
In 2011, I was responsible for the delivery and production of the first UK Conference on Cyberspace for Number 10 Downing Street. (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15533786).
I remember it for several reasons.
Hashtags for interaction were becoming a ‘#thing’.
We had to create a live link to the White house with three hours’ notice (a story for another blog).
The lectern was electronic and pre-set at different heights depending on the presenter’s height (this blew my mind).
All the presentations were in one direction. Presenter to audience.
Fast forward to 2025 and presentations are remarkably different in the ‘conference world’.
I’ve seen a tremendous change in the approach to conference presentation and production, largely driven by audience expectation and societal behaviour change.
Engagement is now a priority at most events.
To do this successfully, conference producers need to consider or embrace new rules of engagement.
They cover six key areas.
Posture, Style, Method, Format, Content and Tone.
Not even Susie Dent could make an acronym out of those words so you’ll have to remember them.
Here’s how they should be considered.
Posture - everyone used to stand to present. Seated presentations are becoming the norm, Why? You gain more trust when seated.
Style - formal is now morphing into informal. Informal language is more persuasive.
Method - if you used to speak at people, you need to consider speaking with them.
Format - if you want more influence in what you are saying present in a conversational style not a speech.
Content - to create more impact, switch from soundbites and talking points to storytelling, and include off the cuff comments and humour.
Tone - want to appear ‘real’ in the age of AI and scripted responses? Rip up the script and present in a spontaneous manner.
Of course, everything will depend on the message you want to get across and you shouldn’t apply all the above in one presentation.
They are just areas for you to consider.
Pick and choose which will work at different points on your event programme.
It might feel clumsy and painful at first but don’t worry, the outcome will be hugely beneficial.
I’m sure you’re thinking now, ‘how would that work for members of parliament?’.
Well, some would say that their policies already contain storytelling to generate engagement …
If you want to switch up your event programme, or do something different, not just at the event, but longer term, we should have a chat. Send me an email to martin@tenthousandhours.agency and I’ll do my best to give you some ideas and direction.