Ask HN: What are the things keep in mind while giving/preparing for a tech talk?

Say at least something useful and new that most people in the audience do not know already. If this is not the case, better to rethink the talk from scratch. Audience should go aways thinking "I learned a few new things".

Re: Ask HN: What are the things keep in mind while giving/preparing for a tech talk?

#7

Post by jkaayn » Thu, Jul 19, 2018, 6:36 AM UTC

One thing that has always helped me is mugging the first few lines until you can get in your rhythm. Sometimes that glare of hundred eyes causes you to forgot about your talk.

Re: Ask HN: What are the things keep in mind while giving/preparing for a tech talk?

#8

Post by joelhooks » Thu, Jul 19, 2018, 6:39 AM UTC

The audience wants you to succeed and are generally very forgiving.

Re: Ask HN: What are the things keep in mind while giving/preparing for a tech talk?

#9

Post by boyter » Thu, Jul 19, 2018, 6:42 AM UTC

You don't have to help people get from A-Z. Quite often they don't even know where to start so going from A-D is enough. Know your audience in advance though.

Remember to pause and speak slower. It gives the impression you are really considering what you are about to say next and allows you a break.

Don't drink alcohol before the talk (unless you need a shot to calm your nerves) and do have a bottle of water available as your mouth will most likely become dry.

Lastly relax. The audience is unlikely to call you out unless you make a total hash of it and they usually want you to succeed.

Re: Ask HN: What are the things keep in mind while giving/preparing for a tech talk?

#10

Post by zwischenzug » Thu, Jul 19, 2018, 6:42 AM UTC

Best advice I had about giving talks (from a non-techie) was 'tell a story'. People like stories more than information. If they want information they can mine you for it afterwards.