CSP 011 - How to generate conference talk ideas - Article and Podcast
Plus a free chapter of the Zero To Keynote book!
Hey Creative Souls,
I hope you are safe and well.
There’s certainly very little sign of summer here in the UK right now (how very British to open a newsletter with the weather).
However, conference season is upon many industries and communities. As such, the topic for this newsletter is how to generate conference talk ideas and topics.
For richer insights and guidance check out the “Here’s an idea worth playing with” podcast episode.
Keep scrolling down for a free chapter to accompany the podcast, on “generating talk ideas” - straight out of my book Zero to Keynote.
First, a quick update.
I have a new book launching soon about how to structure, design and run award-winning workshops.
It’s been a real joy to write and I’m sure it will be helpful, insightful and enjoyable for anyone looking to run a workshop at work, at a conference or in your community.
Subscribe to Creative Soul Projects, and stay up to date for the launch!
Generating Talk Ideas
Speaking at conferences or events, and even at work, can be a joyful experience. There are many reasons to do a presentation, from sharing your message to the career opportunities it can open up. I cover plenty more in Zero to Keynote.
However, one major reason I hear from people who are hesitant to take that first step towards public speaking, is not because they are scared of public speaking (although many are), but they struggle to find something to talk about.
There is a kind of curse of knowledge - as in, why would I know something, or have something interesting to share, that hasn’t already been said by someone else?
In other words, why would someone want to listen to me?
Well, that’s nonsense. In a kind way.
Nobody has your personal insights, experience and take on the world - and trust me, assuming you are speaking at the right event or conference, there will be people who are interested in what you have to say.
So, one of the first things to do when you’re planning a talk, is to have something worth talking about; something you’re excited about sharing.
Step forth a heavy dose of ideation (the precursor to creativity) and let those ideas fill your bucket - then whittle them down and craft something you’re happy to talk about.
Listen to the podcast for a deep dive into each way to generate talk ideas, or download the super cool free guide I’ve created.
For even more insightful guidance on structuring a talk, delivering a talk, logistics, communication and more - check out the Zero to Keynote book, available in print (UK only) and digital (global).
Podcast
Listen to the podcast to learn more about the core ideation techniques I recommend:
Challenge. Brain Dump. Time.
Observations
Experience
Industry trends.
Change.
Random words.
The future.
Alternatives.
Experiments.
Be positive.
Begin again.
What do the experts discount?
You can listen to the podcast here.
Free Guide
Download the free guide (a chapter from Zero to Keynote) with more details on each of the idea generation techniques above and covered in the podcast.
The download is a PDF and it will open immediately / or download depending on your browser settings.
Free CSP guide to conference talk ideation.
Thanks for reading this article and listening to the podcast. If you enjoyed this edition of CSP, feel free to share it with others.
Until next time, where I’ll be sharing my top Stationery items as a self confessed Stationery Freak!
Cheers
Rob..
Support Creative Soul Projects
Creative Soul Projects is a reader supported creative outlet.
Your support and membership has helped to create lots of great content, and useful resources for other creative souls, around creativity, communication and personal learning.
Here’s how you can support CSP:
The Zero to Keynote book: Available to buy in a beautiful printed version (UK only) & a delightful digital PDF version (Global).
The Take a Day Off book: Available to buy in a beautiful printed version (UK only) & a delightful digital PDF version (Global).
The Communication Superpower Workbook: Available to buy as a PDF download, designed to help you develop effective communication skills.
📒 Find more resources, free downloads and guides in the CSP Store.
🕋 Dig into the archive for great content.