Getting started with public speaking

Introduction
Have you wondered what it takes to be a successful speaker? Where to start, which topic to pick, and how to deliver? You’ll find answers to these questions in this training, delivered by one or more experienced speakers.

Detailed description
This training consists of 2 sessions of 4 hours, with homework (preparing a presentation) in between. Come learn why speaking is both fun and important. You’ll get lots of tips on getting started, writing proposals, preparing for talks, and to deliver a great presentation. The trainer(s) will share their experiences, what has worked, what has not, and provide some key take aways. After this training, you’ll be ready to start on your own journey to speak at technical events.

Target audience
This training is suitable for everyone who wants to get started with or improve their public speaking skills. This training is focused specifically on public speaking at tech events. No specific technical expertise is required, as long as you have one or more topics you can present on. If not, we’ll help you choose!

Training outline

The first session is focused on preparing a presentation and the second session is focused on practicing and giving a presentation in front of a live audience. Topics discussed:

• Day 1 (4 hours): introduction, choosing topics, how does a ‘call for papers’ work, how to write a great proposal, hands on: selecting a topic and writing a proposal.
• Homework after day 1 (4-8 hours): prepare a 5-10 minute presentation for the second day.
• Day 2 (4 hours): practicing with presenting a talk: preparation, tips, tricks, focus points. Hands-on: delivering a presentation in front of and audience. Feedback on your presentation from the trainer and participants.

Provided training material
Presentation slides, links to relevant resources, recording of your practice presentation.

About the trainer

Simone de Gijt is a software development consultant at OpenValue and focuses on Java, Software architecture, Kotlin and mentorship. Simone is an international conference speaker and shared her insights and experiences all across the globe, at major conferences like Devoxx, DevNexus, JCON, Javaland and many others. More information about Simone’s speaker experience can be found here: https://sessionize.com/simone-de-gijt/​

In her own time she volunteers as an educator on high schools. Her passion, next to programming, is to make the world a little kinder. She loves to be in a group, mingle, collaborate, talk and explain. But she wouldn’t want to work without the excitement and satisfaction she feels when developing a new feature. She’s defined by the combination: social but nerdy!

Note: This training can be given in Dutch or English at one of the OpenValue offices (Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Arnhem, Munich, Dusseldorf, Vienna, Zurich) or at your own location. Please contact us to discuss possibilities for a remote training and for training in German.