In this episode of the Get Shit done in IT Podcast, Michael Seidl shares his insights on preparing for a tech session. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a topic you are passionate about, the process of applying to speak at conferences, and the significance of engaging with your audience. Michael discusses his personal experiences and the time investment required to create a meaningful session, highlighting the need for real-life examples and audience interaction.

Takeaways
• Find a topic you love to talk about.
• Passion for the subject enhances the quality of the session.
• Preparation for a session can take several days.
• Choose a conference that aligns with your expertise.
• Write a compelling proposal to secure a speaking slot.
• Use demos and real-life examples instead of fancy PowerPoints.
• Adjust your content based on the audience's background.
• Engage with the audience and encourage feedback.
• Share personal experiences and failures to connect with attendees.
• Foster a conversation rather than positioning yourself as the sole expert.

Sound Bites
• "Find a topic you love."
• "I want to listen to them."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Preparing a Tech Session
02:53 Finding Your Passionate Topic
05:46 Choosing the Right Conference
09:12 Crafting Your Session Content
12:13 Engaging with Your Audience