Writing a Conference Proposal

Conference Call What are the major themes? How will your experience add value to this event? What does the audience expect? What do they already know about your topic?

Interaction Will you present face-to-face or online? How can you actively involve participants?

Content Your preparation starts with solid content (appropriate for your audience). Do not put too much information into one talk.

So what? Put yourself in the shoes of the audience and ask yourself, so what? Is your point relevant? Is it important? So what? If you cant answer it, then cut that bit of content out of your talk.

Your Message What is the purpose of your talk? What is the essence of your message? Think about what to include and what to leave out.

Structure If your listeners could remember only three things about your presentation, what do you want it to be? (1)__________ (2)__________ (3)__________

Final Draft Prepare a strong fact, story, or saying to attract your audiences attention at the very start. Provide supporting materials and citations. Write a brief summarizing statement for the conclusion. Create a compelling title.

Proof-Read Eliminate nominalizations, wordiness and jargon; use concrete and specific language. Stick to the page limit. One hundred words means 100 words, one page means 1 page. Give your proposal to someone with experience and ask for their opinion.

Meet the deadline Late submissions suggest poor planning and preparation.