Training speakers to be confident and prepared is a crucial part of conference organization. You want your speakers to deliver engaging and informative presentations that showcase their expertise and connect with the audience. Here are some tips on how to help your speakers achieve this goal.
Before you assign speakers to specific sessions or topics, you should assess their needs and preferences. Some speakers may have more experience and confidence than others, while some may need more guidance and support. You can use surveys, interviews, or feedback forms to gather information about their strengths, weaknesses, areas of interest, and expectations. This will help you tailor your training program and match speakers with suitable mentors, coaches, or peers.
One of the best ways to prepare speakers is to provide them with clear guidelines and expectations. You should communicate the purpose, theme, and goals of the conference, as well as the format, duration, and audience of each session. You should also provide them with templates, examples, and tips on how to structure, design, and deliver their presentations. You should also explain the evaluation criteria, the feedback process, and the technical requirements for their slides, videos, or audio.
Another important aspect of training speakers is to offer them opportunities to practice and improve their skills. You can organize workshops, webinars, or online courses on topics such as public speaking, storytelling, slide design, or audience engagement. You can also arrange rehearsals, mock sessions, or peer reviews where speakers can present their drafts, receive feedback, and make adjustments. You should also encourage speakers to seek feedback from their mentors, coaches, or peers throughout the preparation process.
Training speakers is not only about improving their content and delivery, but also about supporting their well-being and confidence. You should acknowledge their efforts, achievements, and challenges, and provide them with positive and constructive feedback. You should also help them cope with stress, anxiety, or nervousness by sharing tips, resources, or strategies on how to relax, focus, and enjoy their presentations. You should also create a supportive and collaborative environment where speakers can network, learn, and have fun with each other.
Finally, you should prepare speakers for any contingencies or unexpected situations that may arise during the conference. You should inform them of the backup plans, emergency contacts, and technical support available in case of any issues with the venue, equipment, or schedule. You should also advise them on how to handle questions, comments, or feedback from the audience, as well as how to deal with interruptions, distractions, or conflicts. You should also remind them of the benefits and opportunities of speaking at the conference, and motivate them to do their best.