Print Page

Speaker Standards and Expectations

Speaker Standards and Expectations

Presenting at a PACDL event is an opportunity to educate, inspire, and connect with a knowledgeable and engaged community of criminal defense professionals. To ensure a high-quality experience for both speakers and attendees, we encourage presenters to follow a set of best practices inspired by the clarity and impact of TED-style talks. These guidelines help keep presentations focused, practical, and compelling—enhancing the value for our members and elevating the overall program.

  • Clarity of Idea: Ensure that your idea or message is clear, concise, and well-defined. Focus on a single, compelling idea worth spreading.
  • Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage the audience emotionally and make your message relatable. Stories help the audience connect with your content on a deeper level.
  • Limited Duration: Keep your presentation within a specific time limit, typically 60 or 90 minutes. Sessions are short and impactful, so every word should count.
  • Engaging Opening: Start with a compelling hook or question to grab the audience's attention from the beginning. A strong opening sets the tone for the rest of your talk.
  • Clear Structure: Organize your presentation with a clear structure. Use signposts or transitions to guide the audience through your talk, making it easy for them to follow your narrative.
  • Visuals: If using slides or visuals, make sure they enhance your message rather than distracting from it. Use high-quality visuals sparingly and ensure that your font style is large enough visually for viewing.
  • Rehearsal: Practice your talk multiple times to ensure smooth delivery. Rehearsing helps you become more comfortable with your material and reduces the chance of stumbling during the presentation.
  • Authenticity: Be yourself. Speak with passion and conviction about your topic.
  • Avoid Jargon: Keep your language accessible. Avoid excessive technical jargon or terminology that might alienate the audience.
  • Memorable Takeaway: Leave the audience with a clear, memorable takeaway message or call to action. What do you want them to remember and do after your talk?
  • Non-Verbal Communication: Pay attention to your body language, eye contact, and vocal tone. Your non-verbal cues should align with your message and convey confidence.
  • Practice Audience Engagement: Engage with the audience. The presenter should include moments interacting with the crowd, whether through questions, humor, or thought-provoking prompts.
  • Relevance: Ensure that your talk is relevant to the learning objectives of the session.
  • Passion and Conviction: Share your passion for your topic. Convey why you care deeply about it, as enthusiasm is contagious.
  • Respect Time Constraints: Respect the event's time constraints and the schedule. Going under or over your allotted time is  discouraged.
  • Feedback and Revisions: Be open to feedback from event organizers and peers. Use constructive criticism to refine your presentation.
  • Visual Appearance: Dress appropriately for the event, considering the audience and the setting. Your appearance should complement your message.