Do the words “public speaking” make your heart pound? For the good of your career, it’s time to face your fear of presenting. By stepping up to the mic, you can expand your network of peers and potential employers while building your reputation and credibility as an industry expert.

Melody Kruzic, Senior Career Counselor in Capella University’s Career Center, shares five steps to giving a great presentation—and reaping the rewards. In short, it’s all in the preparation.

 

1. Join a professional association.

Every industry has one or more professional associations, which you can join for an annual fee. If you don’t already belong to an association that aligns with your career, join one. Google search the best organizations within your industry, or check this list of professional associations from the Capella Career Center (login required).

 

2. Target an opportunity.

Professional associations typically hold an annual conference featuring presentations on relevant, timely industry topics. Large organizations might host more frequent events—quarterly or monthly. If a big-time national conference feels too intimidating, start smaller with a local event.

Look on your association’s website to find information about any upcoming events. You might find a clear call for presentation proposals and instructions on how to submit them. If there’s no call for proposals on the site, contact the conference coordinator or a board member.

 

3. Decide on a topic.

The conference planning committee is looking for presentations that are highly relevant to the conference attendees. Pick a presentation topic that you’re knowledgeable and passionate about, and that audience members will find applicable to their careers. Read industry newsletters, blogs, and LinkedIn discussions to take the pulse on hot topics. Look at last year’s conference program to get a feel for past presentations.

As you consider topics, remember that you’ll often have, at most, 50 minutes to present. So choose a topic you can cover in an interesting way in a brief amount of time.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I could never get up on stage by myself!” consider co-presenting. Presenting as a team can be a great way to ease into public speaking. And as a duo, you give the audience more than one perspective on the topic.

 

4. Submit a proposal.

Once you choose a topic, you’ll need to write a 1-2 paragraph blurb (sometimes called an “abstract”) giving the gist of the presentation. If the association gives submission guidelines, follow them to the letter. If no guidelines are given, email or call the conference coordinator to learn the best way to submit a proposal.

If your presentation isn’t accepted, don’t be hard on yourself. Have a friend or trusted colleague look at your proposal and give feedback about how you could revise it. Also:

  • Consider asking the conference selection committee for feedback about your proposal, and how you might increase your odds of getting accepted next time.
  • Attend an upcoming event, and notice what makes a great presentation (and pitfalls to avoid).
  • Get your feet wet with other kinds of speaking opportunities, like being a panelist or doing a short-style presentation (5 minutes).
  • Submit your revised proposal (or a new one) next year.

 

5. Develop and make your presentation.

If your presentation is accepted…congratulations! Now, you need to build it. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Talk to past conference presenters. Ask them what worked, and what advice they can give you to create a great session. Watch video clips of past presentations (if they’re available) to get a feel for the conference and its attendees.
  • Workshop your presentation. Practice in front of colleagues and get feedback. What worked? Were there any parts that made their attention wander? Use their comments to revise your presentation and make it stronger.
  • Make tech arrangements ahead of time. Do you need a projector and screen? Wi-Fi to show something online? Ask weeks or days in advance if these resources are available, and plan accordingly.

For more help with your presentation, check out The Complete Guide to Creating a Captivating Professional Presentation.

 

The Capella University Career Center counselors, resources, and tools help students and alumni manage their careers at every stage and move toward the careers they want.