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Speaker Resources

Speaker Resources

Below you will find resources to assist you in developing and delivering an engaging and memorable presentation.  Even if you are a seasoned speaker, we think you will find it beneficial to take a few moments to review the contents of this page.

CME Action Verb

Resources for the Hybrid, Virtual, or In-Person Presentations

  • Designing and Developing your Virtual Presentation:  Use this video as inspiration for designing and structuring virtual presentations. This presentation discusses how to develop goals and learning objectives, the importance of creating an outline, and tips for engaging your audience.
  • Virtual Speaker Best Practices: This video helps speakers prepare for a virtual presentation. This presentation discusses best practices for setting up your internet access and equipment, considerations when thinking about your physical environment, and tips as you practice your delivery.
  • Synchronous Video-Zoom:  A free version is available to all. The pro-level version is supported for VTC faculty by Virginia Tech (requires VT PID to log-in).  For faculty-level access to Zoom, use these instructions [pdf] to request a PID if you do not already have one assigned.
Presenter Zoom Instructions

Adding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to your Presentations

In preparation for your session, we ask that presenters consider how they may address issues pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity, as well as how these issues may impact the program and different groups of attendees. Below are some ways to think about framing your presentation with this in mind:

  • Provide culturally responsive perspectives within your presentation by considering the different identities of learners – How are your examples and presentation reflective of diverse experiences? Will learners see their communities represented?
  • Include diverse viewpoints represented in the learning environment and in the audience (including bias and positionality in the world, and how these factors influence professional interactions)
  • Create an inclusive environment by acknowledging diverse cultures and examples within your presentation, as well as providing accessible options to learners (non-primary English speakers, captions, etc). Our office offers several resources that can help to support the accessibility of presentations.
  • Emphasize health disparities research by pulling from relevant references/resources if they are available within the topic area of your presentation.

Books/Articles

Accessibility to your Presentations

All presentations are asked to include culturally responsive perspectives in recognition of the diversity and unique backgrounds of our participants. Here are some guiding thoughts as you think about this for your presentation:

  • Are the goals of the program achievable by different groups (e.g., accessibility, accommodations)
  • How can the goals of the session be used as a tool to advance equity?
  • Consider how equity shows up at all levels of your presentation (development, presentation, evaluation)

Accessibility resources

The following accessibility resources will make content more accessible to a wider range of people.