2023 Toward Zero Deaths Conference: Resources for Speakers

Preparing the Presentation

• What type of presentation are you doing? What’s your goal?
  • Call to action
  • Inform
  • Convince
• Three Keys
  • Know your audience
  • Know your focus
  • Know your approach
• Be comfortable with your content
  • If using a script—learn key words
  • If using notes—prepare notes using your words (practice out loud)

Doing the Presentation

• Beginning the presentation: Set the stage/create an introduction for your presentation
  • Define the topic
  • Lay out the agenda
  • Define any ground rules
  • Grab their attention
• During the presentation
  • Make eye contact (when possible)
  • Gear your voice to the back of the room (Always use a mike when there is one available. You may think you speak loud enough, but your voice will diminish over the course of the presentation.)
  • Don’t turn your back on the audience
  • Don’t pull out your phone or check your watch for time. Keep your phone/watch next to your notes or somewhere that you can see it. Moderators will notify you if you are getting close to your time limit.
• Ending the presentation
  • Summarize your key points
  • Ask for an action (if appropriate)
  • Provide an anecdote or short story (e.g., an example that may resonate with the audience or bring your point home)

Why Do Some Presentations Fall Flat?

• They're too long. (Be sure to leave some time for questions/audience interaction. Leave them with “food for thought.”)
• They're too broad. (Focus on a few main messages that will make your point/tell your story)
• They include too much information. (Decide what the key points are to be sure the audience stays focused on what’s important.)
• They have no set goals. (Return to the tips above!)

If you are a speaker at the 2023 TZD Statewide Conference, we encourage you to put our “I’m a speaker” image in your email signature block in size "large." 

Download the image

You can link the image to the TZD Statewide Conference web page in two ways:

1. Add this linked text below the image: Click here for more information on the 2023 TZD Statewide Conference
2. Add the link directly to the image. Instructions for Gmail and Outlook are included below.

• In Gmail:
  • Go to Settings – General – Signatures.
  • Find your signature and click into the text edit box.
  • Highlight your image and select the link icon.
  • Insert the URL to which you want to link the image.
  • Click OK.
  • Click Save changes at the bottom of the page.
• In Outlook:
  • In Outlook 365, click on the Settings icon.
  • Go to View all settings.
  • Click on Compose and reply.
  • Your default email signature will now appear.
  • Double click on the image to which you wish to add a link.
  • Click on the link icon.
  • Add the link and click on the OK button.
  • Click on Save and exit.

• Laptops are provided and will be set up in each room.
• Please bring your PPT on a flashdrive. (NOTE: We also recommend that you email yourself a copy as a back up “just in case.”) You will need to download your PPT onto the desktop of the presentation computer in your room. We will keep a copy of all presentations for sharing after the event (unless you have indicated otherwise).
• If you have a video, please embed it in the PPT or have it on a separate file.
• Check into your room 15 minutes prior to your session. Your room moderator will help you get set up and/or can locate your AV technician if needed.
• If your room moderator is not in the room and you need assistance, please contact Christy Dehn at 612-581-2634.
• There will be a handheld microphone available in each room. Even if you are a loud speaker, we request that you use the microphone while speaking. This supports audio both in the room and allows virtual attendees to best participate in the presentation.

Before the Session

• Familiarize yourself with the layout of the room, light switches, microphones, etc.
• Check with speakers regarding name pronunciation, special needs, or questions.
• Make sure the speakers’ audio-visual equipment is working. An AV technician is available to problem-solve.
• Check with speakers about the order of the presentations and time limits for each presenter.
• If the session is being livestreamed, check with the AV tech to ensure the livestream is operating before starting the session.

During the Session

• Start and end the session on time.
• Introduce yourself at the beginning of the session.
• State the session name and number, and say why the topic is important to the audience.
• Refer the audience to the QR code for the evaluation survey.
• Briefly introduce each speaker (see bio sheets in room folders).
• Signal speakers at 2 minutes before their time is up. If speakers run beyond the allotted time, you should remind the speaker that we need to move to the next presenter.
• Encourage questions from the audience if time permits—repeat the question, or ask the speaker to repeat it, so the whole room can hear.
• Alert the speaker(s)/participants to time for “one more question.”
• Lead the applause, if appropriate.

Considerations for Moderators in Livestreamed Rooms

• There will be a livestream attendant (LSA) monitoring questions from online viewers. Note: The LSA will raise their hand if there is a question from the virtual audience for you to ask the speaker(s).
• Please ensure the guests in the room utilize a microphone when asking questions (or repeat the question) so the virtual audience can hear them.\

At the End of the Session

• Thank each of the speakers.
• If there is time remaining, ask if there are any final questions.
• Prior to dismissing guests, remind them of the session number and title and ask them to complete an evaluation. They can find the QR code/link in their programs or you have one in your packet. Please leave 1-2 minutes at the end of the session for participants to fill out evaluations.
• Thank the audience for attending.