How do speaker notes help you deliver a confident and engaging presentation?

1 Benefits of speaker notes

Speaker notes can help you in several ways when you are presenting at a conference. First, they can reduce your anxiety and boost your confidence by giving you a backup plan in case you forget something or get stuck. Second, they can help you structure your presentation and maintain a logical flow by outlining your key messages and transitions. Third, they can enhance your credibility and persuasiveness by providing you with relevant data, examples, and stories that illustrate your points and connect with your audience.

2 Challenges of speaker notes

Speaker notes are not a magic bullet that can solve all your presentation problems. They also have some drawbacks and challenges that you need to overcome. One of the main challenges is to avoid relying too much on your notes and losing eye contact and rapport with your audience. Another challenge is to balance the amount and format of your notes and make sure they are easy to read and access without distracting you or your audience. A third challenge is to adapt your notes to different situations and scenarios, such as different venues, time limits, or audience feedback.

3 How to create speaker notes

Creating speaker notes is not a one-size-fits-all process. You need to tailor your notes to your own style, preferences, and goals. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you create effective speaker notes. One guideline is to use bullet points or keywords instead of full sentences or paragraphs. This will help you avoid reading from your notes and sounding scripted or monotone. Another guideline is to use visual cues or symbols, such as colors, fonts, or icons, to highlight important information or actions, such as questions, statistics, or pauses. A third guideline is to review and rehearse your notes before your presentation and make any necessary adjustments or corrections.

4 How to access speaker notes

Accessing speaker notes during your presentation can be tricky. You need to find a way to access your notes without losing your focus or attention. There are different options and tools that you can use to access your speaker notes, depending on your preferences and resources. One option is to use printed notes on paper or cards that you can hold in your hand or place on a lectern or table. This option gives you more control and flexibility, but it also requires more preparation and organization. Another option is to use digital notes on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone that you can place near you or connect to a projector or screen. This option gives you more convenience and functionality, but it also requires more technical skills and equipment.

5 How to use speaker notes

Using speaker notes during your presentation requires some skills and practice. You need to use your notes as a guide and a support, not as a script or a crutch. Here are some tips on how to use your speaker notes effectively. One tip is to glance at your notes briefly and discreetly, without breaking your eye contact or flow. Another tip is to use natural gestures and movements to access your notes, such as turning a page or tapping a screen. A third tip is to be flexible and adaptable to your notes, and be ready to improvise or skip some parts if needed.

6 How to improve speaker notes

Speaker notes are not static or fixed. They are dynamic and evolving. You can always improve your speaker notes by reviewing and refining them based on your feedback and experience. Here are some ways to improve your speaker notes. One way is to solicit and incorporate feedback from others, such as peers, mentors, or coaches, who can give you constructive and honest suggestions. Another way is to record and watch yourself presenting with your notes, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. A third way is to experiment and test different types of notes, formats, and tools, and find what works best for you.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?