• The purpose of this session is:
• When the session is over, I want the audience to know [or do]:

2. Know your audience.
Once you have defined what you want people to learn or to do in your session (Tip 1), you have taken the first step toward identifying your audience. To complete the process, list the different people (physicians, nurses, educators, administrators, and so on) who will benefit from your session. List the specific ways in which they will benefit.  Our presenter information sheet defines the overall conference attendees to help you get started.  If your session only speaks to some, but not all of the attendees, make sure your description reflects this!

3. Choose your format.
Research tells us that adult learners like to be actively involved. They prefer content that is directly related to real-life challenges, and they enjoy the opportunity to manipulate materials, engage in activities, or participate in discussions that draw on previous experience and knowledge. Keep these criteria in mind as you plan your session, and look for ways to actively engage your audience.

Here are some session formats commonly used at our Conferences:

• Keynote speaker (a formal lecture, often using audiovisuals, followed by a question-and-answer period if time allows)
• Panel (Short talks by three or four presenters, including a session leader, followed by discussion among the participants)
• Workshop (an intensive, interactive educational program)
• Facilitated Roundtable (a guided discussion of specific issues or of common concern)
• Showcase (a collection of exhibits, programs, or activities on a common theme)
• Case Study Discussion (a peer discussion group)

Sometimes a combination of formats works well, such as a panel followed by a roundtable discussion or a slide presentation followed by a workshop. If none of the above fits your needs, consider creating a new format. or your presentation and plan accordingly.

4. Pick your session title.

People's first impression of your session is obtained from the title in the conference brochure. That title must catch the reader's attention and create a mental picture of what will happen in the session. Some writers take a two-part approach, using a short, vivid phrase followed by an explanatory subtitle (Speak Up!: Talking with Children About Abuse and Violence). Others go with a more direct description ("The Multiple Faces of Professional Ethics"). Either way, test your title on friends and colleagues to be sure they understand what you are promising to deliver.

5. Write your program description.

The role of the program description is not merely to attract an audience, but to attract an audience interested in what you have to offer. An audience of 200 that expects one thing and gets another can turn hostile rather quickly, but an audience of 10 eager to learn what you have to impart will make your session a huge success. To attract the correct audience, your description must be clear, concise and accurate. Many program descriptions are rewritten in the months before the conference, so don't be concerned if the planning committee asks you to revise your first attempt.

6. Create an outline.
Although you may think you know exactly what you plan to say and do, it can be easy to lose sight of your purpose once you're conducting your session. That's what your outline is for. Knowing what to include—and, more importantly, what to exclude—in the outline will be easier if you refer to the list of audience benefits you generated in Tip 2. Comparing that list to a list of the main points you wish to communicate will help you to remove any points that don't match.

7. Choose your audiovisual aids.

Well-thought-out audiovisuals not only present information but also add color and drama to your session and help you stick to your outline. Here are a few tips for choosing your aids:

• Keep it simple. Audiovisual elements should enhance your presentation, not be your presentation.
• Allow time for reading. An audience that is reading a new overhead is not listening to you. Wait for everyone to absorb the information displayed before you begin speaking.
• Design audiovisuals for the back row. Make sure all elements can be seen or heard clearly in every part of the room.

For additional tips on the use of an overhead projector, slide projector and PowerPoint, please view our Designing Effective Visual Aids and Creating Dynamic PowerPoint Presentation pages.

8. Prepare a handout.

The best way to reinforce your key points and encourage ongoing learning is to send your audience home with a handout. That doesn't mean reproducing your entire presentation. An effective handout summarizes the main points of your session, lists applicable resources, and suggests ways that participants can follow up on what they've learned.

Please refer to your conference Presenter Information sheet for handout submission deadlines.

9. Practice, practice, practice.

Every conference session, even a hands-on workshop, requires some form of verbal presentation. If this aspect of the process makes you nervous, you're not alone. Very few people are natural speakers. It takes practice to put thoughts into clear, concise phrases without stumbling over the words, and to coordinate a presentation with audiovisual aids to produce a smooth, professional result.

Here are some pointers to help you get over those on-stage butterflies:

• Practice out loud. Imagine you are speaking to a live audience. Saying the words out loud helps to coordinate the brain and the mouth, a task that is more difficult than people realize.
• Practice often. The twentieth time you give a presentation will be much better than the first. Why subject your audience to your first effort?
• Practice with your audiovisuals. Don't wait till the last minute to introduce your aids. Coordinating their use from the start will make for a smooth, professional session.
• Don't read your speech. Talk to your listeners as if you were speaking to each person individually. They are much more likely to pay attention.
• Use cheat sheets. An outline, flash cards, or graphics can help you keep your place without spoiling the spontaneity of your presentation.

10. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

If after following the previous nine tips, you still don't feel comfortable in front of an audience, get help. Find someone who is used to speaking in public, and ask that person to lead the session while you remain available as the "expert" to answer the tough questions.