Here it is! Your Ultimate Presentation Checklist! They say those who succeed the most are the ones who are consistent and wecouldn’t agree more! Taking the time to prepare, understanding your audience and proactively asking eventorganisers the right questions help facilitate the creation of powerful content but itdoesn’t end there! Taking the time to reflect in a structured way after every gig andtaking consistent action to improve upon your last performance is what will ultimatelyget you ahead. Reflecting on the lessons we’ve learned ourselves as well as taken from the thousandsof speakers we’ve worked with since 2011, this checklist was created to help you to takeyour speaking preparation to whole new levels. Use it as a guide as you hone and evolve your own practice and commit to astructured approach – after all, that’s what highly paid speakers do to land those bigticket gigs and repeat bookings! Most importantly, since every speaker is different, only use what works for you! The listmight seem overwhelming at first but you will pick out what's right for you over time. Whether you use this on a weekly or monthly basis, the key is to develop a habit ofconsciously engaging with the relevant steps and enjoying the process of inspiringyour audiences. Last but not least, before you dig in, remember no man is an island! If we can help youin any way, please reach out!

Elliot & Annik x

www.speakerexpress.co.uk 

Elliot & Annik x

We can’t wait to hear about your stories and experiences from thespeaking gigs you have coming up. Be sure to keep us updated

@speakerexpress on both Twitter and Instagram.

SPEAKING GIG CHECKLIST

1. PREPARATION & PLANNING

Budget more time than you think(6+ hours for 1 hour new content).

Go through list of questions on page3 & 4 for the event organisers to aidin your content creation.

Find suitable structure for your talk.

Create a strong credibility story toshare.

Create a rough draft.

Research suitable quotes andstories (personal/or otherwise).

Engage with your social mediaaudience through questions, pollsand discussions to get moreinspiration. Schedule a 1-1 sessions with yourspeaking coach to get honestfeedback.

Announce your speaking gig on yourwebsite & social media.

2. REHEARSING

Get feedback from your targetaudience or business associates.

Practise audience interactions.

Ensure your talk is within thespecified timeframe.

Ensure slides are visual and wordskept to a minimum.

3. THE NIGHT BEFORE

Essentials: pack headache tables,throat mints and an energy bar incase there won't be time to eatbefore your speaking slot.

Technology: pack all necessarycables, chargers, laptop, slides,batteries for clicker.

Tools: Pack markers (if using aflipchart).

Print hand-outs and sign-up forms.

Look the part (ensure outfit suits the background,women speakers: have a spare set of stockings).

Ensure slides are backed-up to thecloud, USB or printed out.

Ensure you have the organisers phone numberin case of an emergency.

Check transport to ensure you will arrive at thevenue with plenty of time.

4. ON THE DAY

Perform speaking gig routine (eg. gym andgrounding etc.).

Arrive early to check slides, mic & clicker, set upsales table or handouts (if applicable).

Mingle with audience members (if possible) to get afeel of who they are and what they need to hear.

Watch other speakers (if possible) to ensure youdon't repeat content.

Ensure you have a glass of water on stage.

6. REVIEW / SELF-FEEDBACK QUESTIONS

Reflect: How did I feel before and after (refer toquestions on page 3 at the bottom).

Thank organiser (maybe on social media).

 7. BUILDING FROM THIS TALK

Ask for endorsement from organiser.

Obtain professional photos and video footage touse in your marketing.

IPractise OUT LOUD __times.

5. AFTER YOUR TALK

Collect business cards and write down anyadditional information they've requested.

Identify any potential clients, immediately set up atime to speak and send them an invite from youronline calendar.

Upload slides onto Slideshare (unless it was aprivate and tailored talk).

Email the organiser afterwards for any positive orconstructive feedback.

Write the event organiser and other speakers anendorsement - seeing you go first will likely resultin returning the favour.

Reward yourself.

Speaker Express helps you to market yourself as a speaker, get on more stages and use speaking for business growth.

Want more? Check out our book at www.speakerexpress.co.uk/book. 

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE EVENT ORGANISER BEFORE OR DURING CONTENT PREPARATION TO GET MORE CLARITY ON WHAT IS REQUIRED FROM YOU AS THE SPEAKER.

What's the event theme and what are the desired event outcomes?What 3 outcomes do you want your audience to walk away with after the talk/presentation?Who else will be speaking at the event and what are their topics? What's the format - keynotestyle or interactive workshop?Will there be time for Q&A at the end of my talk?How long would you like me to speak? Including Q&A?What time of the day will I be on stage?Will there be a professional MC/Moderator? If not, who's the best person to send my speakerintro to?(If you are using handouts) Is the event organiser happy to print them for you?Will there be speaker feedback forms at the event and if so, how can I access the results?

EVENT FORMAT

How many people will be in the audience?What is their background and age range?What are their reasons for attending?What are their cultural references?How do you want your attendees to feel?What are their fears, hopes & dreams?What exactly do they need to succeed?What are the key characteristics of your organisational culture? (If it's a corporate event)

AUDIENCE 

SALES & CONNECTION

Will I have a table at the back of the room for flyers/cards/brochures or books to sell?Will there be time after the talk for them to buy books/services or get books signed etc.?

1

2

3

What is the room layout? Theatre style? Tables? Etc.Is it a private room or fenced of area in a bigger space?Will there be noise from other events or outside traffic?What is the backdrop on stage? (Crucial for your dress code and professional photos. Forexample: don't wear black if the background will also be black as the photos won't turn our great.)Will there be easy access via public transport or on-site parking?Is there a flip chart or white board and quality markers? (You may want to have a set of your ownfat markers, our favourite brand is Pilot.)

VENUE 4

What are the requirements for slides/format?Will there be fast Wifi? Is it necessary for me to bring my own adaptors/ laptop?Does your venue laptop support Keynote? (For slides created on a Mac)Will there be speakers or is it necessary to bring my own? (For those playing videos with sound)What types of microphones are used? (Lectern with attached mic, handheld mic or handsfree)  Will there be a professional videographer and where will the videos be uploaded?Will there be a professional photographer and if so, how can I receice a copy of the images?Does the venue have phone reception or free Wifi so people can tweet?Will there be a digital time or someone signaling timings to speakers?

TECHNOLOGY 5

*Please note: only ask the questions necessary to help you improve on your content and speaking performance.

Want more? Go buy the book at www.speakerexpress.co.uk/book.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE THE EVENT: AUDIENCE

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE THE EVENT: SALES AND CONNECTION

Based on my understanding of the audience, how do Iwant them to feel?Why should they listen to me?What example stories will be relevant to theirbackground?What is one of the problems they have that my talk canoffer a solution to?Does everyone in the audience work for the sameorganisation or will I be speaking in front of a certaindepartment/business unit?What would I like them to do differently as a result ofmy talk?

Do I have up-to-date business cards?Will I be making a special offer? Do I have a printedflyers/brochures with the details?If offering something complimentary, how do I collectemails, especially from people who don't have businesscards?Do I have a simple way to take payments? (You maywant to have an assistant with you on the day or avolunteer)Am I referring to a number of books or other referencematerial? What is the best way for the audience toaccess these?

What went really well?What can I do even better next time?How much sales did I get out of this talk? What stories can I reuse/refine?What have other speakers done really well that I canadapt?

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF AFTER THE EVENT: