Speaking (and listening!) at Government 2010
I’ll be taking part in a discussion panel on online consultation at Government 2010 on 22 October – alongside Harry Metcalfe, Tom Watson and David Price.
The theme is:
Digital Engagement is Everyone’s Job: Formal and Informal Consultation on the Web.
I’ll be saying a bit about my experience and observations from the front line, setting up tools and supporting policy-makers in using them. Public appearances are pretty rare for me, so I’d welcome any speaking tips from the more seasoned presenters among you, as well as to know what issues in particular you think I should cover off in my short talk.
The rest of the day I’m expecting to hear to some inspiring stuff by the looks of the fantastic agenda. The event will be streamed live – register for free here.
Here’s organiser Jeff Peel’s introductory video:
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Comments
I am not an ‘expert’ so feel free to ignore me…
My advice (which someone gave me) and which I do try hard to follow when presenting is:
1. Tell them what you are gonna tell them.
2. Tell them it.
3. Then tell them again.ie remind them.
Dunno if that will work in this case, cos you have a lot to cover in a short time, but its still good advice and worth sharing.
Good luck.
chris
Neil, very much looking forward to meeting you on the 22nd. Should be a good day.
Jeff Peel
Government 2010
Er, seems I *won’t be on the other side if the intertubes but will nevertheless be (in t’room) cheering you on!
xxP
Hello, I'm Neil Williams. I'm a government web geek, a dad, a husband, a grower of veg, a keeper of hens and a lapsed comedy writer, roughly in that order. 
Try and keep some brief notes handy with 5-10 headlines of points you want to make. This avoids you coming away thinking ‘I wish I’d said that’. But be prepared to drop something if someone else makes your point and just agree with them
If you are speaking about things you know intimately and well make your main point first then explain it – rather than lead up to it. This only works if you’re well-experienced at timing, getting to a point in a minute or two, and IME if you’re enthusiastic sometimes you can run away with yourself. It also helps the audience as when people speak only a bit is retained. So if you hammer a main point, that helps get it across!
Practicing always helps, so take any opportunity beforehand.
Good luck! I’ve heard you and you’ll be fine :] I’ll be on the other side of the intertubes watching and waving.