Sarah Louden: Speaker presentation tips for oncology conferences from Amol Akhade
Sarah Louden, Founder and CEO of Total Health, shared a post on LinkedIn:
” Are you scheduled to speak at a conference?
Sharing some valuable speaker presentation tips for oncology conferences in India from my colleague Dr. Amol Akhade.
While he was writing for an Indian audience, as the Founder of Total Health | Oncology , the largest provider of free oncology CME in the US…I can promise you it applies globally!
Here’s how to elevate your next talk:
– Keep it Original: Don’t just copy-paste slides you borrowed from others; add your unique perspective to avoid an overly canned feel. (I remember Reshma Mahtani using a poker reference while speaking on Breast cancer risk at a Resort and Casino venue)
– Speak to the Audience, Not the Slide: Don’t read word-for-word; offer insights they can’t find on the slide alone.
– Manage Time Well: Stick to 2-3 slides per minute. If you run over, it’s a sign the presentation needs refining.
– Disclose Conflicts of Interest (COI): Even if you don’t have any, showing a COI slide is a good habit.
– Tell a Story: Engage listeners with a compelling narrative—audiences remember stories, not data dumps. (Ravi Salgia, Samuel Klempner and Adam Brufsky all do this so skillfully)
– Use Humor Wisely: A bit of humor can keep attention, but remember, you’re an oncologist, not a comedian. (Unless you are Henry Fung MD, FACP, FRCPE who is the funniest presenter I’ve ever heard!)
– Stay Focused: Dive into the topic without a lengthy intro. Save time for the real content.
– Simplify Slides: Clear, clutter-free slides are easier for audiences to follow.
– Share Your Perspective: Don’t just present data—give your impressions and interpretations. (Arturo LoAIza-Bonilla MD is a master at this—humanizing the data so it is relevant to every day practice)
– Know Your Audience: Tailor your slides based on the knowledge level of those in the room.
– Add a ‘Money Slide’: Summarize key data comparisons to deliver maximum value for your audience.
As Total Health closes out our 2024 conference year, we open again in February 2025 with the Best of Heme in Vail, CO led by Tapan Kadia and Elizabeth O’Donnell, MD, DipABLM then the West Oncology Conference in Memphis in partnership with The West Clinic and led by Brad Somer, Greory Vidal and Jason Chandler.
Sign up free for our programs at.”
Sarah Louden is the Founder and CEO of Total Health | Oncology. She is a committed advocate for women in business and healthcare and also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Cancer Equity Project.
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