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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Apr 20, 2014 - 04:51pm PT
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Humor, humor, humor and less is more....too long and it becomes "death by slideshow" a worse death than ebola can deliver. Forty five minutes max. Congrats on the route!
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Apr 20, 2014 - 05:02pm PT
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45 minutes perfect. After the Q&A ask where the nearest bar is. Move the venue to the Pub and you're my hero.
Where's the presentation? I'd like to see it.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Apr 20, 2014 - 05:20pm PT
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tell a story you think the audience will enjoy
two things here: 1) have a narrative to hang everything on and 2) consider the audience
don't rag on yourself or your abilities... being self-depricating is good to an extent, but you actually did something outstanding that not many in your audience will ever get a chance of doing, don't spoil it for them, their cheering for you
climbs tend to be "linear" that is, one-dimension, and a lot of images are shot of the bottoms of feet, butts, helmet tops and strained upward poses "look up I'm taking your picture" think about not showing those unless there is something important to your story (you do have a story... some story... like how you came back from a broken leg or something like that...)
in general, try to use the images you have as a part of the story, but certainly being there is a large part of the story, and I'm sure you have a lot of "oohs" and "aahs" type images... deploy them strategically (not necessarily in the order they were taken)
have fun, be loose, be spontaneous but do go over your presentation before you actually get up on stage and give it... and especially time it so you have an idea that you can tell your story in whatever time you have decided it should be told in...
...it's better to leave the audience wanting more, so the 40 or 45 minute limit isn't a bad one to shoot for on your first time.
Insider comments can be cool for those in the audience that are "in the know" but if the entire narrative is like that the rest of the audience will get bored quickly... if it is a general audience, then consider the use of climbing jargon (don't use it or use it with an explanation), once again, consider the audience
Finally, if you're really stressed out and/or want to give a good performance (and it is a performance), record yourself (voice record) giving the show and listen to yourself on playback. That can really help point out what you sound like, it is not possible to imagine what the presentation is like to other people without doing something like that...
Aside from beta-blockers, chemical assistance probably isn't recommended (and go easy on the beta-blockers, you passing out on stage isn't great for anyone).
But mostly just have fun with it... you're a pretty intelligent and wryly humorous person with a pleasant edge and a lot of interesting experiences, that will show through.
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Michelle
Social climber
1187 Hunterwasser
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Apr 20, 2014 - 05:28pm PT
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Ditto everyone's comments. I would suggest a test run in front of some friends too. I saw a slide show a well known mountaineer did and it was kind of weak because there wasn't good flow. Also, give people swag (jk) and MOST importantly, have fun and laugh!
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Apr 20, 2014 - 06:12pm PT
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This is turning into the good-advice thread.
More tips on public speaking (Ed's stuff up there is gold.)
You are not speaking to a "group" you are speaking to an individual. Don't think or say "everyone." Say "you." Go like it's a one on one.
If you start to black out- slow down and just keep going. It's only because you need to do more public speaking. You could call a quick intermission if it gets bad. The goes away eventually if it even happens at all.
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crunch
Social climber
CO
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Apr 20, 2014 - 07:06pm PT
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Lots of great advice!
Yes, keep it to around 45 minutes (definitely under an hour). Keep a good pace going, with stories, changes of pace, mostly fast, gotta keep the interest of the audience. Planned pauses, for dramatic effect, can work real well, but not so good is to dry up, forget a name or what you planned to say.
I'll second the importance of a trial run, but ideally do it in in real time and alone, speaking (either under your breath or out loud) so that you can synchronies stories and slides. An audience of one or two is not at all like an audience of 30. Repeat these trial runs. The more times you do this the better it gets, smooth, controlled, easier.
Restart the laptop before the show, just to ensure there's no crashes/bugs. Charge it all the way, in case there's no outlets nearby. Bring a selection of connectors (or your own projector). If you can, check out one or two slides beforehand, just to be sure the laptop and the projector are talking to each other and the colors are OK.
Lastly, the audience is on your side. Remember that. If things go wrong, they will forgive a lot.
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mechrist
Gym climber
South of Heaven
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Apr 20, 2014 - 07:06pm PT
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humor humor humor... and hot chicks.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Apr 20, 2014 - 07:15pm PT
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if using a lap top, make sure you extend the "screen saver" mode and the "energy saver" modes to "never"
I attended a colloquium given by a Provost once who was talking some crazy stuff about the "multi-versify" and getting all spacey... he was using his computer and as if right on que while he was going on and on his lap top screen saver turned on, which was sort of like the opening credit of the old "Star Trek" with the stars whizzing by...
...highly appropriate for this talk but not what the speaker had in mind.
If you use someone else's computer, make sure to preview the presentation all the way through BEFORE your show... and if the quality of the images doesn't work out, make sure you know how to calibrate the computer display to make the images the way you want them to be (not too dark, not too light).
If using your computer make sure you plug everything (and that you have all the various things to do that) and go through the whole talk... different display projectors will have different calibrations...
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Apr 20, 2014 - 07:16pm PT
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Lot's of good advice above...
Practice OUT LOUD (not in your head) before hand! You don't want to be reciting a script but if you have never said the words before and you are a novice speaker, there will be too many ums and ers and vocal stutters. Think of it as a one-person stage performance. Effortless humor usually requires some advance effort.
Go to the venue EARLY and make sure all the audio visual stuff is working properly. I recently went to a slide show which was delayed a full hour because they couldn't get the computer/projector interface right. If I hadn't been dependent on a ride from someone else I would have walked out.
Use a remote controller so you can stand in the front of the room and face your audience. Physical animation enhances your vocal animation. As stated above, you are speaking to individuals, not a crowd. If you get nervous focus on a friendly face.
You do not only have to use your own photos for the slides. A few public domain images that enhance your story will move things along (maps, transit, area photos...). Kind of goes without saying but please have a photo/topo of your mountain face with the route and belays, bivys highlighted.
Let us know where it is, we will try to come and will smile at you.
Phyl
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Fritz
Trad climber
Choss Creek, ID
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Apr 20, 2014 - 07:37pm PT
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All good advice from everyone.
Since this is your maiden slideshow, let me add more advice from 45 years of slide shows.
All climbers are used to slideshows that logically follow the timeline of the adventure. I have seen slideshows where the person didn't bother to organize their slides, and at least for myself, it was not good.
You, of course, love each and every one of your photos. Especially now with digital cameras, we save way too many less than stellar images. Only show your best shots, and hopefully the best of the shots your friends have shared, and those that are essential to the story.
You don't need to hand out prizes to the audience. Your story is supposed to be the prize.
Big Yes to rehearsing the show! Especially, since it is your debut show! Very best thing, is do it for friends that you can accept constructive criticism from, and ask them for that criticism, then practice the presentation again.
Remember that you are having a great time when you are doing the show. If you act like you are having fun, you are fun --------up to a point. No dancing or off-color jokes.
Good advice on talking to the audience as individuals. If you can talk from in front of the audience, but in a spot where you can still see the slides, that is good. Try to look at individuals while talking, and do that for everyone in the audience.
Have fun!
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz CA
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Apr 20, 2014 - 08:09pm PT
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Try to look at individuals while talking, and do that for everyone in the audience. You are getting wonderful and thoughtful ideas.
What Fritz said is very important. I don't know your set up or audience size; however novice presenters often "freeze" in one spot and have a blind side to one part of the audience. Try to move around some (but don't be frenetic) and be sure to "sweep" the entire audience. You may wish to move from one side to the other after every few "slides"...is it old school slides or Power Point? I'm assuming PP which gives you more options...but as previous posters have mentioned unintended consequences often happen with PP unless you check and double check your settings. Or move, even a foot or two, when you feel you have a "big moment" to share. This keeps the audience's attention.
Enjoy! Will you be taking this "on the road"? I'd love to see it if you bring it up NorCal way.
Susan
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Tricouni
Mountain climber
Vancouver
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Apr 20, 2014 - 08:20pm PT
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Hook your laptop to the projector beforehand and make sure everything works. Image on screen? Image just the right size? Make sure your battery will last for the show. Better yet, bring an extension cord so you can plug into the wall somewhere.
If they are supplying the computer, make sure the program you created the slide show in is consistent with their
Laptop. (This isn' a problem with PowerPoint but I have seen some pretty oddball formats that most computers won't handle).
Good luck, enjoy!
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Apr 20, 2014 - 08:30pm PT
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What Fritz said about images....show your best. I have been to SS's where, believe it or not, there had been no apparent attempt made in editing the images.
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NutAgain!
Trad climber
South Pasadena, CA
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Apr 20, 2014 - 08:38pm PT
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More on the oooh/ahhhh/ummm/errr thing....
Many people new to public speaking do this just to fill up the empty space when they're thinking of what to say next. What else should you do while you are thinking of what to say next? Nothing! Silence can be good. It gives the audience time to digest whatever you said last, and it makes you look a lot better to silently collect your thoughts and then make a deliberate transition. Don't be afraid of silence. But not too much!
Have fun with it, imagine your audience naked, remember they're all just people, and in the big scheme of things it doesn't matter worth a squat, so there is no imaginary bar you have to measure yourself against.
And that line you guys did looks absolutely stunning world class.
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John M
climber
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Apr 20, 2014 - 08:51pm PT
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I love seeing not just the climb, but the travel, the country, the people. The whole experience.
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Highlife
Trad climber
California
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Apr 20, 2014 - 08:52pm PT
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Show the boobs Libster.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Apr 20, 2014 - 09:42pm PT
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I think the slander comes after, right?
not necessarily...
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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Apr 20, 2014 - 09:42pm PT
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Remember that YOU are the focal point - NOT the freakin slides!
People bond with people and rarely with things - so look at yourself as being the center of attention and your pictures as being the supporting actors in this play.
Move.
Get it.
Move around the stage - motion focuses attention and attention is what you need from your audience. Want them to look at a particular slide - walk up to the screen and point hard at the spot you need them to see. Gesture, genuflect, jump around - be entertaining fer crying out loud - don't be just another boring ass University lecture by some brain dead PHd candidate who happened to climb up yet another inert piece of boring ass granite.
If you need examples of this concept - I suggest watching vids of Mick Jagger or Chris Rock. Both excel at using physical presence and motion to focus a crowd.
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TwistedCrank
climber
Bungwater Hollow, Ida-ho
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Apr 20, 2014 - 11:09pm PT
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Talk about your slides. Tell people why each slide tells such an awesome story.
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Paul Martzen
Trad climber
Fresno
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Apr 21, 2014 - 01:17am PT
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One old rule of thumb for slide shows is to keep each slide to around 7 seconds. The exception being when you are discussing specific aspects in the photo. It is generally best to have the slides running automatically. Otherwise you can get talking about something and forget that an unrelated photo is on the screen for the last few minutes. If you are advancing the photos manually, just practice keeping them changing.
Always face your audience when talking if your in front of them. It can be tempting to look at the screen and talk while facing the screen, but people won't be able to hear you unless you are facing them. If you are back by the projector, then they won't be looking at you, just at the screen, so you can watch the screen and talk at the same time.
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Ken M
Mountain climber
Los Angeles, Ca
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Apr 21, 2014 - 02:38am PT
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Another professional speaker piping in:
Lots of good advice, but I think for someone starting out in doing this sort of thing, simple is best.
45 min should be the max (plus Q/A). If things are going really well and people are into what you are saying, it will go longer, naturally. If things are not going well, no need to drag it out. :)
I'd skip the video, unless there is something crucial. It is a complication that can go wrong.
I'd skip the swag/quizzes/raffles. they are rarely done well, and end up detracting from your performance.
The preferred format is Powerpoint (.ppt). You can also create your presentation in OpenOffice's free "Impress", but save the presentation in powerpoint.
You can download Powerpoint Viewer free, and you should make sure your presentation works. I ALWAYS bring my presentation on my laptop which has powerpoint viewer, and ALSO on a memory stick, which ALSO has powerpoint viewer. I like to use the viewer, rather than the program itself, so I cannot accidentally erase something while I'm setting it up (I've done it!)
with either program, F5 makes them full screen, escape restores the program.
"A picture says a thousand words", which is why we use them. I like it when people use their slides as their speaking template. Every slide should have a reason to be there, which you know when it goes up.
If you have slides that have words, try not to be reading your slide, nor have the words be complete sentences. Boring! Better to have bullet points with a word or two, then speak from those to fill in the sentences. It makes it spontaneous and fresh, and makes you look like you know your subject well.
Have an intro slide with the name of your talk, and your name, mountain in the background. Put it up for the 10-15 min before your talk.
Begin the talk by talking about the trip down there. It was not just a climb of rock, it was an adventure in a foreign country, and it is fun to hear about people's experiences in getting to the mountain. How did you put the trip together? How were the natives? Climbing culture you encountered? Logistics? Perhaps 10-15 minutes.
Likewise, at the end, talk about your trip leaving the mountain. Perhaps 5 min.
Humor is great, but doesn't work if forced. No long funny stories that have no point related to the talk itself.
Have a sheet that whoever introduces you can just read. Make it large type, and make it SHORT...20-30 sec is good. Any other way results in the introducer going on and on, forgetting your name, or that of the mountain.
I really like to use a remote, it saves from the distraction of you having to direct someone to advance your slides.
It takes practice in speaking to do this, but try to modulate your tone, not speaking all the time in the same voice....and not always the same speed, but going deliberately a little faster and a little slower.
If you can throw a simple question in about every 15 minutes, it keeps the audience on it's toes. "Who knows the capital of Patagonia?"
But do it in such a way that you are having fun. Fun is infectious. Smile a lot.
I prefer to answer questions as we go along, in addition to a Q/A, but some are uncomfortable with that. If you don't want to do that, say that at the beginning, but I think it is unnatural in this kind of talk.
If they want to ask "what is the bird in that photo?, it will be a pain to go back and look at the end.
Finally, end with a slide that makes it clear to the audience AND YOU that the talk is over, and thank them for coming, and bow. This lets them know to applaud, then AFTER the applause, offer to answer questions.
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velvet!
Trad climber
La Cochitaville
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 21, 2014 - 11:57am PT
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Thanks for the onslaught of advice everyone. Now I just need to whittle my 2k plus photos down into an engaging story to tie all the pictures together, practice, remember to move around/be engaging (but not spastic), don't stutter or drink to much before hand, consider the audience, speak to them as individuals, humble is good, self deprecating is bad, get there early to test the AV set up, show boobs (thanks Bud!), remotes are handy, some silence is OK, include a little bit of the travel info, keep the audience engaged, have an obvious ending, and use only the best photos...
phew. Shouldn't be too hard now should it?!
And Ed - thanks for reposting that. Those pictures are going to follow us everywhere!
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Vitaliy M.
Mountain climber
San Francisco
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Apr 21, 2014 - 12:22pm PT
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Nice looking photos! I think one hour is a good time. Some stories from the climb if you are gonna talk about only one. If I was going I would love to hear about logistics that you had to figure out to make the trip happen. More photos and some funny stories.
Good luck!!! I am not sure what is scarier, climbing committing routes or giving slideshows....
PS: than post a TR on supertopo so we can slam you for not taking the direct finish, using way too many bolts and not climbing the route in EBs :)
Seriously post a TR!!!
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz CA
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Apr 21, 2014 - 12:25pm PT
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Man! You should be in charge of the ST summary threads...you are dialed in!
2k slides. Oh.
Susan
Edit: you don't even have to shout to make your points. Still water runs deep...you've got a marvelous story to tell with a stunning narrative!
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ydpl8s
Trad climber
Santa Monica, California
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Apr 21, 2014 - 12:52pm PT
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I'm still cracking up about the comment above to watch Mick Jagger to help with your presentation. Strutting around with hand-on-hip and pursing your lips out....."am I rough enough, am I tough enough?" I definitely think that will get you through the rough spots, a sequined one-piece would be nice too!
Have a great show!
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TwistedCrank
climber
Bungwater Hollow, Ida-ho
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Apr 21, 2014 - 02:22pm PT
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Oh yeah, and don't forget that your audience will be genuinely interested in what you are presenting.
It's not like you'll be talking to a bunch of 3rd graders.
Umm.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Apr 21, 2014 - 03:49pm PT
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for me it was a surreal day for sure, velvet!
on a solo lap of After Six, running into the traffic jam at the chimney, waiting for the young boy who was melting down with fear and whose father was coaxing him up, talking with the others waiting there, and then you four show up, brandishing "adult beverages" and dressed like...
anyway, at that point I decided that the Park Service has very odd ideas about "wilderness experience" and beat a retreat to the relative sanity of bridge, I should have known you'd be showing up there...
...Tom probably has some nice shots too...
my guess is that you probably don't have to wear those pink tights to your slideshow.
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
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Apr 21, 2014 - 03:59pm PT
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I lecture a ton. My best advice.
Bring three 5$ gift cards to Jamba Juice, Starbucks, REI, Panera etc.
In the first 30 seconds, say "ok, to keep things light tonight I want audience participation and I'm not lying there will be prizes. So here we go....Who was the first human to climb all the 8000m peaks without oxygen?"
You'll get a right answer quickly and say "see? It pays to participate!" Throw em a 5$ gift card and the crowd will stay stoked throughout your presentation.
Do it twice more and everybody will be foaming at the mouth when you ask The Nose Record, or Clyde's first name or the inventor of the modern cam.
Have fun!
Scott
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Apr 21, 2014 - 04:39pm PT
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Get paid in advance and know where the alternate exit is....just kidding good luck and looks like a great climb. I've been looking for some 4,000 5.6's got any advice?
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rlf
Trad climber
Josh, CA
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Apr 21, 2014 - 07:40pm PT
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Toss in lot's and lot's of porn.
I promise, it'll be a success.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Sport climber
moving thru
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Apr 21, 2014 - 08:15pm PT
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From your comments, Velvet, I know you'll give a great presentation! Enjoy it to the max and your audience will as well.
I'm sure you know this, and that others in this thread have mentioned the fact that you must never start your talk by saying,"this is the first time I've done this" or anything remotely resembling that comment. You climbed the mountain and you are a pro.
Cheers and I wish I could be there.
Lynne
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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May 20, 2014 - 02:35pm PT
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Have you done your presentation yet? If so, how'd it go?
If not, when you do, I'd love to hear how it went!
Susan
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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May 21, 2014 - 12:45pm PT
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Bumpin'
I really want to hear about Velvet's show. ...anyone know if it's happened?
If she's loaded it to a web site I soooooo want to see it.
Thanks, Susan
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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May 21, 2014 - 12:53pm PT
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Velvet....you got valuable feedback, now let's see a tr!
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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May 21, 2014 - 12:58pm PT
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Next time use a microphone. please, some of us old head-bangers had a hard
time in the peanut gallery. Also, having given quite a few I always try to
remind myself to keep things moving along and not dwell on one slide too long.
I mean that in the best sense, don't think I didn't enjoy it. As with writing
edit ruthlessly and pare things to the bone. Oh, and for the wildlife enthusiasts,
MORE PICS OF LEECHES AND HORSE FLIES! OMG!! I remember why I like
climbing in the high mountains! :-)
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neversummer
climber
30 mins. from suicide USA
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May 21, 2014 - 02:02pm PT
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Maybe raffle off some biners etc. from the climb, people love free stuff especially from F.A that punters like me will probally never get to do.
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| Messages 1 - 38 of total 38 in this topic |
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