation