Speaker Guide

Description

This guide will live in the canvas in the #lightning-talks Slack channel.

Message Type

A README style guide for speakers

Message Template

Variables are wrapped in curly brackets ({{ }}).

# :speech_balloon: Virtual Coffee Lightning Talks Speaker Guide

Thank you for volunteering to share your time, knowledge, and experience with our community!

The Virtual Coffee community is _always_ here to help! **You are amazing!** Your voice matters and we are here to support you.

- The `#lightning-talks` Slack channel is a shared space to ask questions, get feedback, and bounce ideas around
- Mentors have been assigned to all speakers who requested one, and they should already be in contact with you
  - If you haven't connected yet or you'd like to be assigned a mentor, please message @Meg
- Our previous Lightning Talk sessions are available to view on our YouTube channel:
  - [Lightning Talks 2023 - Virtual Coffee](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9uT23TA65jtVEGgWo-DNVAcq7PnDV2r)
  - [Lightning Talks 2022 - Virtual Coffee](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9uT23TA65gwNgoeeZ21XWlxLOwxs3Ls)
  - [Lightning Talks 2021 - Virtual Coffee](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh9uT23TA65infGqUUaVibI0IssI0G6NY)

## Timeline

Keep the below deadlines in mind as we approach the big day.

- **Today** – Feel free to ask for help or feedback in the #lightning-talks channel or from your assigned mentor
- **{{ month date }}** – Send the following info to {{ coordinator }} or @Meg:
  - Talk title
  - Talk description
  - Headshot
  - Speaker bio
  - Contact links (optional)
- **{{ month date range }}** – During the week of Lightning Talks, @Dan Ott will be doing AV checks
- **{{ month date }}** – Send the following info to {{ coordinator }} or @Meg:
  - Length of talk (in minutes)
  - Video recording if you plan to record your talk ahead of time
  - Slides
- **{{ month date }}** – THE BIG DAY!
  - 10-20 mins before you speak – Be in the `#lightning-talks` Slack channel, prepared to present

We will post periodic messages as we get closer to the date with more details.

## Tips for a Successful Talk

- **Prepare & Organize** – Do yourself a huge favor and plan out your talk! Peer review can help you to distill your thoughts down to the core of what you want to share. Take advantage of your fellow Lightning Talk speakers, the #co-working-room, and VC's Accountabilibuddies sessions to workshop your talks with members in the community.
- **Slides Are Optional** – Many speakers choose to use slides, but it is not required. If you use slides, remember that they are visual aides, not a teleprompter. Resist the urge to include more than 2-3 brief bullet points per slide.
- **Practice Out Loud** – Give your talk, start to finish, to your rubber ducky, your family, even your sink full of dishes! Then reflect, revise, and give it again.
- **Time Your Talk** – Lightning Talks should last from 5-15 minutes and cover a single topic.
- **Slow Down & Remember Your Audience** – Everyone watching knows you are amazing and can't wait to see your Lightning Talk. Take a breath, slow down, and speak to us, your friends at Virtual Coffee. :heart:
- **More Tips** – [How To Public Speaking](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVumgiMJeag) & [Fearless & Fabulous: Conquering Your Stage One Laugh at a Time](https://youtu.be/9XNeuv5W7xE?si=6HO1l2zaW3CceqiJ)

Thank you again for stepping forward to speak at our Lightning Talks event! We can't wait to hear your talk!

:star: _P.S. You're awesome!_ :star: