Even though the INBOUND 2016 Call for Speakers ends on May 3, there’s still time to get your proposal in if you want to present at the event from November 8-11! With over 14,000 registrants in 2015, the INBOUND 2016 event would be an ideal venue for many presenters looking to access a large and interested audience. Are you interested? If so, there’s a few things you should know. We talked with INBOUND Content and Agenda Project Manager Rachel Perry about the top three things she believes applicants need to know when crafting their proposals.
1. Produce a speaker video (it’s required)
It is essential to the INBOUND 2016 team that applicants send a video of a presentation they have given with their proposal. It doesn’t matter where you gave it or what the topic was, just send a video. Not only will the video establish a fair and accountable application process, but it will also help the INBOUND team match you with the right-sized audience for your presentation.
Tips: Including a video of a high-quality presentation you delivered will show the event organizers that you know what you are doing and that you are an expert in your field. It gives you an extra layer of credibility in your application. Here are four aspects that event organizers might be analyzing when watching your presentation video:
Facial Expressions
Have you wondered why you feel a bit pained when you watch Grey’s Anatomy or any other show where surgical procedures are a major part of the narrative? This is largely a result of mirror neurons – which are brain cells that cause identical reactions to when we perform or undergo a particular action and when we see another person perform or undergo a particular action. What does this mean for you and the presentation video you decide to send? Make sure that your facial expressions match the mood of your presentation. Is it an inspirational talk? Then you should be smiling. Is it a more serious, somewhat somber discussion? Then your facial expressions should invoke that mood.
Body Language
Your body language should align with the message you are trying to convey at any point in your talk. If you are facing your audience directly, scanning a different part of the room every few seconds (but not erratically, as if you are nervous), standing with straight shoulders and incorporating effective hand gestures, then the presentation video could be a great contender. There are several other nonverbal communication components to consider, so compare and contrast your video with these 33 tips.
Presentation slides
The less bullet points, the better. And choose a presentation video that shows you utilizing slides as an enhancement, but that place you as the dominant figure in the room. Show that you can control the room and deliver a compelling and insightful presentation.
2. Keep your audience in mind
Out of the upwards of 250 sessions that will be scheduled for INBOUND 2016, why should anyone choose yours? Rachel suggests keeping your audience at the forefront of your decision when creating a title and description for your presentation.
Tips: Before jumping right into producing a title and description, think through who you believe the audience of your presentation would be and research the INBOUND event to decipher the type of people who typically show up to it. Look at past INBOUND presentations and videos to find out what to expect from the event. Then, draft a one to two sentence overview of the content you will present. Focus on keywords that not only describe your presentation content, but that also would entice your desired audience.
3. Explain your session in less than 130 characters
Another required part of the application is a brief description of your session – essentially a Twitter-friendly statement about your session. It could be something that you would want an attendee to tweet during the course of your presentation or just a tweet describing your talk. Be creative and intentional.
Tips: This is your chance to send your audience to another resource and strengthen your connection with them. Consider developing a tweet with a link to that resource to show the event organizers that you aren’t just interested in dumping information on an audience. Show that you want to help them and provide them with the tools to succeed in a certain field, learn a new skill, or whatever it is that you are hoping for them to accomplish.
If you’ve got a great or big idea that you want to share with the world, INBOUND 2016 could be your chance to shine. But, you’ll never find out if you don’t apply! Get started on your proposal today!
