Speaker session brief
A speaker needs to know what the session should help the audience do, not only when to arrive. Use this brief to connect the topic to the audience, the allotted speaking time, the question format and the organiser’s receiving contact. Confirm the actual room equipment separately; a presentation file and a compatible playback arrangement are different inputs.
How to use it
- Write the audience task and the session purpose.
- Agree the speaking and question periods against the current programme.
- Confirm the file handover, receiving person and the cue that ends the session.
Worksheet preview
| Brief item | Agreed detail | Owner | Unresolved question | Handover reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audience and purpose | ||||
| Speaking and questions | ||||
| Presentation file | ||||
| Arrival and end cue |
Open the CSV in Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets. Save a copy before editing.
A topic needs a usable outcome
“Talk about the project” leaves both parties guessing how much detail is needed. Agree the question the session should answer and what the audience already knows. Put any topics outside the session scope in the brief so they can be handled elsewhere rather than extending the speaking slot.
Use one handover version
Identify the file version the operator will receive and the contact who can approve a replacement. Keep the arrival arrangements with the receiving person, and pass the speaking slot into the run sheet. If a slot changes, update the speaker and operator together.
Continue planning
- Presentation version and playback log
Track the accepted presentation file and the actual playback check.
- Moderated question queue
Group audience questions, identify duplicates and decide which fit the remaining session.
- A gathering run sheet
Coordinate setup, activities and handover with timings and clear responsibilities.
- Hybrid-session audio and screen test
Test the route from the room speaker to the remote listener and back.