This is an idea that I’ve been playing around with for awhile and I wanted to reach out to everyone and conduct some informal user research on the topic. I’ve been looking to *maybe* get into some speaking engagements (conferences, lectures, what have you…) and have actually even started submitting proposals which is scary enough in and of itself. But then I started thinking, would people even what to hear me speak, and if so, what kind of topics would they want me to talk about?
Therefore I’m throwing the topic out to you, the community, and hoping to get some insight into these questions. Please let me know in the comments if:
1. You would want to or expect me to begin speaking to audiences (if not, please let me know, I won’t be hurt) and,
2. The topics you would expect me to speak about.
Thanks for the help! Looking forward to hearing everyone’s opinions.
Hi Lis,nnI think you should start speaking and sharing your ideas and thoughts. No reason to think that you can’t be a leading contributor. The topics I would expect would be those that you’re passionate about (e.g. people, building great experiences, etc.); those that reflect your growth in this business (e.g. working as a UX consultant, running your own business, etc.) but also tricks and tips to working with some of the many tools we use (I know you have many up those experienced sleeves).
Wonderful… Thanks so much Scott!!
Lis I agree with Adam. Pick something you’re passionate about. The transmission will connect with those who are looking for it. And for those who aren’t, they’re gonna love the passion you convey.nnBesides that, based on what I’ve heard you say at company meetings in times past, I would listen to you speak. You delivered useful information in a compressed, efficient format. Worth the time for sure. Go for it.
Thanks Danny… you rule!
Lis – I for one would love to hear you speak. But I look at speaking a bit differently. Rather than look to an audience to tell you what to speak about, you should speak about whatever it is you want to. Speak about what’s important to you. The people who are interested will come. Speaking at conferences and things are just another way to start a conversation with people you might not get a chance to talk to otherwise. So… what do you want to talk about???
Great point Adam! Yes, I do look at it that way as well. There are a few topics I’d love to speak about and I agree that those that are interested will come. You are resetting my thinking about this which is awesome. I am interested to see how what I want to speak about matches with peoples’ perception of me… social experiment maybe? A way to get new ideas? Am I some sort of even scientists by doing this? hahaha. Thanks soooooo much for reading/posting!