The suggestions below will help you connect with the entire AGRiP pooling community and ensure your session resonates with our conference attendees.
Please be sure to review Your Next Steps for Speaking for important logistical details about your session. Let your AGRiP contact know if you have any questions or if there’s information we can provide to support you.
Focus on delivering substantive, practical content.
Successful AGRiP presentations are built more on substance than entertainment, and our conference attendees are generally a pragmatic group.
However, strong engagement still matters. You’re seeking to capture the attention of busy, sometimes distracted pooling professionals, so make your content and delivery compelling. AGRiP is happy to help you identify stories and examples to weave into your presentation, making it both relevant and memorable.
Aim for content that’s slightly advanced rather than too basic.
Our pooling professionals are experienced and knowledgeable — they appreciate presentations that challenge them. There’s no need to oversimplify your material. If you need assistance, AGRiP is here to help you find the perfect balance in both level and tone.
Prepare slides in the correct format and with minimal branding.
AGRiP does not provide presentation templates. Prepare your slides in widescreen (16:9) format.
Branding by non-pool organizations is permitted only on the first and last slides. Our members prioritize subject matter expertise and prefer presentations focused on content rather than sales. Even seemingly harmless “about us” sections can be viewed as overly promotional by pooling professionals and may result in complaints.
Demonstrate your expertise (not your credentials) right from the start.
Skip the resume and open with a strong, industry-specific story or example. Introductions that focus on relevant, engaging material resonate most with our attendees, while personal history or unrelated details tend to be less effective.
Save organizational context for the end of the presentation.
Our sessions are typically brief and focused, and attendees prefer to dive directly into the details. The background of your pool or organization — and how it shapes your approach or example — is best shared within the presentation itself rather than on an introductory slide. If you feel it’s necessary to include information about your organization, please do so at the conclusion instead of the beginning.
Use a BLUF approach.
Because our sessions are focused and our attendees are pragmatic, a “bottom line up front” (BLUF) approach is most effective. Instead of presenting information chronologically or in a journey-focused format, present the end result first, and then the factors that led you there.
Incorporate best practice standards when possible.
Our AGRiP Advisory Standards are industry-specific best practices that support pools as they review and evaluate their internal operations. Our staff can help you identify standards relevant to your topic. By highlighting best practices, you empower pools to better serve their members.
Be mindful of copyright and use attribution.
Do not use content (including photos, videos or illustrations) for which you do not have copyright permission or ownership. Provide appropriate attribution and credit.
Always use the microphone.
Even if you’re confident in your ability to project, room dynamics, background noise and hearing disabilities can make it difficult for some attendees to hear clearly.
Repeat questions from the audience before answering.
This ensures everyone in the room hears and can contextualize the question. Better yet, encourage attendees to use a microphone as well.
Double-check the A/V system before your session begins.
When you get to your session room, test the microphone, run your presentation and check your internet connection. If a problem arises, don’t dwell on it during your presentation. Attendees can always access your materials through the conference app, even if the A/V doesn’t cooperate.
Watch the clock.
Time management is one of the most challenging aspects of public speaking, and attendees notice when speakers go over or under their allotted time, or don’t cover all the intended information. Practice your presentation, use a timer and realistically assess how much you can cover to ensure you stay on track.