Propose, Prepare, Present by Alistair Croll - Book review

Propose, Prepare, Present

How to become a successful, effective, and popular speaker at industry conferences

By: Alistair Croll

Published: June 11, 2013
Paperback: 80 pages
ISBN-10: 1449366376
ISBN-13: 978-1449366377
Publisher: O'Reilly Media











"I'm doing this to try and make things better for organizers,vendors,and presenters - and, above all, for audiences", writes analyst and entrepreneur Alistair Croll, in his very hands on and straight talking book Propose, Prepare, Present: How to become a successful, effective, and popular speaker at industry conferences. The author describes how conferences are organized and structured, with a complete analysis of being the type of speaker sought by the conference organizers.

Alistair Croll recognizes the importance of conferences for the organizers, speakers, and audience. All too often, however the event fails to achieve it objectives due to selecting the wrong speakers. The author provides a complete time line structure of conferences, for speakers to better understand what the organizers seek, and what attendees really want to hear. With an understanding of the life cycle of a conference, and key insights into how and why presenters are selected, Alistair Croll offers a critical list of eleven things that potential speakers must include for consideration. He also shares a list of eleven things that speakers looking for a place at the lectern must avoid doing if they wish to be chosen as conference presenters.

Alistair Croll (photo left) understands that the would be speaker's submission for a talk will make or break their chances at inclusion on the conference schedule. Once the speaker is chose, the author presents valuable advice on giving a memorable and important talk to the event attendees. Knowing what the organizers are seeking, and what the audience wants to hear and learn are summarized in a step by step format.

Alistair Croll points out the important points that a potential speaker must include in the application. The author also highlights the most common mistakes that can derail a talk submission from the very start. Alistair Croll organizes the book into a logical and readily understood handbook format. The key overall sections of the book are as follows:

* The conference industy: An overview of what defines a conference and its life cycle
* From idea to stage: A conference timeline
* What organizers are looking for and what to avoid
* Some thoughts on superb performance: Making your presentation stand out
* But how do I make money: Engaging before, during and after the event

For me, the power of the book is how Alistair Croll combines a comprehensive overview of the nature of industry conferences with a complete guide to selection as a speaker at the events. The author offers a very clear and concise outline of the critical elements to having a speaking submission stand out from the crowd. At the same time, that outline is transformed into a very usable checklist for success. The proven advice shared by Alistair Croll will improve a speaker's odds of selection dramatically.

In the vast number of submissions sent to conference organizers, it is easy to get lost in the shuffle. The author demonstrates how to cut through that clutter and noise through tailoring a submission to the organizations goals and mission. Once selected, the next step is making the best and most memorable presentation possible. Alistair Croll again offers his proven strategies and techniques for ensuring a memorable and worthwhile speech that gives real value to both the audience and the conference sponsoring organization.

I highly recommend the indispensable and proven idea packed book Propose, Prepare, Present: How to become a successful, effective, and popular speaker at industry conferences by Alistair Croll, to any current and potential event speakers seeking a fantastic primer for becoming a successful presenter at industry events. The book takes all of the guesswork and mystery out of the submission process and for delivering the most value to the audience as well.