Speakers

Guidelines for Conference Speakers

Click here for a PDF file of the guidelines.

Be clear about the aim of your presentation. Think about
- Who your audience is - make the level of your presentation appropriate to this
- What your key messages are - no more than 3 in a 20 minute presentation
- How you want to deliver your messages - PowerPoint, OHP, video etc
- The questions you may be asked and think about answers
If possible design your presentation to encourage audience participation
Practice your presentation to ensure your
- Timing is correct and
- Delivery is dynamic - remember that the podium is not your friend - use movement in your presentation and speak to your audience, not to your notes

Arrive early for your presentation, check your room (size, seating and layout), your AV requirements, who is there to help you and where they are based
Start and finish your presentation on time (there is no fat in the timetable)
- Allow 1–2 minutes at the beginning for participants to settle into the room
- Provide a break or some movement if presenting for more than 40 minutes
- Leave time for questions (10 min for ½ hr sessions, 15 min in 1 hr sessions)
Unless required for the presentation, leave all handouts until the end of your session.
Be aware that a conference photographer may enter during your session and that your session may be recorded.

You must provide the following no later than Friday 2 September:

A complete typed version of your presentation - this will be uploaded onto the conference website within a week following the conference.
If you intend using PowerPoint for your presentation we would be grateful if you would email this to Lizzie at lizzie@conference.co.nz no later than Friday 2 September so that we can load it on to the main conference laptop in preparation for your session at conference. Should you need to make any changes to your presentation once you have arrived at the conference there will be facilities available which will enable you to do this.
Data projection, lapel microphones, lectern microphones and laser pointers will be provided and OHP projectors will be available should you prefer to present in this manner. If you have any additional requirements such as whiteboard, flip chart etc. or any room layout requirements please email these to Lizzie at lizzie@conference.co.nz no later than Monday 1 August.
A full electronic and/or printed copy of any handouts you intend to give to participants should be brought with you to the conference. These should be in photocopy format.

Bring back up presentation material as appropriate to your presentation to the conference

Keep font size between 20-28 for general text and 22-32 for headings
No more than 4-5 short bullet points per slide
PowerPoint slides are memory aids and should not be text-intensive
Use the notes tool to develop each bullet point for your reference
In case of technology failure bring backups
- Your presentation cut to CD in PowerPoint and PDF
- Your presentation on an alternative medium (e.g. OHP)
Use images or cartoons to add interest and get your key messages across