Prepping for PyCon - Tech Talk Basics (Part 2)

PyCon - the largest annual gathering for the community using and developing the open-source Python programming language - is right around the corner. Each year I coach several dozen Python programmers as they prepare to speak at regional Python conferences.

These are the five tips I give most often when I’m working with speakers in this community:

1. Be clear about what you are hoping to get out of this talk.

Are you looking to connect with other people who might contribute to this project? Are you looking to raise your professional profile? Are you using this talk as a way to recruit for your company? Be sure that you have a clear purpose for giving this talk. It will help you organize your content and shape your message.

2. Slow down.

Almost everyone speeds up when they get in front of a crowd. Practice speaking under-tempo - at a pace that is deliberately below your ideal speed. Speaking slowly demonstrates confidence and allows your audience to really understand what you’re saying. Speakers who rush sound frenzied and insecure, which undermines their credibility. If you have too much material for your allotted timeframe, choose what's most important and trim your content rather than trying to rush through everything.

3. Don’t talk to your slides.

It’s important to stay connected with the audience even if the content you’re referencing is on a screen behind you. Don’t turn your back and talk to the screen. Likewise, don’t stare at your notes whether they’re on paper or on a laptop. If you face the audience as you speak, it will help them connect with you and help you to know whether they’re staying with you.

4. Be clear about what you want the audience to do next.

Do you want people to try the method or tool that you’re using? Do you want them to come to your next hackathon? Do you want them to contact you about a possible future collaboration? Be specific about this and state it clearly.

5. Practice for people who know your content and people who don’t.

Run your talk for at least two different test audiences: one person or group who understands your topic on a technical level – they’ll spot any errors or missing information. You should also run it for someone who doesn’t know anything about the content but knows YOU. They’re often more intimidating! They’ll spot the moments when you seem inauthentic or uncertain. If your talk is well-organized, with a cohesive narrative, they’ll be able to understand it whether or not they follow the technical details.

If you’re getting ready to speak at PyCon or another tech conference, contact me about booking a coaching session. One-on-one sessions include informed, personalized feedback and a game-plan for doing your best on the day of your presentation.