As you may be aware, we have recently relaunched our Design of Understanding event as a new quarterly series.
This has got us thinking about the structure and system of a good talk.
It is the conference organiser’s job to make sure every minute is enjoyable and insightful, so we try to follow these rules:
1. Organisers should commit to interesting people. Find speakers with unique, impactful and punchy stories to tell
2. Speakers should tell us something we haven’t heard before. Every speaker is different and so are their activities and interests. Organisers should compel speakers to discuss these interests, not what they think the hive-mind wants.
3. Speakers should stick to time. Don’t go over as it disturbs the next talk to come and it makes everyone uneasy. It’s like turbulence on a plane.
4. Encourage audiences to think. Speakers should gently spur the audience to participate and audience members should ask good questions, not just offer their thoughts.
5. Designers – don’t show us your portfolio.
6. Business people – don’t sell from the stage.
7. Make your guests comfortable. It might seem obvious, but food and drinks are a great way to network, discuss the evening, and make great connections.