Getting Started with Public Speaking for Software Developers

Introduction
Have you wondered what it takes to be a successful speaker as a software developer or software architect? Where to start, which topic to pick, and how to deliver? You’ll find answers to these questions in this training, delivered by Simone de Gijt, an internationally recognized software development conference speaker.

Detailed description

This training consists of 2 sessions of 4 hours, with homework (preparing a presentation) in between. Come learn why speaking is both fun and important. Throughout the training, you’ll receive concrete, experience-based tips on:

• identifying the right conferences and meetups
• choosing session formats that suit your goals and personality
• writing proposals that stand out from the rest
• preparing compelling talks
• delivering presentations with confidence and impact The trainer(s) will share their experiences, what has worked, what has not, and provide some key take aways. After this training, you’ll be ready to start on your own journey to speak at tech events aimed specifically at software developers and software architects.

Target audience
This training is suitable for software developers and software architects who wants to get started with or improve their public speaking skills. This training is focused specifically on public speaking at tech events. No specific technical expertise is required, as long as you have one or more topics you can present on. If not, we’ll help you choose!

Training outline

The first session is focused on preparing a presentation and the second session is focused on practicing and giving a presentation in front of a live audience. Topics discussed:

• Day 1 (4 hours): introduction, choosing topics, how does a ‘call for papers’ work, how to write a great proposal, hands on: selecting a topic and writing a proposal.
• Homework after day 1 (4-8 hours): prepare a 5-10 minute presentation for the second day.
• Day 2 (4 hours): practicing with presenting a talk: preparation, tips, tricks, focus points. Hands-on: delivering a presentation in front of and audience. Feedback on your presentation from the trainer and participants.

Provided training material
Presentation slides, links to relevant resources, recording of your practice presentation.

About the trainer
Simone de Gijt is a software development consultant at OpenValue and focuses on Kotlin, Java, software architecture, and mentorship. Simone is an international conference speaker and shared her insights and experiences all across the globe, at major conferences like Devoxx, DevNexus, JCON, Javaland and many others. A selection of Simone’s talks can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7ZiHy19idGNgLD0JI02VaYbskd3-DwHK Outside of work, Simone is a scuba diving enthusiast, board game strategist, and Hogwarts Legacy adventurer. She thrives on collaboration, loves sharing ideas, and likes to work together on complex issues. She’s defined by the combination: social but nerdy!

Note: This training can be given in Dutch or English at one of the OpenValue offices (Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Arnhem, Munich, Dusseldorf, Vienna, Zurich) or at your own location. Please contact us to discuss possibilities for a remote training and for training in German.