Atlanta Code Camp 2008 - call for speakers

  • Article

The next Atlanta Code Camp has just been announced, it will be Saturday, March 29. There are full details on the website: www.atlantacodecamp.com

What they really need are speakers, speakers, speakers! No, not those cool, tiny, cube-like Bose speakers. They mean presenters.

If you've never presented before, a code camp is a great way to cut your teeth. Here are some suggestions on how to "put it together":

  • Pick a technology or topic you're familiar with (or one you want to learn) and assemble an outline of how you might want to talk about that technology or topic. Think about what value you will be adding during the presentation. Don't just list facts and stats, be ready to add your own perspective (without being too opinionated).
  • Lots of presenters will be covering the basics of the latest technology. Many times, attendees are looking for a new spin or a fresh perspective on stuff that's already out there.
  • Put together an abstract for your session that will make people fall all over themselves to attend it. Just listing the technologies won't cut it. Be creative and compelling. However, don't promise the moon if you won't be delivering the moon.
  • Plot out your demos to be clear, concise, and correct. And P-R-A-C-T-I-C-E!!!
  • Got a few key concepts that will help your audience better grok what you are showing? Then put it in some slides - but not too many, because this isn't a marketing seminar.
  • No code in slides. Diagrams are OK. And no sentences on slides - it's not a book report!
  • Have a brief agenda slide, focusing on why what you're going to present is interesting and/or useful, as well as the classic "tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em, tell 'em, then tell 'em what you told 'em".
  • Include some resources (blogs, books, articles, webcasts) for further exploration of the topic as well as your contact information, so your session isn't a dead-end. And don't take personal credit for conclusions or statements made by the author(s) of your resources. No one likes a plagiarizer!
  • Finally, nothing makes for an engaging presentation quite like personal experience and insight. Instead of just spitting back information, throw in some personal experience, best practices, gotchas to avoid, tips, etc. Keep people hooked!

Hope these help. Got any other tips? Leave a comment!