Disclaimer: Our trainee blogs are written by trainees for trainees, offering career insights and industry perspectives.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being a keynote speaker at an event titled: ‘Help! How do I start a conversation about ED&I?’, organised by IP Inclusive, a network of intellectual property professionals working to make our community more equal, diverse, and inclusive.
I was asked to deliver a presentation that reflected on my own experiences of equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I) in the intellectual property world. This opportunity marked my debut as a trainee patent attorney presenting externally, making it a significant milestone for me.
In this blog, I share my 5 top tips for mastering a presentation, drawing from my own experiences, and offering insights into the life of a trainee patent attorney.
1. Prepare for success
I first prepared for my presentation by researching the topic of ED&I. I found publications that explored the complexities of ED&I and provided insights into starting ED&I conversations. I learned about the positive impact these conversions could have in both professional and personal environments.
2. Seek constructive feedback
After I had populated my presentation, I sought feedback from a colleague. The feedback was constructive and suggested that I make the narrative more personable to ensure that I engaged with the audience.
3. Incorporate feedback and refine
I took the feedback on board and refined my presentation accordingly, placing a greater emphasis on producing content that resonated with the audience. Incorporating this feedback not only improved my presentation but also boosted my confidence in delivering it, knowing that a colleague had supported its’ development and provided constructive feedback.
4. Practice, practice, practice
Once I was satisfied with my slides, I decided to write a script. Although I had previously been advised against scripting my presentations due to the risk of appearing robotic and unrehearsed, I continue to find it valuable when it comes to managing my nerves and preparing in advance. When nervous, my mind goes blank and no matter how many times I practise, I find it tricky to gather my thoughts. In these situations, I find a script very helpful. While others may find scripts unhelpful, my advice is to experiment and find what methods work best for you.
In the week leading up to the event I practised my presentation multiple times – with colleagues, with my partner, and on my own in front of the mirror. Despite comprehensive preparation, on the day, I felt I still needed the script as a guide, and I admit I made a few small mistakes on slide transitions. However, the audience remained engaged, and I even managed to make them laugh (on purpose!).
5. Reflect for future improvement
Reflecting on the experience, I can say that I learned several key lessons: the importance of thorough preparation, the value of practicing slide transitions, and the benefit of having a backup script. I was able to convey my message in an engaging manner, leading to promising and insightful discussions with the panel and the audience. The extremely positive feedback I received boosted my confidence for preparing and mastering future presentations, for both internal and external purposes.
