Lightning will strike at NIRSA 2018! The Conference Program Committee invites NIRSA members to submit a proposal for a lightning talk. A lightning talk is a type of conference microsession where presenters share information in a brief time period. The Committee is currently seeking thought-provoking, high-energy topics that challenge attendees to think and learn, though laughing is a good thing too!
Below is some information to help prospective presenters prepare an effective lightning talk proposal:
How long should my presentation be?
The maximum presentation length is 10 minutes, though the preferred length is 5-6 minutes.
Is there a presentation slide count rule?
The maximum number of slides used for a lightning talk presentation is 25. There is no minimum.
Is there a slide advance rule?
No. Presenters may advance slides as they need to.
Why should I submit a proposal?
Presenting a lightning talk is great for both first-time and experienced presenters.
Are you a new professional or someone who’s never presented at an Annual Conference? A lightning talk gives you the opportunity to present for the first time without having to create a lengthy presentation. Are you more experienced with a lot of life and career behind you, but you struggle to articulate your knowledge in a concise way? This is a great exercise in keeping things short and sweet!
It’s an opportunity to practice your elevator speech delivery skills!
Sometimes you are forced to convey a big idea in a short amount of time. Perhaps someone has asked you for an “elevator speech,” or expected you to get a major point across in the time it would take to ride an elevator. If you have difficulty getting your thoughts together and expressing an idea quickly and comprehensively, this is a great opportunity to practice your oratory skills!
Top Ten Tips for NIRSA lightning talks
- Select a topic that will resonate with the audience.
- Get to the point—quickly; invest no more than one minute on setup and background.
- Plan to focus on one great idea. End your talk by restating your one great idea in a way that synthesizes what you’ve talked about.
- Consider telling a story.
- Be passionate about the idea you’re trying to communicate. Delivery is just as, if not more, important than content.
- Resist the temptation to explain in detail, but say enough to get your point across.
- Use more pictures and fewer words.
- Practice with a timer and in front of some friendly faces!
Are you ready to deliver your bolt of inspirational lightning in Denver? Submit a presentation by October 18!
- For more information, please contact NIRSA Professional Development Coordinator John Raskauskas.
Kristen Gleason is currently the Director of Professional Development at NIRSA
