So You Want to be a Speaker

By Samantha Kelen Greves, MBEC, CCEP

It’s hard to believe, but the Call for Speakers for the 2017 Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) Compliance and Ethics Institute (CEI) (man that’s a mouthful!) opened today. It seems like just yesterday we were in Chicago. Yet the SCCE staff is hard at work planning next year’s event, and I know for a fact they have some exciting things in the works. To say they are professionals is an understatement, and every years seems to get better and better. Las Vegas is sure to be no exception.

Some of the best speakers in our profession will be there presenting everything from the fundamentals to the cutting edge. Are you one of them? Have you been secretly coveting a black ribbon to add to your name tag? Whether you’re new to speaking or just looking for some pointers, here are some tips to increase your chances of being selected to speak:

1. Look for the missing piece – Take a look at past conference agendas to identify a topic that hasn’t been covered before, or one that doesn’t get as much attention. Assuming it’s not so out there as to not be relevant, a unique topic will have less competition. If there are five other submissions about how to revise your code of conduct, you have to compete against those first, before you even get to the rest of the pool.
2. Make sure it’s actionable – While it’s always nice to learn something new, it’s even better when you learn something you can actually take back to your company and put into action. Attendees appreciate clear instructions on how to take your past experience and turn it into their future success story. Make it clear that your presentation will make someone’s job easier.
3. Pick a partner – If it’s your first time presenting, consider partnering with a veteran. Their experience will be immeasurably valuable, and their name will likely lend some credibility to your submission. If you’re a seasoned speaker, consider finding someone new to show the ropes. Such altruism is always rewarded in kind.
4. Be specific, but keep it simple – The SCCE limits their submissions to a title and three bullet points and it can be challenging to summarize your presentation within these limitations. But it’s critically important for you to be specific while keeping your message simple. A complex summary can indicate a speaker without a focus or a presentation without a point. Take the extra time to be impactful using fewer words.
5. Do as you’re told – This one seems obvious, but make sure you provide all requested information. The selection committee likely has many more applicants than sessions to fill, so don’t let an incomplete submission disqualify you before they’ve even read your proposal. Proofreading is also important, as it demonstrates you took your submission seriously and are committed to a quality product. Consider every interaction as an opportunity to further your personal brand.

I’ve had the honor of serving on the selection committee for several conferences, and these suggestions come directly from my experience. If you’ve been thinking about throwing your hat in the ring, I strongly encourage you to submit a proposal. People like you are what make the CEI so valuable and engaging, and we need your contribution. Keeping these tips in mind, what do you have to lose? The deadline to submit is November 21, so don’t delay.  

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