How can you align your conference speaking goals with the conference theme?

1 Understand the theme

The first step is to understand what the conference theme is and what it means for the organizers and the attendees. Read the call for proposals, the website, and any other materials that explain the theme. Look for keywords, questions, and challenges that the theme addresses. Try to figure out what the organizers are looking for in terms of topics, formats, and outcomes. What are the main problems or opportunities that the theme explores? What are the goals or benefits that the theme promises?

2 Define your goals

The next step is to define your own goals as a speaker. What do you want to achieve by speaking at the conference? Do you want to share your expertise, promote your work, build your network, or learn something new? How do you want to influence or inspire the audience? How do you want to position yourself or your organization in the field? Write down your goals and prioritize them according to their importance and relevance.

3 Match your goals with the theme

The third step is to match your goals with the theme and find the best way to align them. How can you contribute to the theme with your content, style, and delivery? How can you address the needs and interests of the audience in relation to the theme? How can you showcase your value and credibility in the context of the theme? How can you create a memorable and meaningful experience for the audience that aligns with the theme? Brainstorm some ideas and choose the ones that fit the best.

4 Craft your proposal

The fourth step is to craft your proposal based on your goals and the theme. Your proposal should clearly demonstrate how your presentation will support and enhance the theme. It should also highlight your goals and how they align with the conference objectives. Use the keywords, questions, and challenges that you identified in the first step to write a catchy title, a concise abstract, and a compelling bio. Make sure to follow the guidelines and deadlines provided by the organizers.

5 Prepare your presentation

The fifth step is to prepare your presentation according to your proposal and the theme. Your presentation should deliver what you promised and what the audience expects. It should also reflect your goals and how they align with the theme. Use the theme as a guide to structure your content, choose your examples, and design your visuals. Use the theme as a hook to capture the attention, engage the emotions, and stimulate the curiosity of the audience. Use the theme as a thread to connect your points, reinforce your message, and create a lasting impression.

6 Evaluate your results

The final step is to evaluate your results after the conference. Did you achieve your goals as a speaker? Did you align your goals with the theme? Did you receive positive feedback from the organizers, the audience, or your peers? Did you make any connections, opportunities, or impacts that relate to your goals and the theme? Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, and identify any areas for improvement. Celebrate your successes and learn from your challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?