PRESESSION

Lights, Camera, Action

Do you have what it takes to deliver an award-worthy presentation at an ENA national conference?

Jeff Solheim, MSN, RN-BC, CEN, CFRN, FAEN, and Charles Kunkle, MSN, CEN, CCRN, led an informative and entertaining presession on how to submit an ENA conference session proposal and deliver a presentation that stands out from the competition.

Both speakers stressed that choosing the right title is one of the most important factors of the selection process. A catchy, compelling title may set you apart from the other 500 proposals, Solheim said.

As Kunkle and Solheim shared their own public speaking techniques, attendees also learned about the importance of creating a well-written measurable objective, recognizing mannerisms that are considered distractions during presentations, the “do’s and don’ts” of PowerPoint presentations and how to own the stage. As chairperson of the ENA Leadership Conference 2013 Planning Committee, Solheim also provided behind-the-scenes tips about the selection and scoring process. Attendees scored presentation proposals in a group exercise.

The presession left attendees with a better understanding of what it takes to deliver an unforgettable national presentation and command the stage, from dressing for success to using effective body language.

“You have to be entertaining,” Solheim said. “You have to get your audience laughing. At conferences, people want to be entertained. It’s about having your audience believe you love what you do. A good speaker knows you will only walk away with three things in an hour presentation, so they choose three things they want you to learn and build entertainment around those three things.”

Kendra Y. Mims