5 Types of Conference Speaking Opportunities and the Value of Each

When you apply to speak at a conference, you can choose how to present your material. These are the two most common ways to give a presentation at conferences these days: 5 Types of Conference Speaking

In a solo presentation, one person is in charge of everything that happens during the presentation.
There are several people on a panel who either answer questions from the audience or give short introductory talks on the topic, and then there is a Q&A session.

I just got back from Affiliate Summit, where I’ve been able to try out each of the roles described below over the years. I’ve decided to look back and think about what I’ve learned from being in each of these different roles:

1. Solo Presenter on 5 Types of Conference Speaking

This is, by far, the most challenging of all speaking opportunities. Do not overestimate yourself here. Prepare your presentation well in advance – to allow yourself plenty of time to practise. Some of the best solo presentations I have delivered were practised twenty or more times before I stepped onto that stage.

To prepare a quality solo presentation, you must mobilise all of your research skills, imagination, discipline, and fearlessness. If you find yourself lacking in any of these areas, consider starting with panel participation or co-presenting instead. Develop these qualities in yourself before offering to speak in any capacity if you lack any two of them.

2. Co-Presenter on 5 Types of Conference Speaking

When a conference has more than one worthy expert apply to speak on the same topic, in reply to your speaking proposal, you may be asked to co-present with somebody. Over the past six years, I have done this once and really enjoyed it. You get to plan together (who covers what), yet remain very flexible in how you deliver your content, allowing for a dynamic presentation that can engage the audience more effectively.

Additionally, co-presenting often presents a subtle yet significant challenge of determining who will take the lead. Turn it into an opportunity.

3. Panelist on 5 Types of Conference Speaking

The best panels that I have listened to (and participated in) gave every panellist a chance to make their points, and only after that went into the Q&A time. And it is the collaborative effort (in putting the content together and making the final product coherent and digestible) that I find most useful in participating on panels.

It teaches you such important skills as listening, thinking, flexibility, and teamwork.

4. Panel Moderator on 5 Types of Conference Speaking

I have seen moderators that introduce the panellists and then almost immediately remove themselves from it, jumping in (with questions) only when the audience does not participate (i.e., no questions are being asked) and the panel is at risk of failing. As anything passive, I believe this approach to be detrimental to the actual quality of the final product.

As a moderator, you want to contribute both your leadership skills and your expertise in the field. Please allow your panellists ample opportunity to engage (ensuring that no single participant dominates), while also ensuring your own participation.

5. Expert/Roundtable Discussion Leader on 5 Types of Conference Speaking

This type of breakout session can be tremendously effective but requires significantly more patience than any one of the above-mentioned speaker roles. Ask-the-expert types of discussions are, generally, much livelier than stage presentations or panels.

As a speaker, you want to combine the above-mentioned panel moderator skills with active listening and keeping your audience engaged at all times. Don’t just come to these without any questions, examples or case studies of your own. Lead the discussion in a way that is beneficial to all listeners/participants by encouraging questions, facilitating dialogue, and incorporating relevant examples that resonate with the audience’s experiences.

In conclusion, the benefits of presenting at a conference are always tremendous, regardless of your capacity. Whether you have an hour all for yourself or have to share the time and stage with other co-speakers, it is always worth participating. 5 Types of Conference Speaking

Keep in mind, too, that this advice comes from a speaker who strongly prefers delivering solo presentations.