2022 National Conference Speakers' Guide
NSWOCC Conference 2022 is doing all sessions live.
This will be shown using a platform called Zoom Webinar which have certain features to help make your experience participating in these sessions as easy and interactive as possible!
​
We found that live sessions are more personal and interactive. Having completed two previous virtual conference events, we have learned a few do’s and don’ts that we would like to share with speakers doing live presentations.
​
How to prepare for a live session
-
Please show up at the Zoom panelist “backstage” room 30 minutes prior to your scheduled session to prepare yourself, meet with Troy Curtis our conference Zoom coordinator and do a sound check. Zoom Webinar Backstage is another area that runs before, during, and after a conference session when not actively presenting. Panelists can enter this backstage room before your presentation begins. Panelists in the backstage can also still view and hear the live session, allowing you to follow the presentation and know when your cue to join the session.
-
You will receive an email with a zoom link to access the Zoom panelist backstage room approximately 1-2 days prior to your presentation. Please make sure you update your Zoom app to the minimum required version, listed below:
-
Zoom desktop client:
-
Windows: version 5.10.0 or higher
-
macOS: version 5.10.0 or higher
-
Linux: version 5.10.0 or higher
-
-
Zoom mobile app:
-
Android: version 5.10.0 or higher
-
iOS: version 5.10.0 or higher
-
-
-
Ensure you are using a good headset with microphone. If you choose to use cell phone ear buds please ensure your microphone is not rubbing against clothing or hair during the presentation. This creates a loud noise to end users making it difficult to hear your speak. The sound check prior to your presentation will help identify this and we can make adjustments. Computer microphones can be unreliable and make your sound quieter. It is best to use a headset and microphone.
-
Please ensure you have an appropriate background during your presentation such as a blank wall or office wall. Try not to have any personal items displayed. If your computer supports a background on Zoom we will send you a conference background you can display. Troy can assist you with setting this up on your computer. Please contact Troy at: office@nswoc.ca
-
Please ensure that you email and browser tabs are all closed and not displayed on your screen. People can see what you have been browsing on the internet and also email pop-ups.
-
Ensuring that you have a quiet place to do your presentation with no background noise or interruptions is essential. Remember to silence your cell phone and even put it out of sight so that it does not distract you during your presentation
-
Please wear professional attire, at least from the waist up. Your personal appearance should be the same as if you were presenting on a stage in front of audience of over 500 people from around the world.
-
Check you lighting and camera angle prior to your presentation. You should have your head and shoulders displayed centrally on the screen. It is sometimes helpful to have your computer raised (on books) so that you are looking directly into the computer camera and not down or upwards. These can be unattractive angles.
-
If you are presenting with other people (panel session) please leave your camera on but be aware that people can see you while other panelist are presenting. We like to see human reactions which make the presentation more personal and interactive but be careful of your reactions and nervous ticks when you are not speaking. Also, be present and pay attention without computer distractions (googling, online shopping, your publication deadline looming) during the presentation while others are speaking.
-
Please send you cell phone number to Cathy Harley CEO NSWOCC at: office@NSWOCC.ca so that we may be able to contact you in the event of schedule changes and to send you reminders if necessary.
Staying on time
Please keep in mind that Moderators are there to make sure the sessions move smoothly from one to another—this means that we must stay to the allotted time available for each session so that they do not run into the time allotted for another scheduled session. We suggest that you leave 10 minutes for questions in your allotted time allowance of your session. If you have been allotted 45 minutes you should aim to have your presentation completed at 35 minutes.
Moderators will conduct the Question and Answer portion of the presentation by reading the questions in the Q&A box for you to answer. If your session ends and there are questions that were not answered, moderators for your session will ask participants to ask additional questions by visiting the discussion forum the Conference website, where you can post it directly to one of the panelists.
​
All questions that were posed in the Q&A featured during your session will be saved and emailed to you at the end of the day so you have a record of them.
​
How will a session are introduced
Each session starting with the first one of the day will be introduced by one of Cathy Harley (NSWOCC CEO), Mary Hill (National Conference Planning Committee Chair), and/or Kim LeBlanc (WOC Institute Chair), who will be the moderators for our conference. After they introduce the session, the recording of the session will be played for all those in attendance. Once the recording ends, the live question & answer period will begin, if time permits.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise at the NSWOCC 41st Conference!
​
Best regards,
​
Mary Hill
Chair, NSWOCC National Conference Planning Committee