🧲 How to get talent spotted at an event...

Conference season has officially begun!

Some of you will be taking part as speakers, panellists and moderators. Others will be attending; perhaps in the hope that one day, you’ll be invited to speak at a future event.

For those in the former group, I have just the strategy...

I came across this strategy while listening to an interview with Oli Barrett. He has founded multiple businesses and has become the most sought after host in the UK (for good reason).

Asking the first question is a chance to:

1. Train your nervous system 🦁
   Never underestimate the power of raising your hand. It’s a small, courageous act that compounds over time.

2. Break the ice with other attendees/speakers on stage 🧊 
   Your question creates a perfect common ground. No more awkward conversation starters!

3. Get on the radar of conference producers ⚡️
   They’ll be in the room (they might even be passing you the mic!) and will no doubt already be thinking about their next event.

*Oli’s 24 minute interview with Beyond The Bio is the best guide to nailing panels (both as a panellist and moderator) I’ve ever heard. Enjoy… 🎧

Here are 5 killer questions to help inspire your very own:

1. The Dot Connector ✨
   ‘One of the running themes from this session has been the idea that [X]. Could you expand on what that means for [Y]?’
   

2. The Contrarian View 🐘 
   What’s your take on the idea that [X]?
   

3. The Missed Opportunity 🤫
   ‘Where do you see the most room for improvement in [subject/industry/topic] that no one else is talking about?’
   

4. The Changed Perspective 🤔
   ‘What’s the one thing you’ve changed your mind about in [timeframe], and what has prompted the shift?’
   

5. The Recommendation 🎁
   ‘If you could offer one piece of advice to [insert persona] what would it be?

Let me know how you get on (especially if it results in a speaking opportunity!).

See you next week!

Alex

P.s. Oli, thanks for the inspiration 🙏. Writing this email was significantly harder than usual knowing you’re a subscriber!