Adriane Simpson

Leveraging humor in a talk can be memorable and impactful, but can definitely be a slippery slope. In my experience, humor has worked well to break the ice with a cold/lukewarm audience, as well as providing a good follow up to technical glitches or awkward moments in live events. Once while delivering a talk in front of 500 people, the tech team's laptop froze, including my presentation and all of my content. I was at the point in the deck where I encouraged a room full of keynote speakers on the value of knowing your content and material and always being prepared. It was hilarious, but could have been disastrous if I were not able to infuse humor into the situation and keep moving.

A good speaker will look for ways to make an impact on the audience within the first few minutes of the talk, harnessing the power of storytelling. The most impactful speaking engagements I've had have been those where I've shared empathy, humor and relatable experiences - all through relevant stories. I always choose stories that are authentic, concise, and that align with the overall message I'm delivering, and that will deliver value. The best way to tell a story without rambling, is to structure them with a clear beginning, middle, and end. I also strive to use vivid language and emotions that bring the stories to life, and are memorable. I've even had people relay my stories to me in their own way, so I know they hit home.

To elevate your conference speaking skills, start with a personal debrief, with a critical eye if possible. Post-presentation, jot down your initial reactions and feelings. How confident did you feel? Where did you excel, and where did you stumble? Watching a video of your presentation can also be super helpful. Pay attention to your engagement with the audience and your command of the stage. Consider engaging a speaking coach for an external perspective on your performance. Reflect on the audience's reactions to your content and delivery. Identify your standout moments and areas for growth. This self-reflection is a powerful tool for continuous improvement, turning each speaking opportunity into a learning experience from which to grow.

Data, and the analysis of data, is one of the best ways to determine if what you delivered resonated with the audience, or if the intended goals were met. While 'negative' feedback doesn't feel good, all feedback should be considered a gift. Data will tell the true story, good, bad or indifferent. I was poring through feedback after one of my speaking engagements and read that my placement on the day's agenda didn't feel optimal to some participants. My content was highly anticipated and they felt I should have been scheduled in the morning, not after lunch. I didn't have control over where I was scheduled, but I did have the opportunity to share info with the conference leadership. Hopefully next year, I'll be on the schedule earlier.

Directly after your talk (during Q&A), but before you leave the stage, use a tool to capture valuable feedback and insights from your audience. There are several tools that will allow you to ask questions and gain either anonymous feedback, or feedback that allows the audience to opt in to your email list. The best time to gain their confidence in you and your value is while it's still fresh in their minds - before you leave the stage! For deeper insights, host a Zoom focus group for real-time opinions and stories. You can also check social media, especially LinkedIn and Twitter, for immediate feedback using the conference hashtag. Each piece of feedback is a stepping stone to refine your skills and enhance future presentations.

To effectively evaluate your presentation's success, start by reviewing your SMART objectives. Did you hit your specific goals? Measure your impact through audience feedback, engagement levels, and post-event discussions. Were your points clear and your message aligned with the audience's expectations? Reflect on the audience's reactions during and after your talk. Did you spark interest, provoke thought, or inspire action? Also, consider seeking peer or mentor feedback for an external perspective. Continuous improvement is key, so identify areas for growth and plan your next steps. Every presentation is a learning opportunity to enhance your skills and influence as a speaker. Gain feedback, then act on it!