The SERC Series Symposiums has a dress code for cocktail attire. Cocktail attire means dressing nicer than your everyday casual clothes. Choose something polished and put-together—like a dress, blazer, or dress shoes—instead of jeans, sneakers, or hoodies. It is not as confining as a black-tie event or office wear, you should feel free to wear more colors or interesting patterns. In short, dress well, and dress fun.

As the host of the SERC Series, and occasional presenter,  I have logged a lot of time in the front of the room. I have also watched every presentation, as well as editing the videos afterwards. If you are familiar with video editing, you don’t just watch the video one it is generally dozens of times. In this time I have put together a list of elements that make a great speech. It is more than the content of the words spoken, but it is many elements combined that create a serious impression. This is not an exhaustive list, just items to keep in mind for future speeches. In your next speech you may not be able to incorporate all these elements perfectly, but remember, growth is an iterative process.

A musing on things past and present that offer a roadmap for the future of the SERC Series

Before you give a speech, you will want to read this