How to Give a Sharp Technical Talk

Anyone can give a compelling technical talk by keeping a few pointers in mind. Matching your speaking objective to the audience’s mindset and purpose is key.

If you work in a technical field, no doubt at some point you will have the opportunity to present a technical talk. With the appropriate preparation, goals, and mindset, any technical expert can give a good technical talk. The most important aspects of giving a compelling technical talk is defining a clear objective and aligning your talk with your audience.

Presenting a good technical talk should involve the following steps:

• Determining your purpose. Giving a talk can serve a variety of purposes, from informing the audience of your work, to teaching them a new concept, to encouraging them to follow up with you, try your software, or make a sale. Determine what you want your listeners to do with the information you’ve provided them after they’ve listened to your talk.
• Understanding your audience and their purpose in listening to you. On a related note, your audience has specific goals or objectives in mind when listening to your talk. They may be coming to learn more about your work or to more efficiently learn something that they would otherwise…