You’re nervous in front of people. Everyone knows more than you do about every topic. You don’t have much experience with speaking… There are dozens of reasons we put off sharing our work and our stories with our peers. Contributing to WordPress isn’t all about code commits though—my favorite part is hearing from you. In this talk, I’ll give you the inside scoop on how to select events to speak at, how to write your first submissions, preparation techniques I’ve seen work, and other tips to give you the inspiration you need to at least raise your hand in a meetup.

1. How to Speak at a WordCamp
(and look like a pro)
WordPress DC Meetup, April 2017 • #wpdc @anthonydpaul

2. PPT skills
Adding or cutting content to allow for questions
What this talk isn’t
@anthonydpaul

3. We all know something
Lesson 1
@anthonydpaul

4. You’re not an imposter
Start by volunteering
Set goals, Liam Dempsey
http://wordpress.tv/2016/04/21/liam-dempsey-outgoing-on-command/
We all know something
@anthonydpaul

5. Pick your venues
Lesson 2
@anthonydpaul

6. At work
Lightning talks
Meetups / WordCamps (all sizes)
Other WordPress conferences
Other bar camps
Other professional conferences
Classrooms
Pick your venues
@anthonydpaul

7. https://central.wordcamp.org
Create a Google Calendar
Speaker deadlines
Past WC dates
https://2017.baltimore.wordcamp.org
Pick your venues
@anthonydpaul

8. Assemble your story
Lesson 3
@anthonydpaul

9. Any WordPress/business related topics
Decide on audience takeaways (structure to that)
Persuasive cadence, Nancy Duarte
https://www.ted.com/talks/nancy_duarte_the_secret_structure_of_great_talks
Assemble your story
@anthonydpaul

10. Descriptive title
Pose a problem
Ask a provocative question
List what audience will learn
https://2017.chicago.wordcamp.org/session/pixel-imperfect/
https://2017.chicago.wordcamp.org/session/5-steps-to-personal-and-
website-security/
Your abstracts
@anthonydpaul

11. Start with a story instead of an introduction (Ira Glass)
Activities and handouts
http://wordpress.tv/2015/05/23/anthony-d-paul-lean-requirements
-without-skimping-on-the-meat/
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18c8H4-DwNZ50X6HLfp9s1t
MZUtheck1fMnDOx-X8Wug/edit#heading=h.dwcmv6pgrcxm
Start with a story
@anthonydpaul

12. Beat anxiety with preparation
Lesson 4
@anthonydpaul

13. Practice without notes (Tracy Rotton)
Power Poses, Amy Cuddy
https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are
Credibility via intro, Aaron Jorbin
https://daily.jorb.in/2015/05/the-benefits-of-a-good-conference-introduction/
Opening right, Jared Spool https://vimeo.com/59771113
Beat anxiety with preparation
@anthonydpaul

14. Take off your lanyard
Don't do hand voting
Consider an activity or a handout
Speak at friends in audience
Decide how you want to pace in (don’t show your back; dancing optional)
Use strategic distractions (or lack of)
@anthonydpaul

15. Challenge yourself to level up
Lesson 5
@anthonydpaul

16. Slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/anthonydpaul
Track your progress http://www.stickielab.com/speaking/
Show hashtag and Twitter handle (then thank @s)
Submit abstracts on topics to learn
Aaron Jorbin, roulette talk
Challenge yourself to level up
@anthonydpaul

17. Storytelling Chris Lema, Matt Mullenweg
Engaged learning Michelle Schulp, Sal Ferrarello
Accessible and personal Josepha Haden, Zac Gordon
Comedy Joe Casabona, Brad Parbs
Creative formats Aaron Jorbin, Rami Abraham
Study your favorites
@anthonydpaul

18. Raise your hand
Lesson 6
@anthonydpaul

19. Detailed talks
http://stickielab.com/speaking
wireframing with WordPress • lean requirements
usability testing • information architecture
Stalker links
http://adp.rocks or http:// .ws or http:// .ws
Thank you
@anthonydpaul