On episode 286 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I delve into the exciting feat of becoming a conference presenter. This episode is particularly special because it’s a topic that I have been asked about before but never had the chance to discuss. In this blog post, I will go over a few steps you can follow as a detailed guide on how to become a successful conference presenter.
In the podcast, I break down the process into five manageable steps, and share my own personal experiences from my years of experience presenting at both in-person and virtual conferences. I discuss the importance of proper organization, how to choose a compelling topic, tips for creating engaging slide decks, and how to navigate virtual and in-person presentations. Keep reading to learn more about these steps in detail and gain practical tips to help you successfully embark on your journey to becoming a conference presenter.
Finding and Organizing Conferences
Begin with identifying suitable conferences for your expertise. The aim is to find conferences that align with your knowledge and interests. One effective way to organize this information is by using a Google Doc. In this document, list down all the potential conferences, their submission due dates, and the actual dates of the conferences.
It’s also vital to categorize these conferences based on whether they are in-person or virtual. Additionally, sorting them by month can make tracking easier and more efficient. This strategy ensures that you stay organized and never miss a deadline.
Identifying Topics and Submitting Proposals
Once you have a list of potential conferences, you need to decide on the topics you want to present. Reflect on your areas of expertise, your interests, the audience, and consider how you can present this information in a way that is both unique and engaging. Once you have a topic or topics in mind, the next step is to submit a proposal to the conference organizers.
If it’s something that you have time to do, here’s a pro tip: it’s perfectly okay to submit multiple proposals to the same conference. This increases your chances of acceptance and allows you to explore different areas of your expertise.
Preparing Your Presentation
After your proposal has been accepted, the real work begins – preparing your presentation. Start by outlining your main points. This step helps to structure your presentation and ensure a logical flow of ideas.
After outlining, convert these points into a slide deck. This visual aid can significantly enhance your presentation by making it more engaging and easier to follow.
During preparation, it’s also crucial to consider the timeframe for your presentation. Practicing your presentation beforehand can help you ensure that it fits within the allotted time and leaves some room for questions and answers at the end.
Ensuring Technical Preparedness
Whether you are presenting virtually or in person, it’s crucial to ensure your technical setup is in order.
For virtual presentations, this includes checking your microphone and headphones to ensure your audience can hear you clearly. You might also want to consider using two screens – one for your presentation and one for your notes. This can help you stay organized and on track during your presentation.
For in-person presentations, you might need to bring a USB drive with your presentation or send the slides to the conference organizers in advance. This ensures you’re ready to present when it’s your turn.
Presenting with Confidence and Enjoyment
The final step is all about the actual presentation – entering the stage or platform with confidence and having fun while at it!
Remember, you are presenting on a topic you are passionate about, so let your enthusiasm show. Being prepared and having practiced your presentation will significantly boost your confidence levels. And don’t forget, everyone in your session is there to learn and have a good time, so make sure you do too!
The more comfortable and engaged you are, the more your audience will resonate with your presentation, leading to a successful conference presentation.
Have you been a conference presenter? What advice do you have for others around this? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
