8 replies to this topic

[sherrillh]

First I would like to begin with I am in awe of all the speakers from the SES Toronto 2005 Conference. I was so impressed with not only their knowledge, but the camaraderie between them.

With that said, I was so inspired by them that I have decided to become a speaker in my little part of the world. As I have partnered with several different Web Design firms, they are more than eager for me to present to their clients.

I have been doing SEO work for almost 6 years now and I have seen lots of changes in the SEO world. With all those changes, facts become more and more essential. How do I obtain the facts necessary and what copyrights would be instilled with them? The facts I am interested in are more general like; What percentage of the people use search engines? What is the expected traffic from organic search engines?, etc. As I know the answers from the Conference, I just need the backup data and if I can legally re-use these numbers without "stealing" from someone else's hard work.

I would like to mention that my speaking is going to be free, so therefore cannot afford to purchase this data. I am just looking for some good input on what I can and cannot use and possibly some resources I might be able to use.

I appreciate any input.

[meta]

You can find lots of relevant facts at the Pew Internet & American Life Project site.

If your presentations quote only short segments of information from published sources, credit the source, and present the material in your own format (that is, don't just copy their format or big hunks of content), you'll be fine. For more details - do a little reading on the topic of "fair use" in copyright.

[sherrillh]

Meta,

That's a great site! I just perused it a little, but I will dig a little deeper later. Lot's of great data.

Thanks;)

[train99]

Check out Bert Dubin's site.

SpeakingSuccess.com

Bert's the master of speaking. Great guy too.

His stuff isn't cheap, but just reading his free newsletters will help you.

Terry

[Craig B]

The Presentation Coach is an excellent resource.

[sherrillh]

Ooohhh, that is a definate read! Thanks bunches Craig B

[Debra]

I think for what you want you should pop over to searchenginewatch and take a look at the articles on file and note where they're pulling their stats. As long as you add taglines to your slides when you're presenting their material you should be fine.

I'd also go over to Forrester Research and take a look at what they have. A lot of it you'll have to pay for, but it's solid info. MarketingProfs also has info that you might be able to use.

And a little tip I've picked up over the years is to put your entire presentation on a USB Stick and take it with you as back up. Most conferences want you to upload or email your slides in, which is fine, but ALWAYS have a backup copy on your stick.

[Alarr]

I can't calim to enjoy public speaking, but I've done my fair share. When I was 24 years old I managed a trade show in St. Petersburg russia and arrived 10 days early to give a Russian Press Conference and the opening speech in front of 3,000 people including the mayor of St. Petersburg. To say the least, I was freaking out. My heart pounded so hard I could barely breath and remember the experience as if I were intoxicated! I shoudl also mention that I ws unaware I was going to be doing the Press confernece and speech until I arrived at my hotel!

So that was many years ago, but more recently have been a speaker at severla seminars for Web site success and Search Engine Marketing. Engage the audience. Get them involved, have a few (but not too many) funny jokes and do the audience z-scan (makes everyone feel as if you are looking at them).

And if you do get nervous like I do, it tends to go away after the first 20 seconds. always allow time for questions at the end and be sure to time your seminars to fit with the program schedule. Handouts are a big hit too, especially if they have lots of pictures and less text!

there's my two cents!

Good luck! you'll love it!

[randfish]

Sherill - I'm so glad you enjoyed us speakers in Toronto. I felt a little nervous, myself being a first time speaker at 2 sessions in Toronto, but I loved it and am going back to speak in San Jose, too.

I wish you the best of luck with your pursuit.