A Quick Guide to Lightning Talks
If you’re looking to get on the speaker ladder or hone an idea, then creating a Lighting Talk is a great way to get started.
Many conferences and meetings feature Lightning Talks - brief presentations lasting anywhere between 3-7 minutes. These talks are a great opportunity to highlight what you’re working on and share something valuable and interesting. The short format means you don’t have to speak for too long, which can ease the pressure on new speakers but it also means you need to prepare. Well.
Understand your why
Focus on one idea
Create a starting hook to capture your audience
Structure your talk
Practice, get feedback and practice again!
Some Good Steps
1. Understand your why
What’s in it for you - be clear about why you are doing a talk and what you want to get out of it.
What’s in it for them - think about how you can move the talk from interesting to helpful.
2. Focus on one idea
Keep it simple - with a tight timeframe, simplicity is key.
Know Your Audience - match your content with the interests and knowledge level of your audience.
3. Break down the structure
The Hook - what will spark interest and curiosity about your topic?
Who - introduce yourself, establish your credibility, why is this topic important to you and share your perspective. Depending on the etiquette or cultural expectations, you may want to share a pepeha.
What - clearly state your topic to set the context right from the start.
Why - explain why the topic is interesting and important.
How - describe your approach to the problem or your method of work.
When and Where - if relevant, mention the timing and how the audience can learn more or engage further.
Call to Action - what are the next steps? Include links to more information, invites to connect or challenges to try.
4. Prepare your slides
Less is more - don’t have too many, use minimal text and rely on impactful visuals.
Consistent Style - ensure they’re uniform with readable fonts and contrasting colours for clarity.
5. Practise, practise, practise
Time Yourself - ensure your talk fits within the time limit and adjust as needed.
Work on Delivery - speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Use natural gestures and eye contact to connect with the audience.
Use Tools - consider using a timer or cues in your presentation software to keep pace.
6. Test & get feedback
Ask a Friend - find an honest friend (or two) to test your talk with and listen to their feedback.
Video Yourself - record and critique yourself.
Version 3 - updated on 19 July 2024