Speaker Tips

Audience & Terminology

We may, and hopefully do, have people that are unfamiliar with the program. Try not to speak of the step number alone, include some concept words so that non-AAers will be able to follow. This is a mapping of the steps to words which may be helpful in your planning. This cross-reference of Big Book sections to human emotions may also be useful to you.

Internet Connection

You should be on a wired connection to your home router rather than wireless if at all possible. This will insure a consistent signal strength throughout the workshop. If you are using a phone rather than a laptop find a place where you have the most bars from your internet carrier and stay there.

Audio

Eliminate any phone that may ring in the background
Put the dog out, or have someone else watch the dog during the workshop.
Make sure your chair doesn’t squeak, and the windows do not allow traffic sounds. In general try to eliminate background noises.
Know where your microphone is located so that you do not inadvertently cover it during the workshop. Speak towards the microphone.
If you have a headset, and have used it successfully in the past, consider using it. Bluetooth headsets are ok (as long as it is tried and true), but a physical connection is usually more reliable.

Video

Select a bright, well lit location.
Find a location where you can sit erect and remain stable.
When speaking, look directly into the camera as if you are in conversation with another human, as in fact you will be.