We Love You, But Could You Please….

1. Match Your Presentation to Your Session Topic?

“Please make certain the topics described are delivered. I attended at least 3 sessions where either the

focus of the presentations was narrower than that which was

described in the brochure or that simply didn’t match the brochure

description.

“Session described with four topics—panel discussed only one.”

“Not nearly the topic I expected.”

“Content didn’t really reflect the title of the session.”

“It’s 11:30 a.m. and so far nothing on the topic or useful....11:37 a.m.—additional discussion of topic not on agenda and not useful....11:45 a.m.

—finally, the topic.”

2. Have a Plan for Your Session?

“None of the speakers seemed comfortable with each other and did not seem to interact well with each other—maybe because they did not spend time in advance discussing their session and getting to know

each other?

“This session was far too unstructured. By its title one would expect quantifiable, tangible advice.

Instead this was a heavily moderated, unstructured discussion

session. This could have been a very helpful session but instead was

unhelpful.”

“There was a lot to be covered, and it was dealt with in a very disjointed

fashion. Materials were not particularly helpful.”

3. Be More Practical?

“Please emphasize that the point of the presentations is to draw useful conclusions about the hard issues reflected in the written materials. War stories have little value unless larger conclusions are drawn from

them.”

“Ask speakers to make sure to include some pragmatic practice tips

in each session.”

“Tell presenters to provide actual experiences and practical advice

and practice aids.”

“It’s always frustrating to attend a session where copious questions are

raised but left unanswered. No suggestions for best practices were

given. Disappointing!”

4. Refrain from Marketing Your Services?

“Please give careful scrutiny to panelists who are selling services to

make sure they will really make a meaningful contribution and not just

try to sell stuff!”

“____’s materials and comments seemed designed to solicit business for his firm. It was very different

from the way most NACUA members normally approach issues in a

sharing and open manner.”

“His materials appear only to sell his firm’s services..a big “no, no” at

NACUA.”

“Blatant advertising for his firm—appears to violate NACUA

protocol.”

5. Use the Microphone?

“Please ask speakers to concentrate on using the microphone.”

“Please improve the way speakers use the microphone in these cavernous meeting rooms.”

“Needs to use microphone.”

“Good experience but constantly did not speak into the microphone so

could not hear him.”

“Speak into the microphone please!”

6.

Be a Better Speaker?

“Please concentrate on getting a consistent level of speakers. A few

were simply not good communicators.”

“Please make sure speakers are good speakers. There are still too

many speakers who are not effective presenters.”

“Try to gauge the quality of speakers. Someone who is

knowledgeable is not necessarily a good speaker.”

What Can We Do Better?

1. Reinforce Importance of Good Session Planning

• Focus on session description

• Focus on session level

• Focus on session materials

• Regular communication with presenters

2. Reinforce Effective Presentation Skills and Practices

• NACUA Presentation Guidelines

• NACUA “Presenter Tips”

3. Represent the Registrants in the Session Planning Process

• What would we want to take away from this session if we attended it? -Sample policy?-Sample agreement?-List of options/approaches?-Survey/sample of institutional practices?

They Still Love You.