Public speaking is hard, even the most seasoned presenters get pre-talk jitters. Hear from a panel of veteran speakers as they share their best tips and hacks to help you rock your next presentation - Thom Greene, Ariel Sanchez Mora, Edward Haletky, and Simon Long

1. Thom Greene
Edward Haletky
Ariel Sanchez Mora
Simon Long
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#VMworld #VMTN6694U
Hacking Public Speaking -
Tips to Help you Rock It

2. • This presentation may contain product features that are currently under development.
• This overview of new technology represents no commitment from VMware to deliver these
features in any generally available product.
• Features are subject to change, and must not be included in contracts, purchase orders, or
sales agreements of any kind.
• Technical feasibility and market demand will affect final delivery.
• Pricing and packaging for any new technologies or features discussed or presented have not
been determined.
Disclaimer
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3. Introductions
• Name & Current Role
• Public Speaking Experience
• Cool Story Bro!
CONFIDENTIAL
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4. Tips to help you present your first session
• Commit
• Present with someone else
• Talk about a subject you know inside out
• Start your slide creation as early as you need to
• Create your own slides
• Talk through the slides regularly on your own, out loud (also time it)
CONFIDENTIAL
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5. Tips to help you present your first session
On the Day….
• Make sure you think you look smart
• Visit the room before your session to get orientated - removes the fear of the unknown
• Directly before the session, don't stand one the stage waiting. Chat to attendees , chat to your
co-presenter.
• Do the introduction of the session
• Don't try to be funny :-)
• Keep calm and carry on
CONFIDENTIAL
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6. Tips to help you present your first session
• Be passionate about what you are presenting about!
– It shows that you enjoy talking about the topic!
– Nervousness gives way to excitement 
• If you are being recorded, make sure you understand the camera/audio limitations
• Do not forget your manners! Say thank you, please, be a good “host” for your guests
• People forget details easily, but they remember stories and what you made them feel!
• Keep it positive! Blips happen. Demos fail. Laugh it off and seek another way to give value
• Record yourself and look for things you think you can improve
• Present or show it to your wife, co-worker, the internet, whoever – do a vBrownBag!!
CONFIDENTIAL
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7. More Tips from the Field
• Seek out the room, If a stage, walk on it to get a feel for dimensions! Yes, I have fallen off…
• Ensure there is water, you never know when a frog will lodge in your thoat!
• Pacing across stage is not a bad thing just always face your audience!
• Visit the bathroom before hand, check yourself in the mirror, at least wash your hands. Doing
something normal is calming
• Take off your badge, it gets in the way
• KNOW your material inside-out, backwards, and forwards. Not just your deck but concepts,
ideas, and if necessary your code!
• Use the time before the session to get to know your audience
• Adjust your talk to meet your audience, it also shows you know your Material
• Remember, they picked you to speak! You are the expert.
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8. More Tips from the Field
• During Q&A, if you do not know the answer, be up front, be sure to get the name/card of the
person and get them the answer after the talk. Never hedge and haw, it detracts.
• Always follow up with folks, if you say you will do so. Usually within a few days of the end of the
conference.
• ‘Slow Down’ you timed your talk. It is always faster on the day!
• I need to do something with my hands. Keep ‘em out of of your pockets, hold something you
can move around, a laser pointer is good and useful.
• KNOW Your Material not just the deck, everything that brings you to this talk!
• Find support, loved one, family, co-worker, even the community is here to help
• Being dynamic comes with practice, so practice
• Confidence is commendable, understandable, and desired. Arrogance is not!
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9. Literally How to Get Started
• Plug into a local user group – VMUG depends on the community
• Ask for opportunities at work, in user groups, on Twitter, anywhere
• Ask for help developing your deck or preparing for go time
• Record it for YouTube
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10. Game Time Tips
• Walking around on stage is great, just don’t have happy feet!
• Please don’t try to be funny (It’s worth saying twice)
• Nobody knows if you forget something until you tell them
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