10 tips for public speaking

If you're going to be speaking at a conference soon, here are my top 10 tips to make your session a sucess.

Start with a story (but not your life story).
Aim high and leave them wanting more.
Entertain, inspire and educate (in that order).
One concept per slide.
Pictures not bullets.
Talk to your audience not at them.
Use the stage but don't pace.
It's all about pacing (different kind cheeky) and delivery, so practice.
Dress slightly smarter than your audience (the Veen rule).

Using your status as a speaker to promote others

Being invited to speak at an event confers some benefits. For newer speakers, the most obvious benefit of speaking is to advance your career. Speaking at an event confers a certain amount of legitimacy and status. The fact that you’re on stage and other people are listening to you implies that you’re somebody who deserves to be listened to; that your ideas hold value that the other people in the audience will benefit from them. This is a great thing to have in your back pocket at interviews, and is sure to impress the person doing the interviewing.