This will hurt me...

I am deadly serious when I tell you that today's comic is an accurate representation of the final presentation I witnessed at the recent international conference in Sydney a couple of weeks ago. Moreover, it reflects a number of presentations I have seen over the years, but hopefully none that I have delivered myself.

As I have banged on about of late, I've been in attendance at a conference for the past three days. Over the course, I've had the privilege of seeing some world class brains on a variety of issues do excellent and engaging presentations, and then there were others who maybe were something less. No different from any conference then! I began jotting a few questions that I would suggest future presenters read and think about before they get around to deliver the talk. In part, this began as a bit of a venting process during poor presentations, but upon reflection, I actually think that each point is actually quite valid. Even (especially) the ones written in frustration. So here they are, my list of things to think about when preparing a presentation: What are you trying to say? Is it worth saying? Have you actually thought about what it is that you will say? Is there anything new or original in what it is that you have to say? Are you attempting to construct an argument? If so...

Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the worst photo that I am ever likely to post! But hey, I promised a 'conference action photo', and I endeavour to be a man of my word. This was a quick snap taken in the hallway just off the main room, and shows some of the punters having morning tea. I was pretty busy most of the day, so didn't have to much time to line up anything better, so I apologise for today's crime against photography. Yet all is not lost. I thought that because this pic was so dire, I'd offer a special bonus, and revisit yesterday's subject in (slightly) better light, and a different angle. So here is a pic of the GPO building as seen coming up towards it from the direction of the Grand Chancellor.