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Coffee with Lou #3: What Makes for a Successful UX Conference Presentation?
Summary
Some of us are naturals when we take the stage, whether virtual or in person. But most presenters struggle--with time limits, clear storytelling, impostor syndrome, slide creation paralysis, and good old fashioned stage fright. So we've convened some of the UX pros who curate Rosenfeld Media's conference programs and help prepare their speakers--they'll answer your questions and offer some tips on what makes a good UX conference presentation.
Key Insights
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Inclusivity in speaker selection and presentation development enriches conference content and broadens audience relevance.
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Collaboration during talk preparation, including peer cohorts and speaker coaches, significantly elevates presentation quality.
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Iteration over time is essential; rushed last-minute talks rarely succeed or engage effectively.
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Passion and intrinsic motivation in a topic strongly differentiate compelling talks from routine ones.
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New speakers with fresh perspectives often bring valuable insights that resonate well with audiences still exploring the topic.
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Panel discussions work best with pre-event planning to tease out varied, possibly conflicting viewpoints, avoiding bland consensus.
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Starting small with informal talks or meetups helps speakers refine material and build confidence before pitching to large conferences.
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Conference curators focus on thematic narrative arcs in programs, so narrowly focused talks are easier to integrate and develop.
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Rejecting a talk does not imply poor quality but often results from program constraints or lack of fit with other sessions.
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Speakers should build a portfolio of modular talk content that can evolve, mix, and be repurposed for varied venues and audiences.
Notable Quotes
"Inclusion means not just who’s on the program but who you’re researching and collaborating with as you create your presentation."
"Collaboration with peers and speaker coaches creates better content and stronger relationships beyond the conference."
"Iteration means don’t prepare your talk the night before. Start early, practice, and evolve your message over time."
"Give a s**t about your topic. If you’re not trying to change something, why are you on stage?"
"Don’t be afraid to poke the bear; controversy can help make your talk stand out and provoke meaningful discussion."
"Newness isn’t necessarily a new methodology—it can be a new way of looking at something familiar."
"Starting small with local meetups or internal talks helps you test and improve your material before bigger stages."
"Most bad panels feel like a bunch of people showing up at the last minute without shared goals or preparation."
"If your talk isn’t accepted, it doesn’t mean it’s bad—it might just not fit the program’s narrative arc or available slots."
"Building a portfolio of talks, refreshed over time, lets you keep evolving and sharing your ideas in different formats."
Or choose a question:
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