Speaker Training
Speaker Training Videos
Part 1 – Introduction To Becoming An NSCP Speaker
Hear NSCP’s veteran speakers share:
- What drew them to speaking at NSCP conferences
- Their favorite part of speaking at conferences
- How speaking has impacted their careers and professional skills
- Their best advice for those interested in speaking for NSCP
SPEAKERS:
Hope Brown, Michelle Canela, Ken Cherrier, Jerry Danielson, Pam Ziermann
Short Version Time: 5:31
Watch video and then answer these self-application questions:
- Why do you want to become an NSCP speaker?
- What are you hoping to gain from this training?
- Which skill areas do you feel most and least competent?
- Speaking in front of an audience
- Keeping audience members interested and actively engaged
- Preparing presentation materials
- Working with co-panelists
- Other
Long Version – Time: 14:21
Part 2 – Preparation, Coordination And Communication Best Practices
NSCP speakers share their tips and best practices for:
Video #1 – Planning and compiling a presentation:
- Relevant content for intended audience/learning objectives
- Outline and PowerPoint
- Supplemental Materials
- Practical take-aways for attendees
- Speaking notes
SPEAKERS:
Linda Shirkey, Craig Watanabe
Note: Clicking button above will download a ZIP file to your computer with multiple files

Video #2 – Coordinating with co-panelists
- Determining each speaker’s areas of expertise and experience
- Style: conversational vs. dividing sub-topics
- Setting up deadlines
- Touch-base calls
- Balancing speaking time
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- Practice/Dry Run Sessions
SPEAKERS:
Jennifer Selliers, Krista Zipfel

Watch videos and then answer these self-application questions:
- Which tips or comments were most helpful for you?
- Which parts of the planning process do you think will be most challenging for you?
- Preparing session content
- Preparing presentation materials (PPT and supplemental materials)
- Coordinating with co-panelists
- Pre-session jitters
- Providing practical take-aways for attendees
- Time management and meeting deadlines
- Other
Time: 20:14
Part 3 – Engaging The Audience And Delivering A Valuable Session
NSCP speakers will share do’s and don’ts for optimum audience engagement for the various types of NSCP sessions:
Video #1 – Navigating Different Speaking Opportunities
- Speaking on Panels for In-person events (how to read your audience and pivot if needed to meet the needs/interests of the attendees)
- Speaking on Virtual Panels & Webinars (how to keep a virtual audience tuned in and actively engaged)
- Moderating Panels (asking pointed and relevant questions for audience’s benefit in a live setting; fielding questions; balancing time among all panelists)
- Facilitating Labs (creating environment for participatory learning and hands-on application through case studies, group discussions and personal application)
- Facilitating Talk Groups or Forums (prompting attendees to participate in discussion and share their questions and experiences for mutual learning environment)
SPEAKERS:
Jeff Blumberg, Trish Flynn

Video #2 – Mindful Tips for Speaking
- Adult attention span and learning styles (visual, auditory, print, tactile, interactive, kinesthetic)
- Speaking with confidence and countering the jitters (eye contact, not reading notes/slides, avoiding saying “um” and “you know”, key points outline, sharing experiences conversation-style)
- Budgeting time during session and leaving time for Q&A
- Answering live attendee questions
SPEAKERS:
Jim Downing, Maureen Kiefer-Goldenberg

Watch video and then answer these self-application questions:
- What nervous speaking habits do you have? How can you counter them based on the tips you learned?
- What is your learning style?
- What keeps your attention during virtual vs. live sessions and how can you be mindful of these when presenting?
- Which types of sessions would you be most interested in speaking on (panels, labs, forums, talk groups)?
- What are some ways you can become more comfortable with speaking in the different types of sessions?