Welcome!
We are excited to welcome you as a speaker for ASC 2020, which will take place virtually Wednesday, September 9 – Thursday, September 10 on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -07:00.
Please click through the menu on the left of this page to access information.
We recommend bookmarking this page and checking back for additional updates as we get closer to the event.
Deadlines
Speaker Registration Deadline: If you have not registered, please do so by Friday, August 7 to confirm your speaking slot. Click here to register with the access code APISCSPK20.
Session Delivery Method Decision Date: You must confirm if you will pre-record or present your session live by Friday, August 7. Please respond to your acceptance notification email with your choice.
Pre-Recording File Submission Due Date: Friday, August 28
Event Dates: Wednesday, September 9 – Thursday, September 10
Timezone: Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -07:00.
Schedule, Timing & Speaker Profiles
The schedule will be posted on our event website the week of August 3.
All track sessions are thirty (30) minutes, inclusive of Q&A. Please confirm your timing on the schedule once it is published.
If you would like to make updates to your speaker profile (biography, headshot, titles), send updates directly to ascspeakers@linuxfoundation.org, so they can be integrated with the virtual platform.
Platform & Specifications
We are using the virtual event platform Intellum, which allows speakers to deliver content via live and pre-recorded talks and join live for Q&A with attendees via text chat. The platform is web-based and HTML 5, and will be easy for everyone to access and use.
The Intellum platform service is allowing us to create an immersive experience for attendees, with educational sessions that offer speaker and attendee Q&A and interaction; attendee collaboration and networking through topical chat rooms, and 1:1 and group chats; and a sponsor showcase where attendees can view demos, download resources, check out job openings, and speak directly with sponsor company reps. While this won’t be able to exactly replicate the value of a face-to-face event, we think it captures a lot of the opportunities and we look forward to having you join us as a speaker for this new experience.
Pre-recording Information & Tools
All breakout speakers are encouraged to pre-record their talk, which will be played through the event platform. As the session ends, the speaker will then join live for Q&A with attendees (text chat only).
Some suggested tools to use for recording are Quicktime, a screen recorder, Google Hangouts, Zoom or something similar that records you and your slides as you present. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.
You are welcome to use an OpenAPI Initiative Zoom account to record your session. Please schedule a time by emailing ascspeakers@linuxfoundation.org, and we will let you know when there’s an opening.
- If you’re using an OpenAPI Initiative Zoom account, simply connect at the proper time. We will have it set to automatically record as soon as you connect.
- Before you do anything else, silence your phone and set your computer’s notifications to “Do Not Disturb.”
- Start your camera and use this time to make final adjustments to your lighting, hair, surroundings, etc.
- Start your slideshow.
- In Zoom, share your screen but (and this is important) only share the slideshow. Do not share “Desktop” unless you are absolutely, completely, 100% sure that nothing private will pop up as a notification.
- When you’re ready, take a deep breath, let it out slowly, flash a big smile at the camera, count to 5, and begin. When we get the video file we’ll trim everything up to that point.
- If you mess up, don’t worry. A classic way to recover is to smile as you restart. It should go without saying, but don’t tear yourself down verbally or curse in front of your audience.
- If something really bad happened (such as sneezing), go back to the beginning of the slide, wait 5 seconds, and then start again. Tell us to look for it, and we can do our best to trim it.
- When you’re done, thank the audience, smile again, and then sit still for 5 seconds. This will give us time to trim.
- Finally, remember to breathe and smile. Both of these things cause you to slow down, and your audience will have an easier time understanding you.
Finishing up with OpenAPI Initiative Zoom account:
- When you’re done, just disconnect. Please email us, and we will know to look for your file. If there’s something we need to trim, make sure you tell us early so we can fix it.
What if I want to use something other than Zoom?
- It’s completely fine if you want to record using something other than Zoom, particularly if you have a special requirement due to a demo, or if you have access to a professional setup. Just please make sure the resulting video is in HD, is an mp4, and is using a reasonably common encoding.
Videos need to be received by Friday, August 28.
Live Streaming Information & Tools
Speakers have the option to livestream or pre-record (recommended). If you have not done so already, please email ascspeakers@linuxfoundation.org with your choice (livestream or pre-record) as soon as possible.
Your session will include your livestream link which attendees will play outside of the virtual event platform. We will provide you with the details for live streaming and follow-up with additional logistical information.
We recommend Zoom, Skype, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live as tools for live streaming.
Presentation Template
An optional PowerPoint template is available for your use but is not required.
Uploading Instructions for Pre-recorded Sessions
We have multiple options for uploading your pre-recorded presentation:
- Add your recording directly into the Google folder
- Share your file with ascspeakers@linuxfoundation.org
- Or let us know if you have an alternate method (Drop Box, file sharing service, etc)
Videos need to be received no later than Friday, August 28.
Live Q&A
As with physical events, live interaction is essential to the success of virtual events and we are asking every presenter, to be available during their session for live Q&A via text chat within the platform. This will provide added value to the audience and create more of an ‘event’ experience, Please ensure you have left 5-10 minutes for questions that you will be able to answer within the system’s chat tool.
If you are concerned about your timezone and how that could impact the live Q&A portion of your session, we will do our best to reschedule your session slot to a time that is convenient for you. If you are not comfortable with the idea of a live Q&A, or cannot participate “live,” please contact us immediately.
If you experience any issues during Q&A, please visit the Speaker Support chat room.
Technical Tips for Virtual Presentations
- Audio – as counterintuitive as it may sound, the single most important factor in a good video, is the audio quality.
- Eliminate ambient noise – close the doors and windows. You’d be surprised how much environmental noise gets picked up.
- Lighting – Do not put lights overhead and don’t put any lights or windows behind you as they will alter the light levels in your videos and create shadows.
- Background – don’t be afraid to show your natural environment – bookcases, plants, paintings – as long as they are not too distracting.
- Framing – place yourself slightly off-center to the left or right rather than directly in the middle of the frame.
- Camera Height – the lens should either be directly level or pointing ever so slightly downwards towards your face.
- Stand – we recommend you stand during your presentation to help project your voice and improve your posture. However, if you’re more comfortable sitting, then please do.
- Timer – Have a clock to keep track of the time you have remaining.
Lighting, Webcam and Microphone Best Practices
Best Practices for Lighting
- For best results, use natural light and supplement with additional light as needed.
- Keep natural light in front of you to avoid shadows. A bright window behind you can make you appear as a dark silhouette.
- Interior rooms with no natural light source may require additional targeted lighting, such as a ring light, to brighten the speaker’s face.
Best Practices for Webcams
- To ensure the speaker is looking directly at the audience, place the webcam at eye level.
- Avoid distracting backgrounds by checking the surroundings behind you to make sure there are no distracting colors or movement.
- Presenters should use chairs that are adjustable for height but do not swivel. Swiveling on camera creates a poor attendee experience and can be distracting.
Best Practices for Microphones
- Use external microphones whenever available, as microphones built into computers and cameras often have lower quality.
- An external microphone allows the speaker to place it in the optimal location for sound.
- Place the microphone close to the speaker’s mouth, but not in the camera view.
- Test audio levels in advance.
- Manage noise by turning off fans, phones, or speakers and keep ambient noise to a minimum.
- Do not touch the microphone while unmuted.
Dress Code
- There is no dress code for presentations, and we encourage you to be comfortable. That said, you must be aware that the OpenJS Foundation Code of Conduct applies to this space, both in terms of what you show on camera and what you say. We ask that you be tasteful and considerate in choosing your clothing and surroundings. Keep in mind that we are a global community. Please refrain from wearing shirts with global brand logos that are not your own. Solid colors (not white) also work best instead of prints.
Tips to Keep your Virtual Audience Engaged
- Learn the Content: Familiarity with the content allows a speaker to focus on presenting, rather than trying to remember the points to make. To minimize worry about forgetting elements of the presentation, include notes in your presentation file and have a printout of your script or talking points.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Speakers should practice their content delivery in the environment in which they will deliver it, such as in front of a computer. Presenting alone to a computer can be awkward at first. To make speakers more comfortable, ask colleagues, roommates, or family to sit in front so they can present to familiar faces.
- Understand the Tools: Speakers should understand and utilize the content options available to them, to maximize the effectiveness of the presentation technology. It’s important to know the basic functions of the software, e.g. how to advance slides, manage Q&A or chats, before the presentation.
- Speak Up: Check audio levels before presenting, but also make sure to breathe at regular intervals to speak audibly and clearly. Maintaining a clear, even tone throughout the presentation will allow the audience to hear it without adjusting their volume settings.
- Look at Your Camera: If presenting via video, remember, the webcam is your link to your audience. Make eye contact with the camera so it appears to the audience that you are speaking directly to them.
- Don’t Fear Mistakes: Humans make mistakes, even during presentations. Realize that flubs happen and they won’t derail your presentation – unless you let them. Just keep going in your planned presentation and remember, the audience is forgiving.
- Be Prepared: During the presentation, have a glass of water nearby to sip as needed. Also, keep handy a printout of your slides or notes in case you need to refer to them.
From: https://www.inxpo.com/assets/pdfs/litepapers/How-To-Be-An-Engaging-Speaker.pdf
Code of Conduct
Please read and abide by our Code of Conduct, which can be found here. We ask that speakers especially review this Code of Conduct and are inclusive in the words and images used during their presentations.
In addition, please remember that this is a professional presentation. Stay on topic, get excited about your material, but do not feel the need to make jokes or resort to gimmicks to keep them engaged. On the topic of humor. Remember that we have a multinational audience, and jokes which land well on some audiences may completely mystify others, be taken out of context, or be perceived as cruel. This is particularly true when talking about other technologies and their users. If in doubt, leave it out.
Promote Your Talk
We appreciate you spreading the word about #asc2020 and your session – please find some sample tweets below to share on your social channels!
- @APISpecs #asc2020 is coming up, September 9-10! Yours truly is speaking – more info here: [Insert Link to Talk]
- Excited to present my talk @APISpecs #asc2020 September 9-10! More info here: [Insert Link to Talk]
- I’m excited to be presenting @APISpecs #asc2020, September 9-10! Are you attending? Register to join me [Insert link to registration: http://www.cvent.com/d/pnqcfc/4W?ct=50221cf5-5496-4c34-9ec0-3b52b1bf1204]
Additional Resources
Best Gear for Online Meetings Webcams, lights, mics, tripods and more
19 Video Presentation Tips to help you give a great presentation (even if you hate the way you look on camera)
9 Tips for Giving Engaging Virtual Presentations This article gives 9 tips and within each tip has folks from the tech world giving their advice in a fun/relatable way.
PACE Acronym for Virtual Presentations
Checklist for Speakers – this article provides checklists applicable for speakers that are live streaming.
FAQ
By when do I have to decide if I will pre-record or present my session live?
Friday, August 7
When is my pre-recorded presentation due?
Friday, August 28
Where do I send my pre-recorded presentation?
Add your recording directly into the Google folder, Share your file with ascspeakers@linuxfoundation.org, or let us know if you have an alternate method (Drop Box, file sharing service, etc)
If my live Q&A chat does not work on the day of the event, who can help?
If you experience any issues during the event, please visit the Speaker Support chat room for assistance.
I have a question not listed here, who do I contact?
Please reach out to the content team at ascspeakers@linuxfoundation.org
Contact Information
Have questions? Need help? Please reach out to the content team at ascspeakers@linuxfoundation.org.
