Before your talk: Rehearsals and dry runs
The only thing we love more than a riveting talk about open source technology is a speaker who is prepared and comfortable. If you think a rehearsal would help you deliver your best, please reach out to the email below and we would be delighted to get this scheduled for you. Even if it’s as simple as pressing the next slide button or standing in front of the bright stage lights ahead of time, we are happy to make accommodations to help you feel relaxed and ready.
If you are using your device, please reach out to us at your earliest convenience and make sure you book a slot to test your equipment.
On the day of the talk
Before the presentation, you will arrive 30 minutes before your talk and meet with event support at the venue. You will have a dedicated room where you can rehearse, prepare, and relax. The room is identified as “Meeting 3”. You will be provided with a headworn microphone(s) or handheld microphone(s) and will be shown how to hold/use them. You will also be provided a presentation clicker.
By default, the presentation you previously shared with us will be loaded and opened for you, ready to be presented during your time slot. You will be shown a preview of the slides that will be presented, your allocated time, and briefed on any extra information required.
An event support member will then lead you to the front of the room and give you your cue to go on stage. If you are using your device, our support team will help you prepare the equipment as you are being introduced to the audience.
During the talk
On stage, you’ll see one monitor with your remaining time and also displaying your notes and current slide. The clicker has two buttons: advance and go back. The timer will turn orange at 2 minutes and red at 1 minute.
The monitor will show any messages sent from the Event Support team. Typically it's reminders to hold the mic closer, or that you have gone over time.
If you are giving a conference talk
Feel free to take questions if time allows; support staff will provide microphones to the audience.
Your countdown timer will start automatically when you get on the stage. If you run out of time (or topics), conclude promptly to respect the schedule. Exit the stage the same way you entered. A staff member will guide you to the back of the room and collect your clicker and microphone.
If you are giving a lightning talk
Due to the fast nature of the talks, you will be handed a microphone and a clicker by the previous lightning talk speaker as they get off the stage. An event support member will be present to ensure everything proceeds smoothly. Your presentation will be loaded for you, ready to be presented during your time slot.
Once you are on the stage your five minute timer will start counting down. If you run out of time, you will hear a coo-koo sound. That is your cue to leave the stage and hand the microphone and clicker to the next speaker. Part of the fun of lightning talks is respecting the almighty cuckoo, that means no audience questions, no finishing your talk, and no shoutouts to mum.
Exit the stage the same way you entered. Remember to hand the microphone and clicker to the next speaker. An event support staff will be present to help. You should take a seat in the front row to cause as little disruption as possible to the lightning talks after yours.
After the talk
Give yourself a pat on the back, and then follow the directions of the event support member waiting at the exit of the stage (same way you came on). They will remove any microphones or equipment and direct you on any additional post talk steps.
Have a question or technical request?
Send us an email at internal-events-support@canonical.com