Speaker guidance for online events
In order to successfully join the event online you will need
- Access to a reliable internet connection
- A PC or laptop
- Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser (older browsers such as Internet Explorer are not compatible. If you are using a Mac, we recommend using an alternative browser to Safari)
- A headset with a microphone
To join the online platform, whether it's being hosted on Zoom or EventsAir, you will receive a link either directly from the platform or your Event Manager.
The link should give you direct access to the platform but you will also be provided with log in details just in case.
Have a read through our detailed EventsAir and Zoom speaker guides for further details on how to join either platform.
In advance of your presentation the event manager will arrange a tech test to ensure you can access the platform.
The aim of the tech test is to iron out any technical issues and to ensure you are familiar with the platform ahead of the event. It will also be an opportunity to run through how the session will work on the day and to answer any queries you may have.
Please ensure you attend a tech test prior to your presentation, it should only take around 15 minutes.
There are several functions and features on EventsAir and Zoom that you can utilise during your presentation.
- PowerPoint slides: either you can share your screen and control your slides or we can do it for you. You will be able to practice sharing your screen during your tech test. Which ever method you prefer please ensure you send us a copy of your slides in advance of the event. Please read through our presentation best practice below before putting your slides together
- Video: you can share videos through both platforms. For this to work successfully it is best practice to send us the video in advance and we can share it for you on the day
- Polling: both platforms have the ability to carry out polls. If you would like to run a poll during your presentation please send your event manager the questions and answers in advance. On the day we will launch the poll for you when you indicate to do so. You will be able to see the results live on the screen
- Q&A: both platforms have a Q&A function. During your presentation attendees with be encourage to submit their questions in the Q&A field. The Chair of the session will then verbally be able to ask you questions after your talk. If there isn't enough time to go through all the questions submitted, you can type written responses
- Chat: both platforms also include a chat function. This can be used to post messages to attendees and links to webpages and documents you would like to disseminate
- Handouts and further information: if you would like to disseminate any handouts or further information to attendees please ensure you send us this information in advance so we can either upload it to the EventsAir platform or add it to the event webpages
- Please use PowerPoint 2007 or later
- Save your file as .PPT or .PPTX
- Use either standard (4:3) or widescreen (16:9)
- Remove any read only restrictions
- Remove any password protection
- Your font size should be at least 30 point or higher
- Please use dyslexia friendly fonts such as Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic and Calibri
- Limit the number of words on each slide
- For slides containing text, restrict yourself to key messages, using simple language where possible
- Limit the number of slides you use
- Do not read from your slides. The content of your slides is for the audience, not for the presenter
- Avoid using unnecessarily large image files
- Please provide ALT text for any images used
- Limit your animations and transitions. This is particularly important if we are sharing your slides for you
- Utilise bulletpoints and graphs to demonstrate your points
- If your presentation contains video and/or audio clips, please send both the PowerPoint file and video/audio file
- We recommend using person first language, i.e individuals with schizophrenia however in the context of autism identity first language is preferred, i.e. autistic person not person with autism
- Avoid deficit framing of neurodivergence, i.e. avoid words like disorder (instead say autism), risk (instead say likelihood), sign (instead say features), severity (instead say support needs)
- Please ensure that you have obtained copyright for any images or material being used in your presentation
- If your presentation contains any graphic images, please let your event manager know
- If you are using case studies, please ensure you anonymise any personal information about those involved
You are welcome to use your trust, university or organisation's PowerPoint templates. If you do not have a PowerPoint template available, please feel free to use the College template
Please ensure you join the event at least 20 minutes before the start of the session. This is to ensure we have enough time to deal with any technical issues and can start the event on time.
You will be emailed a unique link to join the event. Please do not share this with anyone as it is linked to your email address and details. If someone else uses your link they will appear on screen with your name.
If you have any issues on the day please contact your event manager as soon as possible. They will be able to support you with any problems.
If you have given us permission to do so we will record your presentation to make available to attendees after the event. This is typically for 12 weeks following the event unless otherwise stated. Only paying delegates will have access to this and your presentation will not be shared further.
It is not possible for us to edit the recording after the event so please ensure that you are happy for everything contained within your slides to be shared in this way.
The recording of your presentation belongs to the Royal College of Psychiatrists and cannot be shared with you following the event for personal use, training purposes or such like. The content of your presentation belongs to you and you are welcome to present the same presentation elsewhere.
Please ensure that you have gained permission from any patients, service users or colleagues before including them in your presentation.
Please ensure that you have copyright permission for any images or tables which you are using in your presentation.
All chairs and presenters at College events are expected to uphold the College values, which are Courage, Innovation, Respect, Collaboration, Learning and Excellence.
Please follow this link to read more about the College values and behaviours.
Please also ensure you have read our privacy policy and code of conduct prior to presenting.