This is the first part in a series on speaking at tech conferences - this part focusses on getting started and reasons why you might want to speak at conferences.
If you have been toying with the idea of getting into public speaking and sharing your knowledge at a conference or meet-up, but don’t really know how to get started, this is for you. Don’t worry if you are still hesitant, feel nervous about it or don’t know what to talk about - I got you covered.
Start with the why.
There are many good reasons for getting into speaking at conferences - maybe you’d like to share a project that’s dear to your heart or something you have learned; maybe you want to push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn new skills, or maybe you’re just a natural entertainer and like being on stage.
Whatever your reasons might be, there is no right or wrong here.
And before you start doubting and questioning whether you are qualified or experienced enough, let me stop you right there. Yes, you are. It doesn't have to be a matter of experience, and you don't have to be the expert in a field to be 'allowed' to talk about it. Everyones' perspectives are valuable, and you never know who might take great learnings from your contribution.
If you told me a year ago, I would be speaking at in-person conferences in front of an audience; I would have probably laughed in your face (or, come to think of it, ran away!?). Not only did it seem impossible and miles and miles away, but I also didn’t even know where to start.
These days, it’s actually (and oddly) part of my job. And while I still get very nervous and it’s all still pretty new - I would love to share what I have learned along the way, and I hope it helps you on your journey if that’s something you’d like to get into.
So we’ll have a look at how to find a topic and apply to a CFP, get accepted and finally deliver your talk.
Of course, non of this is the only truth - many ways lead to your goal. If you found different things work for you, feel free to share in the comments, I always love to hear about different perspectives.
Have you already applied to a conference or are you planning to? 🤓🙌
Top comments (12)
Nice! I wrote an article on doing the talk itself, you can take a look if you're interested. The road towards getting an opportunity is a great idea! 💡
Ooo I'm siked for this series! I've been getting more and more interested in public speaking, so am def looking for inspiration and guidance.
That's great Michael, I'm so glad. Are there any particular areas that you are unsure about?
Thanks for the question!
If I end up speaking at a tech conference, I'll be speaking from the perspective of being a Community Manager rather than someone in a technical position, and well, that makes me a bit nervous. I'm thinking I might even try to embrace that worry and make that the focus of the talk because certainly other folks are in the same boat. Thinking I'd discuss what it's like being a non-developer working in a world of developers, how I'm regularly hit with bouts of imposter syndrome but work to overcome it, what unique strengths I'm
able to bring to the table from my background in Creative Writing and English, and how I collaborate/support/empathize with technical folks on my team and in the community to make a positive difference.
Sorry, I kinda went on a diversion there, I suppose the area I was highlighting was that I feel unsure about speaking at a tech conference as someone who is not highly technical. My solution is to be overwhelmingly honest and open about that — so much so that I wanna make it the focus of my talk, haha!
But, other public speaking topics that come to mind as areas I'd like to learn more about are:
I'm sure there are other things I could use help with in this regard, so if they come to mind, I'll be sure to hop back in here and let ya know!
Thank you so much for sharing! First of all, thanks so much for the topics you mentioned. I'll try and work them into the series and make sure these things are covered.
Now about speaking as a non-technical person at a conference - I totally understand your nervousness. It's completely normal, and imposter syndrome is way too real when it comes to speaking in public. But trust me, even people we perceive as super technical might wonder whether their talk is technical enough. And this is not their primary concern; maybe these folks will worry about having good storytelling, their presentation skills or something completely different. We are all worried before putting our perspective out there.
I usually find that the less technical talks are actually the more popular at many conferences - just because, these are topics many people can relate to, regardless of their favourite programming language or tool.
Yes, it takes courage. But it's so valuable for the community if you manage to put yourself out there without having a super technical talk. I started speaking as a Junior Dev and I was so scared that everyone would 'already know everything I could tell', or that it would be 'too basic'. But many didn't know, or maybe they knew and forgot, so a reminder was useful.
I really appreciate your advice and reassurance here! Come to think of it, I think you're exactly right that the less technical talks are often the most popular ones at conferences.
Now, just gotta muster the courage to get out there and do it! 😅
Anywho, I look forward to seeing more entries in your series here. And btw, thanks for being so open to covering these other related topics I mentioned.
Nice article, Josefine. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I am planning to do some CFP for next year, maybe I am invited to give a talk somewhere. Mabye, at the same conference as you do, that would be nice :)
Ohhh, yes, it would be lovely to finally meet in person! When you see some interesting confs you will apply to, let me know! :)
Nice series!
I'll be doing my first presentation at Remix Conf Europe next month. Luckily it's virtual and online, and I get to pre-record my talk. I'm not sure I could do a live one on stage for the first time. I think I'd faint.
Congrats on speaking at Remix Conf! I'm looking forward to your talk, I'm sure you will do amazing!
Thanks for posting this!
Thank you for sharing