Themed after the TED developed “Ignite” events; our conference has a great model to use. Snapshots are 5-minute talks (EXACTLY 5 minutes) about one thing you’re most passionate about in your work. The format is quick and challenging but can have great rewards – you create 20 slides with photos and images, no text, the slides will be set up to advance every 15 seconds (whether you’re ready or not). You’ll learn a lot through this process about how to tell a story related to your work and how to be engaging.
Abstract authors either noted their interest in a Snapshot format when they submitted their abstract, or in an effort to include as many abstracts as possible, the program committee may have determined that an abstract would be a better fit for this type of format.
Training will be provided to session chairs and presenters for these sessions. This will be a lot of fun and interesting for both presenters and for attendees. Here is a good explanation of the why and how of giving a “TED-Ignite” talk by O’Reilly author Scott Berkun. He does a great job of summarizing what can be achieved in five minutes with twenty slides. These condensed sessions are listed in the conference program as its own unique track – Salish Sea Snapshots.
Your session chairs will help with speaker transition – alerting speakers that time is up and moving to the next speaker. Depending on the number of speakers in the session, the chair will determine how best to allow questions. If there are 9 speakers, questions must wait to the end to ensure full opportunity for speakers to present.
Tips for an effective 5 minute talk:
- Please remember that 5 minutes allows you to provide a short story or teaser to a bigger project. It’s fine to leave your audience wanting to know more – they will track you down or go to look at your poster, website or paper.
- It’s tempting to talk fast but you will only lose your audience that way. Instead, use your time wisely to tell a short narrative.
- Use strong images that help make your point.
- Even if you are choosing not to use the Ignite format, the tips from Ignite will be useful for a successful 5 minute presentation.