1 Know your goals

Before you agree to participate in a multi-speaker event, make sure you understand the purpose, theme, and format of the event. What are the organizers expecting from you and the other speakers? What are the main takeaways for the audience? How much time do you have to speak? How will the speakers be introduced, transitioned, and concluded? Knowing your goals will help you align your content, style, and delivery with the event's objectives and expectations.

2 Communicate with your co-speakers

Once you know your goals, reach out to your co-speakers and introduce yourself. Share your topic, outline, and key points with them. Ask them for their feedback and suggestions. Find out what they are planning to talk about and how they will present it. Look for ways to connect your ideas, avoid repetition, and complement each other's strengths. Communicating with your co-speakers will help you build rapport, trust, and synergy.

3 Prepare your materials

After you have communicated with your co-speakers, prepare your materials for the event. This includes your slides, notes, handouts, props, or any other visual aids. Make sure your materials are consistent, clear, and relevant to your topic and the event's theme. Avoid using too many or too few slides, too much or too little text, or too flashy or too dull graphics. Prepare your materials in advance and test them for any technical issues.

4 Practice your speech

Before the event, practice your speech as much as possible. Practice alone, with a friend, or with your co-speakers. Practice with your materials, your timing, and your delivery. Practice how you will introduce yourself, transition to the next speaker, and conclude your speech. Practice how you will handle questions, comments, or interruptions. Practice how you will adapt to any changes, challenges, or surprises. Practicing your speech will help you improve your confidence, clarity, and credibility.

6 Follow up with your co-speakers

After the event, follow up with your co-speakers and thank them for their collaboration. Share your feedback, appreciation, and suggestions. Ask them for their feedback, appreciation, and suggestions. Celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and grow from your experience. Follow up with your co-speakers by maintaining contact, building relationships, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?