So you want to be a SQL Saturday speaker? By Ray Kim

About me... Blog: http://pianorayk.wordpress.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pianorayk Working in technology since 1989: Computer operator , instructor , technical writer , analyst , webmaster , developer Member of CASSUG (Albany SQL user group) and Albany UX/UI user group BS in computer science, Syracuse University (LET’S GO ORANGE!!!) MS in technical communication, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (GO RED!!!) Interests: My wife (Lianne) and two cats (Bernard, Nutmeg) Playing music (four different instruments, member of KKΨ band fraternity) Sports: Syracuse football and basketball, RPI ice hockey, NY Yankees, fantasy football, CrossFit

About this presentation This is NOT a technology-specific presentation This presentation is based on personal experience I don’t like to lecture – I prefer to discuss issues and act as a facilitator Please ask questions! Feel free to engage!

About this presentation Here’s what we’ll discuss: Your experience with SQL Saturday (so far)! My story: how I became a SQL Saturday presenter Let’s talk about YOU! Try it out: let’s see how YOU present! Subject matter How to get involved

About this presentation Although this presentation is specific to SQL Saturday, this material is applicable to any public speaking or presentation situation!

Welcome to Let’s see a show of hands… How many of you are at your first SQL Saturday? For that matter, how many of you are attending your first conference, lecture series, or learning event (not including school) of any type? How many of you are interested in contributing something (specifically, your knowledge) to SQL Saturday (or any other similar event)?

How I got into it – the beginnings! I attended my first SQL Saturday in 2010 (SQL Saturday #39, NYC) I knew I wanted to get involved in some way My mindset: “Most people who attend these things probably know more about SQL Server than I do!” I doubted my expertise: “What do I have to offer these people?”

How I got into it – the beginnings! I helped co-found CASSUG (Capital Area SQL Server User Group) User group provided a presentation forum During one meeting, I came up with an idea I wrote down my thoughts By the end of the meeting, I’d jotted down enough notes for a presentation I asked people: “Here’s my idea. What do you think?” The presentation became “Whacha just say? Talking technology to non-technical people”

How I got into it – the beginnings! I created presentation slides from my ideas I tried it out at a user group meeting After I presented, I asked for feedback What did people like or dislike about my presentation? Did I forget to cover anything? What can I do better?

How I got into it – the beginnings! Some things I discovered about presenting I was good at it! (Or so I was told!) I was learning new things! I enjoyed doing it! I wanted to do more! Maybe this could lead somewhere!

How I got into it – the beginnings! My first submission: I submitted it to my hometown SQL Saturday (#386, Albany, 2015) I submitted to SQL Saturday #465 (Providence, RI) for that December This was my very first SQL Saturday – either as an attendee or a speaker – that was NOT in New York State I started associating with other speakers My confidence started to build Since then, I’ve spoken at 14 SQL Saturdays in… Albany, NY (4) Providence, RI (2) Rochester, NY (2) Philadelphia, PA (3) Pittsburgh, PA Baltimore, MD New York, NY

Why speak at SQL Saturday? It gives you an opportunity to share your expertise and to “pay it forward” You get public speaking and presentation experience You learn new things Opportunity to meet people, make friends, and network It’s an excuse to get out of the house You gain recognition and exposure It looks good on a resume Free swag (and maybe a few perks)! It’s fun!

Let’s discuss YOU for a minute… Are you interested in presenting? Why do you want to present? Is there anything that’s keeping you from doing it? Do you like speaking in front of an audience? Is there something you like to talk about? Can you bring something to the table?

Let’s discuss YOU for a minute… Anyone want to come up to talk about something? (It can be about anything you want!) In order to succeed, you need to step out of your comfort zone!

B-b-b-but… I have nothing to talk about! “An expert is someone who knows something that you don’t.” – Chris Bell, WaterOx Consulting, SQL MVP If you can talk about a topic* that would interest data people, you can speak at SQL Saturday! And notice that I did NOT say anything about “SQL Server!” People – even techies – are interested in a number of topics – and they aren’t necessarily technical! Think about what expertise you have to offer

Picking a topic Pick something that first interests YOU! If you don’t care about your topic, why should your audience? The FIRST person you should please is YOURSELF! Consider your audience – to whom are you speaking? For SQL Saturday, your audience is most likely data professionals Pick a topic that your audience will find interesting Try to pick a topic that either… has never been presented before, is unique, OR… is something you can present in a new or different way

Creating the presentation slides Don’t NOT have presentation slides! KISS!!! Reading is work! Do NOT bury your info in black text! Don’t make your audience have to work! Use illustrations, examples, and demos If using a demo, test it to make sure it works! Don’t be afraid to make it fun! Be creative!

Some tips for presenting Start with a topic you’re comfortable talking about Once you feel more comfortable with presenting, venture into new topics Start with user groups (or other opportunities) Always listen to feedback If you can record your own presentation, do it – then critique yourself Do NOT be afraid to fail!!!

Some tips for presenting Practice, practice, practice!!! Local user group Workplace Family and friends Solicit feedback and make improvements or adjustments Find ways to engage your audience. Encourage discussion and questions, ask for volunteers, etc. Keep track of your time – you only have a limited amount of time Leave room for questions at the end

Some tips for presenting Don’t forget about Murphy’s Law!!! “Whatever can go wrong, will.” Your laptop could crash Your laptop might only have an HDMI output, and the projector connection is VGA Your presentation file might be corrupted You might have forgotten to bring something Your demo might not work Be prepared!!! Have a back-up plan Be ready to think on your feet Make sure Windows Update is up-to-date!!!

Applying to speak at SQL Saturday Very simple process! Go to http://www.sqlsaturday.com Find an upcoming event where you would like to speak Take note of submission deadlines Click the “Speakers” link Write yourself a good bio Create a good session abstract Make sure your bio and session abstracts are brief, to-the- point, and interesting (bear in mind that both have character limits) Remember: you are rejected at 100% of the events to which you do NOT apply!

Some things to remember when applying You are a volunteer. This is on your own dime When you’re applying for an out-of-town event, consider: Location Your schedule Travel (costs, methods, distance, lodging, times, schedules) Don’t be discouraged if you’re not picked to speak (if at first you don’t succeed…) Be prepared to network Don’t forget to have fun!!!

I’ve been picked to speak!!! Congratulations for being selected! Now that you’ve been picked to present… Check the presentation schedule – what you’re presenting, and when you’re presenting Mark your calendar and make note of times – speaker’s dinner, presentation schedule, after-event party, etc. Finalize your travel plans! If not driving, check timetables (flights, trains, etc.) Check locations (event venue, hotel/lodging, etc.) Tell everyone you’re speaking! Post it on your ‘blog, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.!

I’ve been picked to speak!!! Make sure you have everything you need Laptop (including your slides and demos) Adapters (video, network, etc.) Presentation remote (if you have or need one) Your ID (if required for registration or entry) SpeedPass (if they don’t print it for you) Business cards (be prepared to network!) Anything else you need for your presentation! Make sure everything works (slides, demo, etc.) Proofread your slides! Practice your presentation!

Resources to check out Other presentations about presentations… Learning to present and becoming good at it by James Serra Everyone Has a Story to Tell: Developing Your First Presentation by Andy Yun So you want to Present: Tips and Tricks of the trade by Greg Moore

Resources to check out Organizations Toastmasters International (https://www.toastmasters.org/) Dale Carnegie Training (https://www.dalecarnegie.com/) Your local special interest user group (doesn’t have to be a SQL Server group)

Questions?