What's the goal of doing a talk at a conference or meetup? Let's assume that for most people it's to share experience, knowledge or passion for a specific subject. Meanwhile, I would expect the audience to actually want to learn from the talk. Don't forget: it takes time, money and energy to go to a conference or meetup. Anything we can do to enhance the transfer of knowledge would be beneficial for all parties involved.
But in the tech industry, it can be easy to get caught up in the fast pace and gatekeeping tendencies. However, I believe that empathy and inclusivity are key to facilitating knowledge sharing that goes beyond the individual. Here are some strategies that I have seen in amazing talks over the years, that seem helpful for making talks more inclusive:
Begin with an overview
Before diving in, provide a brief overview of the topic, highlighting the main points and key takeaways. This gives the audience a sense of what they can expect to learn and helps them get oriented.
How to deal with complicated topics
When the topic is complex, breaking it down into smaller parts that are easier to understand can be helpful. Once you are capable of explaining a complex topic in a simple way, you can be sure you understand the topic on a level that will benefit your audience and yourself. Alternatively, you can focus on explaining the significance of the topic if it is difficult for you to explain all of the details. Chances are the audience will be able to see the bigger picture you're trying to sketch.
Think about a CDN (Content Delivery Network): it can be a very complex topic. But if I start by explaining that storing a website in a location close to the user will load it quicker than if it is stored on a server across the world, most people will understand the importance of that topic. It really pays off to be mindful of the things you can explain.
Clarify abbreviations and numeronyms
If you introduce a new abbreviation or numeronym, make sure to clarify it. You might understand what an RFC (request for comments) is. Or what a11y (accessibility) means. But there is a big chance there are individuals in the audience who do not. Bring everyone along by providing proper definitions for the subjects you talk about. This ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Additional resources
What are resources that can help someone get started on this topic? Maybe include the slides from your talk on your personal website, together with possible handouts and links to further reading. This can be really useful for anyone in your audience who wants to read up on this topic. This can also extend the impact of the talk beyond the event.
Questions before your talk
Using social media before your talk to ask the audience what questions they have about the topic can help you get a sense of the knowledge gap between you and your audience and tailor the talk to their needs.
Questions after your talk
Ask the organizers of the conference how much time there is for questions at the end of your talk. Make sure you allow enough time for questions, especially if you're talking about a complicated topic.
Summarize
At the end of your talk, try to give a summary of what you've been trying to tell the audience. What are key takeaways? Reference any additional material they might find on the topic to help them along in their journey of learning more about the topic.
Conclusion
In short, if you want to connect with your audience during your talk, don't assume they have had the same experiences you have. Think about ways in which you can bring everyone along. You can do this with very small pragmatic steps like introducing your topic in a simple way and splitting difficult topics up in smaller, more understandable pieces.
You should also clarify any abbreviation or numeronym and you can definately share any additional resources that might be helpful for your listeners. Find out what your audience already knows by asking them questions beforehand. And allow them to also ask you questions afterwards. Don't forget to end with a summary of the key takeaways to help the topic land better.
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