how to write a brief bio for a presentation

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How to Write a Speaker Bio for a Conference (with Examples)

Published on 28 Jul 2022

Author bios, or speaker bios, can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be included as part of your application to present at a conference or posted to an event website to introduce yourself as a presenter at the event. Bios can also be helpful to have on your profile in the participant directory of the conference management tool used for the event, so that others to know what you’re working on. 

For many, an author bio is their first introduction to their peers – sort of like a digital, written handshake. In the world of academic conferences, conference programmes and websites will include a biography of every speaker.

An interesting, engaging bio can help encourage others to participate in the event, and impact the number of people who attend your presentation, so it’s important to take your time, do your research, and write a biography that will highlight the characteristics that set you apart from the rest. 

How do you write a good short bio?

Start by taking notes of your strengths and accomplishments. Look at your CV and pull out the very basics like where you went to school and your primary area of interest, then add in the impressive details like fellowships, published pieces, or exciting collaborations.

Here are the detailed steps to take to write a bio that will inspire your peers to attend your presentation or connect with you in a breakout session.

Step 1: Find out the required length

When you’re writing a speaker bio for a specific conference, make sure you know the length of bio the organizer is looking for. Each conference will have its own guidelines, and some will even ask for two versions – a longer one for the event website and a shorter one for the printed program. 

Step 2. Write in the third person

Write your bio as if you’re writing it about someone else. Not only is this the most common format for a speaker biography, but it gives you the opportunity to add many details of your success and experiences without coming across as pompous or arrogant. Writing in the third person gives some authors more confidence to speak about themselves and their accomplishments. 

Start out with your full name, then decide whether to refer to yourself throughout using your first name or last name. For less formal events, using your first name creates an air of familiarity, while referring to yourself by your last name is more professional and formal. 

Step 3: Make a list of the basics

There are basic pieces of information that should be included in every speaker's biography.

• Your full name
• Your credentials
• Where you completed your graduate studies
• Your current position and where you work
• Your areas of interest
• How your experience is relevant and beneficial to the focus of the event
• Your most notable accomplishments - avoid building a laundry-list of published pieces, focus on the most impressive
• If you’ve published in any top peer-reviewed journals like Science, Nature, or the equivalent for your field, be sure to include this 
• List any patents you hold or any breakthrough findings
• Note any impressive research collaborations with well-known subject matter experts

Step 4: Write to your audience

Get to know your audience before you start writing. I don’t mean get to know them personally – that will happen at the event. I mean get an understanding of the demographics and areas of interest of the potential conference attendees that will be reading your bio. 

If you’re presenting at an ornithology conference and your audience is passionate about hands-on research, focus the content of your bio more heavily towards your applied experience studying birds. You can do this by highlighting the hands-on research you’ve done rather than the degrees and certifications you’ve earned. In this example, when discussing your PhD thesis, you would focus on the part of your research that led you to travel to Antarctica to study the Wandering Albatross migration. 

If your audience is made up primarily of institutional academics, highlight who funded your research and which institutions you were collaborating with when the work was being conducted. For example, focus the mention of your PhD thesis around the fact that you studied at UCLA under one of their many renowned Professors of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. 

Step 5: Add some personality

One way to set yourself apart from other speakers is to inject some fun into your bio. You want it to be interesting and engaging – that’s how you will encourage other conference attendees to read the biography from start to finish. Don’t be afraid to try out some wordplay or alliterations. While there are great bios that start out with the speaker’s primary research area, some of the most engaging bios start off with a sentence or statement that is bold, unexpected, and captures your reader’s attention. 

Examples of speakers' bio

Here are two good examples of the type of speaker’s biographies you’ll find on conference websites and programs. 

Brandon Farbstein

Brandon Farbstein’s bio is short, it’s interesting, and it opens with information that highlights the attributes that set him apart from other speakers. It gets personal and draws the reader in. Personally, if I saw this bio in a conference program I would definitely make time in my schedule to attend this presentation. 

“At just 20, Brandon Farbstein has already made a name for himself worldwide as a sought-after speaker and prominent Gen Z activist. Diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism at the age of 2, Brandon stands at 3’9” – making his life’s journey full of adversity, strength, and impact. After feeling invisible and without a purpose for the first 15 years of his life, he discovered his calling on the TEDx stage, and suddenly realized his life’s meaning: to change the lens through which people see their world.  In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon; and his work continues to touch audiences from every walk of life.”

One notable thing lacking here is clear information about Brandon’s work. We know a lot about him personally, we know that he’s a TEDx speaker, and we know that his work has impacted millions of people, but we really don’t know what he actually does. 

Nicole Redvers

Nicole Redvers' bio starts by identifying her personal connection to her field of study, peaking the interest of readers and making it clear that she is passionate about her work. She goes on to cover her specific area of research, the institutions she’s connected with, and the advocacy works she’s involved with to advance her research in a way that will improve the lives of others. 

“Dr. Nicole Redvers, ND, MPH, is a member of the Deninu K’ue First Nation in Denendeh (NWT) and has worked with Indigenous patients, scholars, and communities around the globe her entire career. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Department of Indigenous Health at the University of North Dakota where she helped develop and launch the first Indigenous health PhD program. Dr. Redvers is co-founder and current board chair of the Canadian charity the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation based in Yellowknife, NWT, providing traditional Indigenous-rooted Land-based wellness supports to northerners. She has been actively involved at regional, national, and international levels promoting the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in both human and planetary health research and practice. She is author of the trade paperback book titled, ‘The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles’.”

One thing I like about this bio is that it takes the reader through a logical flow of information that ends with Redvers’ most notable accomplishments. 

A good speaker's bio is short, direct, and sparks interest. It provides the speaker with an opportunity to connect with conference attendees before the event begins, and it provides event attendees with an introduction to the speakers presenting at the event which will help them determine which presentations they want to attend.

With the instructions we provided and half an hour of your time, you’ll have a bio that stands out from the rest!

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Effective Conference Speaker Bios: 9 Examples That Stand Out

• Carolyn Manion Kinnie
• January 16, 2024

Table of Contents

When you land your first big speaking gig, one of the first things your event planner will ask for is a headshot and bio. Composing a bio for a conference is an important way to attract audience members to your talk. It also contributes to marketing for the event itself. Are you worried about coming up short when faced with this task? That’s why we’ve gathered a variety of great conference speaker bio examples just for you. Use these bios drawn from our own students and coaches at The Speaker Lab for inspiration as you get ready for your next speaking engagement!

Event bios can be tricky because you often have a word limit, whereas on your speaker website you have free reign to pick and choose how much and what information you include. Furthermore, if you offer a variety of options on your speaker menu, the bio you use for one talk/audience might not be well suited to the others. 

If the program will be appearing online ahead of the event, your conference speaker bio also plays a role in event promotion. Helping draw attendees to an event with your effective bio will endear you to conference event planners and gain you a positive reputation in the speaking world. While that may seem like a secondary concern, it plays an important role in building your network . 

What Makes a good Conference Speaker Bio?

As a refresher, we covered the ins and outs of writing a solid speaker bio here. And we’ve provided several templates for different kinds of speaker bios here . (Remember: we always recommend maintaining a longer “master bio” which you can edit and pare down to make shorter bios for conferences, speaker proposals, social media, and more.)

The most important factor that makes or breaks any speaker bio is your audience. Always keep your audience (and the event) in mind when you write a speaker bio for a conference. Are they professionals, creatives, executives, parents, entrepreneurs? Is this a connection and community oriented conference or one focused on presenting data-driven research without all the fluff? Even if you keep the same basic info, subtle adjustments to tone and the order you present information can make a huge difference! Our examples cover a variety of industries and event types so you can get a feel for how to change things up based on your client and audience. 

Before we get on to our conference speaker bio examples, let’s review our open-ended template. 

Conference Speaker Bio Template

• Open with a positioning statement aligned with the conference theme that establishes your expertise.

[Name] is a [seasoned expert] who [does interesting and important things in your industry].

• List the career highlights that are relevant to your talk. 

[Name] has [X years, decades] of experience doing [what your audience does or wants to do]. 

• Include a taste of your mission and vision –your “why”–to pique the audience’s interest.

During [life or career experience], [Name] realized that [thing that made you decide to speak]. Now, [Name] does [what you do for a living] to [transformation you hope to achieve].  

• If relevant: end with a personal fact relatable to your audience. (Leave this out if the conference atmosphere is particularly academic, data-driven, or otherwise impersonal).

[Name] enjoys trying new foods, like [signature dish of the city hosting the conference]. 

The conference speaker bio examples we’ve shared below are from students, alumni, and coaches of our TSL programs. You can listen to even more testimonies from our students and friends who have made their mark on the speaking industry on our podcast . 

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1. Dominique Luster

 2. Dr. Peggy DeLong

3. David Palmiter

Dr. David Palmiter’s bio for a medical society conference is credential-oriented and to the point. He hones in on his psychological expertise after describing his jack-of-all-trades career. Given the serious topic of his panel on substance abuse, an emphasis on professional qualifications is necessary and appropriate. But this conference bio isn’t entirely dry and technical, as it includes how Dr. Palmiter’s interest in magic connects to his desire to change people’s lives. Dr. Palmiter shared some of his magician’s wisdom on our podcast–listen here.

4. Chris Failla  

This profile for a networking event is a great example of a conference bio that combines brevity and thoroughness. Chris elucidates his credentials in the field and specifies the transformation he has wrought that is similar to what attendees will be looking for. He finishes with some personal notes, appropriate for an event that includes lunch and a happy hour where lots of small talk will be happening. While it’s short and to-the-point, you can tell from Chris’s bio that he’s a mission-driven guy, as he shared on our podcast .

5. Shailesh Ghimire  

This conference speaker bio from TSL alum Shailesh Ghimire is a great example of how to pack quite a punch with as few words as possible. In three sentences, Shailesh lets attendees at this dental industry continuing education event know exactly what they can expect to gain from his marketing presentation. 1. He has extensive experience in his field. 2. He can distill digital marketing concepts so they are easily digestible for non-marketers. 3. He will be concise and avoid rambling or jargon. If you’re working with a really strict word limit, try to focus on setting realistic and helpful expectations. Shailesh shared how he built a business out of his lifelong speaking passion on our podcast recently. Listen to his inspirational story here .

6. Anne Marie Anderson

Anne Marie Anderson’s conference bio for a women’s leadership symposium begins with a bang. Hard to beat three Emmys! It follows with a description of the transformation she effects through the keynote she is offering. Then, she covers all the experience and methods that go into her mission. Because Anne Marie has such an outstanding career outside of the motivational speaking realm, her bio serves to explain how her experience in broadcasting applies to her audience. Anne Marie talked to our team about her amazing career and “building an audacious mindset” on the podcast right here.  

7. Amy Fuentes

Are you trying to come up with a paragraph that convinces people to come to your workshop? Here’s a conference speaker bio example for you. Amy’s presentation at an upcoming women’s leadership conference is accompanied by an extremely mission-oriented conference bio. Given the event’s focus on inspiration and empowerment, this is a shrewd strategy to encourage people to come to her breakout session . Listen to Amy’s testimony of how she felt called to empower women through her speaking platform here .

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8. Brittany Richmond

TSL’s very own Brittany Richmond will be presenting at the 2024 National Conference on Student Leadership . We might be biased, but we think this is an incredible conference speaker bio that exudes professionalism and authority in her field. Her introductory statement that gives you an idea of her on-stage persona and credentials. Her career path leads directly to her mission statement as well as a quick description of the many venues she has spoken for. You know exactly what you’re getting into when you listen to Britt’s presentation! Check out one of her recent podcasts with us here .

9. Dan Irvin

We’ll wrap up our slew of examples with a bio from TSL coach Dan Irvin. Dan just spoke to the American Bus Association conference in Nashville. His conference speaker bio hits all of our template requirements, leaves you full of excitement for his session, and offers a dose of relatability. A positioning statement that captures his personality and the transformation he offers starts us off. Then Dan covers his career background which qualifies him especially for work with leaders and executives. He describes his mission (at least for this talk): getting you back on track when you lose sight of your goals while having fun along the way. And he squeezes in a reminder that he too has a family to come back to at the end of this event. Dan shared several of his systems for success with us this year on an episode of The Speaker Lab podcast. 

Writing a conference bio is just one of the steps in the long process of finding, booking, and completing a paid speaking engagement. If you want more tips and guidance throughout this process, get in touch with our team here . 

• Last Updated: March 21, 2024

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Table of Contents

Understanding the purpose of a speaker bio, how to write a speaker bio for a conference, how to use artificial intelligence to write speaker bios, 3 examples of effective speaker bios, free speaker bio template, unlock the power of speaker bios, how to write a speaker bio for a conference (with examples).

A well-crafted speaker bio is a great way to create a strong first impression with event attendees and generate buzz. Not only can a solid bio establish credibility for your event and pique the audience’s curiosity, but it also can accelerate event promotion efforts.

Keep reading to learn more about why speaker bios matter, discover how to write a bio for a conference, and view speaker bio examples that should give you a better idea about what a strong bio looks like.

Speaker bios play a pivotal role in effective event marketing strategies . By populating your event website with speaker bios, you can showcase your event’s content caliber while creating interest and engagement. Once speaker bios are live, you can repurpose this content — for example, by creating graphics, sharing them on social media, and tagging the speakers.

The best speaker bios include the following elements:

• The speaker’s name and title
• Their current affiliation (e.g., CEO of Acme Corp.)
• Relevant experience and expertise
• Accomplishments and achievements (e.g., awards or publications)
• Education and qualifications
• Information about previous speaking engagements
• A personal touch that describes the speaker’s hobbies, interests, or passions outside of their professional life
• Contact information

Effective speaker bios begin with a compelling opening line that grabs the reader’s attention. At a high level, speaker bios should showcase the speaker’s expertise, credentials, and achievements. They should also highlight relevant industry experience and accomplishments. 

Now that we’ve got the basics down, consider these five tips for writing winning speaker bios.

1. Tailor the Bio to the Conference Theme and Audience

Since every event is different, ensuring that your speaker bios align with the conference theme and resonate with the target audience is essential. 

For example, if you’re hosting an event catering to executives, you must ensure each speaker’s bio highlights their executive experience. Incorporate language and keywords that resonate with the audience. In this example, you may want to include leadership qualities, board appointments, and examples of driving innovation, digital transformation, and return on investment.

2. Structure the Speaker Bio Effectively

Organize the speaker bio logically and concisely so readers can quickly determine what each speaker is about. Pay attention to the structure, too. Using bullet points and short paragraphs can make the bios more accessible, improving readability. Generally speaking, bios should be 300 words at maximum.

3. Include Social Proof and Credibility

Incorporate testimonials, endorsements, and other accolades from previous speaking engagements to demonstrate the accomplishments of your speakers. Mention notable publications, awards, and recognitions.

For example, if a particular speaker was named CEO of the Year, ensure their bio conveys that information. At the same time, share relevant statistics or achievements demonstrating expertise (e.g., grew ARR 250% in two years). 

4. Add a Personal Touch 

At the end of the day, we’re all people, and your speakers are more than the sum of their professional accomplishments. Compelling speaker bios include personal anecdotes about their lives or experiences related to the event’s theme. 

After reading a bio, audience members should know precisely why each individual was invited to participate in the event. To humanize speakers, include a sentence or two about their interests outside of work.

5. Review and Refine the Bio

Once you’re done writing a bio draft, proofread it to ensure there aren’t any typos and that the content is grammatically correct. Double-check your work to ensure that the bio is tight and free of unnecessary details. Run the bio by a trusted colleague for a second opinion if possible, and then get the stamp of approval from the professional who is featured. 

Lean events team? You can use generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to jumpstart the process of writing speaker bios. Here’s an example of what you could ask ChatGPT to pump out a high-quality speaker bio. 

Here are some additional prompt ideas you can use to write your conference speaker bios:

• Full speaker bio: Can you write a comprehensive speaker bio for [Speaker’s Name], who will speak at our upcoming [Event Name]?
• Key accomplishments: Write a speaker bio highlighting the most important accomplishments of [Speaker’s Name].
• Professional background: Provide a brief overview of the professional background of [Speaker’s Name] for their speaker bio.
• Relevant experience: Write a bio emphasizing [Speaker’s Name]’s relevant experience and expertise in [Industry/Topic].
• Thought leadership: Create a bio that showcases [Speaker’s Name]’s thought leadership and unique insights in the field of [Industry/Topic].
• Notable contributions: Write a speaker bio outlining the notable contributions that [Speaker’s Name] has made to the [Industry/Field].
• Presentation Style: Provide a bio that captures [Speaker’s Name]’s engaging presentation style and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Innovative approach: Write a speaker bio highlighting [Speaker’s Name]’s innovative approach to [Industry/Topic] and their impact on the field.
• Audience takeaways: Create a bio communicating the practical takeaways attendees can expect from [Speaker’s Name]’s presentation.
• Upcoming speaking engagement: Write a brief speaker bio for [Speaker’s Name] for their upcoming presentation at [Event Name, Date, and Location].
• Education and credentials: Provide a speaker bio with the educational background and relevant credentials of [Speaker’s Name].

Feel free to mix and match these prompts or provide specific details about the speaker’s background and accomplishments and the event they will be speaking at to get a tailored and impactful speaker bio. Just know that you must fact-check the output because the information may not be up-to-date or accurate. 

What exactly does this look like in practice? Here are three speaker bio examples that should get you thinking in the right direction.

Bio Example for a Tech Conference Speaker

Derek Jeter’s bio for INBOUND 2023 keeps it short and sweet, likely because most people are familiar with this baseball powerhouse. 

Here is the text of that bio:

Derek Jeter

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and National Baseball HOF Inductee

The Baseball Hall of Famer and business leader shares what his leadership experience on and off the field has taught him about business. 

Bio Example for a DE&I Conference Speaker 

Here is the bio for Charisse Kosova, who will be speaking at the 26th annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference . This event serves as a platform for accomplished DE&I practitioners worldwide to showcase their work and engage in dialogues about critical subjects such as race, social justice, neurodiversity, women’s health, disability, allyship, and other themes.

Charisse Kosova 

Director, DEI Learning & Development 

McDonald’s Corporation 

Charisse Kosova is director of DEI L&D at McDonald’s Corporation, working to drive the success of McDonald’s DEI learning journey at all levels of the organization. Before McDonald’s, she was the head of Global Training & Development at Shure Incorporated, where she built the first centralized learning function and advised the D&I council on global learning strategy. As director of Global Talent Development for IOR Global Services, she consulted with multinational corporations to build greater intercultural leadership and management skills across culturally diverse teams. Over time this work of bridging “otherness,” combined with her own commitment to social justice, led to a more focused expertise in DEI. Charisse has lived and worked in Ethiopia, Morocco, Japan, and the UK, and has seen first-hand how continuous learning in a diverse, inclusive environment leads not only to greater employee productivity and engagement, but also to increased professional and personal well-being.

Bio Example for a Fintech Conference Speaker

Stephanie Yu’s bio page for FinovateFall — the world’s premier fintech showcase — is outstanding, partly because it includes the sessions at which she’ll speak. Check it out:

Stephanie Yu

Director of Product Management

Stephanie Yu, director of Product Management at Uplift. Uplift is the enterprise Buy Now, Pay Later solution for the world’s leading travel, retail, and e-commerce brands.

Stephanie leads the core product development at Uplift. As a product leader, she has led the business to over 200% revenue growth in 2022.

Prior to Uplift, Stephanie held various leadership roles at Moody’s. She started out as a research data analyst at Moody’s and expanded into product management, leading market research and driving innovative product development like the Data Contribution Portal at Moody’s Commercial Real Estate line of business ⸺ resulting in improved workflows for 200 property researchers, and “Pulse” AI-powered commercial real estate market news feed.

Former Bizzaboer Rachel Heller , who is now GitHub’s senior content program manager of events, uses a helpful template for writing conference speaker bios:

• Something descriptive about what you do (not just your title and company)
• Why are you credible
• Your role and/or any previous relevant roles 
• Any extracurricular professional accolades or organizations you’re part of
• Something personal that humanizes you

Here is her 99-word bio using this formula:

Rachel Heller is an event content professional with over a decade of experience working on events ranging from 50 to 50,000 attendees. Currently, she is the senior content program manager for events at GitHub. Rachel is a member of the Event Content Council and previously held event content strategy roles at Sage Intacct and PTC. She is passionate about diverse, equitable, and inclusive presenter lineups, and when she’s not thinking up new session format ideas or searching for the best speakers, Rachel enjoys hiking, restoring furniture, and trying to beat her fastest time solving the NYT crossword puzzle.

What would your bio look like using this template?

Although many event marketers might underestimate their importance, speaker bios can profoundly impact event success. By creating concise, compelling bios that interest your target audience, you can gin up excitement, sell more tickets, and ensure your next event is the best yet.

As you begin creating speaker bios for your next event, keep this blog’s tips in mind. And remember to lean into generative AI tools to speed up the process!

But wait, did you know you can use generative AI to supercharge your event planning and promotion efforts? It’s true, and we’ve built a guide to help: 100+ chatbot prompts for event professionals .

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How to Write A Powerful Speaker Bio for a Conference (With Examples)

Although it may seem easy, creating a speaker bio for a conference is far more crucial than you may realize. A strong bio may significantly impact how your audience views you and potentially affect the number of people who show up for your session. Your speaker bio establishes the tone for your lecture and is frequently the first impression that audiences will get of you. 

A strong speaker bio goes beyond simply highlighting your accomplishments and credentials. It provides a narrative about your identity, work, and reasons for being enthusiastic about your industry. It helps establish a rapport with them even before you take the stage and provides them with a cause to be passionate about your speech. 

We’ll walk you through the process of writing an attention-grabbing speaker bio in this article that will stick with you. Let’s start by discussing the value of a strong speaker bio and typical errors to steer clear of. After that, you will find the essential components of a good bio and how to modify it for various audiences. We’ll offer helpful hints and examples to help you understand how to write a speaker bio that meets and beyond expectations. You will have all the resources and information necessary to create a speaker bio that effectively communicates your expertise, draws in the audience, and positions you for success at your upcoming conference when you finish reading this article. 

Understanding the Importance of a Speaker Bio

A speaker bio is a brief written statement you provide to introduce yourself to the conference audience. It resembles a narrative about your background, activities, and significance. The goal of a speaker bio is to give people a reason to listen to you and believe what you have to say. 

Consider it this way: people are interested in learning a little about you before they hear you speak. They want to listen to what makes you unique and why you were selected to speak. Since your bio is frequently the first thing people see, it must be compelling. People are likelier to pay attention and take your message seriously if you have a captivating profile that makes you look fascinating and reliable. 

Conference planners might also benefit from your bio. They use it to draw people to the event and promote it. A strong bio will facilitate their work and raise your chances of receiving speaking invitations for upcoming events. 

In short, a speaker bio is essential because it:

• Introduces you to the audience
• Builds your credibility
• Engage people before they hear you speak.
• Helps conference organizers promote the event

Common Mistakes in Writing Speaker Bios

Writing a speaker bio can be tricky. Before we learn what to include in a bio, we will look at the errors that must be avoided. Some common mistakes people make can weaken their bios. Avoiding these mistakes can help you write a bio that stands out.

Overloading with Information

A standard error is when you try to add too much information. Although it’s normal to want to highlight all of the experiences and accomplishments, including too much information in the bio will confuse the reader and lessen the effect of your main points. We will look at all the techniques of how to write a brief bio later on, but for now, remember these three facts- 

  Less is More: Pay attention to your career’s high points and the most significant achievements. Consider what information the audience will find most compelling and exclude everything less important. 

Choose two or three noteworthy achievements demonstrating the speaker’s proficiency and significance to the occasion. This improves the readability and impact of your bio.

Keep It Concise: Aim for briefness. A good speaker bio is typically  150-250 words,  enough to convey your message without losing the reader’s attention.

Being Too Vague or Generic

A bio that is too vague or generic fails to make a strong impression. Phrases like “experienced professional” or “knowledgeable in many areas” don’t give the audience specific reasons to be interested in the speaker. Highlight specific achievements, roles, or projects demonstrating the speaker’s expertise. For example, instead of saying “experienced in technology,” mention a particular project you led or a specific technology you specialise in. Give tangible examples of the work. Instead of saying “skilled leader,” you might say, “led a team of 20 to develop a ground-breaking software application that increased productivity by 30%.”

Lack of Relevance to the Audience or Event

Your bio should be tailored to the specific event and audience. A generic bio that doesn’t speak directly to the audience’s interests or the event’s theme can fail to engage. Think about who will be attending the conference. Are they industry professionals, academics, students, or a mix? Tailor your bio to address their interests and expectations. Make sure your bio reflects the theme or focus of the conference. If the event concerns innovation, highlight your work in pioneering new ideas or technologies.  Emphasise aspects of your background that are directly relevant to the conference topic. If you’re speaking at an education conference, for example, focus on your experience and achievements in education.

Using Jargon

A section of your audience may get unpleasant if you use excessive amounts of business jargon. Technical jargon and acronyms may not be understood by everyone, which might make your bio less exciting and challenging to read. 

• Use clear, simple language that a broad audience can understand. Avoid technical terms unless they are widely known within the event context.
• If you must use specific language, give a brief overview. This will allow readers of many backgrounds to follow along.
• Aim for clarity and readability. A well-written bio should be clear enough to easily understand, even for someone not an expert in your field.

By avoiding these errors, you can write a bio that is clear, relevant, and interesting.

How to Write A Speaker Bio- A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: preparation and research.

Before you start writing, you need to do some preparation. This is the first step you need to learn if you want a perfect answer for how to write a bio for a conference. Moreover, this helps you create a bio that fits the event and connects with the audience. 

Knowing the Audience

First, know your audience. Think about who will be attending the conference. Are they professionals, students, academics, or a mix? Understanding your audience helps you decide what information to include in your bio. For example, when speaking to professionals, focus on your industry experience and achievements. If your audience is students, highlight your educational background and any relevant advice you can offer them.

Researching the Event Background 

Find out what the conference is about. What are the main topics or themes? Knowing the theme helps you highlight the parts of your background that are most relevant. For example, if the event is about innovation, focus on your work in developing new ideas or technologies. Also, look at the bios of speakers from previous years. This can give you an idea of what the organisers are looking for and help you similarly structure your bio.

Understanding the Expectations of the Organizers

Find out if there are any rules or a recommended format for speaker bios from the event organisers. It will be simpler for them to use your bio in advertising materials if you follow these rules. Ensure you know the appropriate length and substance for your bio.

Step 2: Knowing the Key Elements

A strong speaker bio needs a few essential components. These contribute to presenting a clear image of who you are and your value as a speaker for the occasion. 

1. Name and Position at Present 

Begin with your name and the role or job title you currently hold. This lets the audience know immediately who you are and what you do. “Jane Smith, CEO of Tech Innovations,” for instance.

2. Professional Background and Experience

Summarise your professional background. Include your previous roles, industries in which you’ve worked, and any relevant experience showcasing your expertise. 

3. Notable Accomplishments and Honours 

Emphasise your most significant accomplishments as well as any honours or recognitions you’ve won. This increases your reputation and demonstrates that people have recognised your competence. For instance, “Tech Magazine named her one of the Top 100 Most Influential Tech Leaders in 2022.”

4. Specialized Fields 

Share a few of your areas of expertise. Be explicit when describing your abilities and knowledge, especially those pertinent to the event. “Her expertise includes cybersecurity, machine learning, and artificial intelligence,” for example. 

5. Personal Narratives or Distinctive Features 

Your bio might be more interesting if you include a personal touch. Give a little story or highlight a distinguishing quality that makes you stand out. This makes it easier for the audience to relate to you personally. 

6. Contact Information

Provide links to the speaker’s personal website, social media accounts, and contact details. This enables curious guests to contact the conference speaker and discover more about what they do. You can add a section like this: “Visit Jane’s website or connect with her on LinkedIn; link.” 

Step 3: Structuring the Bio

The opening statement is all about grabbing interest . 

Start with an appealing introduction that catches the reader’s interest. This may be an inspiring professional truth, a remarkable accomplishment, or a declaration of your enthusiasm for your chosen field. 

The main body should be based on detailing professional background and achievements .

In the main body, include information about your accomplishments and professional history. This is your chance to elaborate on the crucial components, such as your experience, awards, and areas of expertise. 

Closing with a personal touch and call to action

Add a personal touch at the end, such as personal testimony or a distinguishing feature. Next, include a call to action, such as an invitation for the audience to visit the speaker’s website or follow you on his/her social media to learn more. 

Step 4: Focusing on Writing Style and Tone

Your writing style and tone greatly influence how your bio is received. Here are some tips to get it right:

Matching the Tone to the Event

Make sure your bio matches the tone of the event. For a formal conference, keep your language professional. For a more casual event, a relaxed tone may be appropriate. For example, use formal language for a business summit and a more conversational tone for a creative workshop.

Balancing Professionalism with Personality

While being professional is important, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bio that’s too dry can be boring, but one with a bit of personality can be much more engaging. For example, you can include a fun fact about yourself or a light-hearted anecdote related to your work.

Using Active Voice and Strong Verbs

Write in the active voice and use strong verbs. This makes your bio more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of saying “was responsible for,” say “led” or “managed.” Active voice makes your accomplishments stand out more clearly.

Step 5: Refining and Polishing the Bio

Once you’ve written your speaker bio, refining and polishing it is important. This step ensures that your bio is transparent, professional, and free of errors. Here’s how to do it:

Editing and Proofreading

A well-edited bio is crucial because it reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. A bio with errors can make you seem careless and undermine your credibility. Your bio is often the first thing people read about you. A polished bio creates a positive first impression. Double-check for any misspelled words. Even a small typo can make your bio look unprofessional. Pay attention to punctuation, such as commas, periods, and quotation marks. Use consistent language and formatting throughout your bio. For example, if you use bullet points, use them consistently.

Feedback and Making Revisions

Share your bio with colleagues, mentors, or even event organisers. They can provide valuable feedback and point out areas for improvement. Getting input from different people can give you a well-rounded view of how your bio reads and what might need to change.

Bonus! Check out our mega list of 15 event reminder email templates you need in 2024

Short Professional Bio Examples for Conference

Example 1: keynote speaker.

Dr Emily Harris, Chief Innovation Officer at GreenTech Solutions

Dr. Emily Harris is the Chief Innovation Officer at GreenTech Solutions, where she leads a dynamic team in developing sustainable technologies. With over 15 years of experience in environmental engineering and renewable energy, Dr. Harris has pioneered several breakthrough projects, including the award-winning EcoGrid system. She has a PhD in Environmental Science from Stanford University and has been recognised by the Global Energy Forum as one of the top innovators in her field. Dr. Harris enjoys mentoring young scientists and advocating for green policies in her spare time.

Example 2: Panellist

Michael Lee, Senior Vice President of Marketing at BrightWave Communications

Michael Lee is the Senior Vice President of Marketing at BrightWave Communications, where he oversees global marketing strategies and digital transformation initiatives. With a career spanning over 20 years in the tech industry, Michael has successfully led numerous high-impact campaigns and product launches. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a frequent speaker at industry events , sharing insights on digital marketing and customer engagement. Outside of work, Michael is passionate about supporting local tech start-ups and volunteering at educational non-profits.

Example 3: Academic Presenter

Dr. Raj Patel, Professor of Computer Science at MIT

Dr. Raj Patel is a Professor of Computer Science at MIT, where he specialises in artificial intelligence and machine learning. With a research career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Patel has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers and holds several patents in AI technology. He received his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and has been honoured with numerous awards, including the prestigious Turing Award. Dr. Patel is passionate about advancing AI ethics and often collaborates with industry leaders to develop responsible AI practices. Outside academia, he enjoys chess and classical music.

Example 4: Start-up Founder

Jessica Nguyen, Founder and CEO of HealthTech Innovations

Jessica Nguyen is the Founder and CEO of HealthTech Innovations, a start-up dedicated to revolutionising healthcare through technology. Since launching the company five years ago, Jessica has led the development of several ground-breaking health monitoring devices that have improved patient care worldwide. She has a degree in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and was recently featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for her offerings in healthcare technology. Jessica is also an advocate for women in STEM and frequently speaks at conferences and workshops to motivate the next generation of female innovators.

Practical Tips to Use While Writing the Next Bio

As you have reached almost the end of this guide on how to write a speaker bio, we will quickly look at some additional tips that will make your creating journey a bit more efficient. 

• Your bio should reflect who you really are. Don’t try to hold a fake personality. Authenticity makes people relate easily and build trust. 
• Include a brief story or journey that led you to where you are today. This can make your bio more relatable and memorable.
• Tailor your bio to fit the specific event you’re speaking at. Highlight the aspects of your experience and expertise that are most relevant to the event’s theme and audience.
• Make sure your bio is up-to-date with your most recent achievements and roles. An outdated bio can make you seem out of touch.
• Keep your sentences short and to the point. This makes your bio easier to read and understand.
• Think about what makes you unique. It could be a particular skill, a notable achievement, or an unusual career path.
• End your bio with a call to action. This could be inviting the audience to know more about you on social media, visit your website, or attend your session at the conference.
• Always proofread your bio to catch any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-edited bio reflects your professionalism.
• Reading your bio aloud can help you catch mistakes that might miss your sight when reading silently.
• Ask a friend, colleague, or mentor to review your bio. When rechecked by them, it can generate valuable feedback and suggest improvements.
• A professional photo can make your bio more personal and engaging. Choose a headshot where you look approachable and confident.
• Sharing a few personal interests or hobbies can add a human touch to your bio and make it more interesting.
• Ensure your bio is consistent with how you present yourself on other platforms, such as LinkedIn, your website, and social media.
• Make sure your bio reflects your personal and professional values. This helps build a strong bond with the audience and shows what you stand for.

If you are looking for more awesome thank you messages, you can take a quick look at how to write a thank you message for attending an event

Creating an attractive speaker bio for a conference is a crucial responsibility that has the potential to influence your audience’s opinion of you greatly. In addition to showcasing your experience and accomplishments in the workplace, a strong bio adds a human aspect that makes you more relatable to readers. A strong bio can set the tone for your presentation if you prepare carefully, concentrate on the essential details, and refine your bio with attentive editing and feedback. 

Remember that your bio often acts as a prospective listener’s initial impression, so give it your best effort. Make sure it conveys the tone of the event and your own brand by being genuine, concise, and captivating. Whether you’re learning how to write a brief bio or creating a more detailed one, these strategies will help you craft a speaker bio that informs, inspires, and captivates your audience. 

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How to write an awesome speaker’s bio or introduction

You’re going to be speaking at an event – congratulations! Now comes the awkward, nail-biting task of writing your speaker’s bio so that you can be properly introduced. But what to put in the bio? How do you highlight your skills without sounding like you’re bragging or have an over-inflated ego?

I know I’ve felt this angst myself, and so many people have asked me about writing their bio. Mike wrote in and summed up the problem perfectly in his question:

“Hi Lauren, I’ve been invited to speak at an association event (congratulations, Mike!). The organizers have asked for my speaker’s introduction and bio. What should I put into this? Every time I try to write something, it sounds cheesy or made-up. I don’t even know how long it should be! Any help would be appreciated.  Yours, Mike”

I love this question, Mike, because it brings up something that’s tricky for a lot of us – talking about how awesome we are without feeling gross!

So get ready to up your confidence, take pride in your accomplishments, and put your best food forward when you take your place in front of your audience:

(Embedded video being fussy? Click here to watch it on YouTube )

What accomplishment would you be most proud to share in your speaker’s bio? Share it in the comments below or drop it my way @lsergy on Twitter

Remember to like the video, subscribe to my  channel, and share this post with your colleagues so that they, too, can create speaker bios they feel good about!

Welcome to Communication Q&A, where I take your tough speaking and communication questions and dish out a bit of advice to help you through them. Today we’ve got Mike writing in with a question about his speaker’s bio.

There’s a couple of reasons why something that should be as simple as writing your speaker’s bio can actually be very difficult.

First, it’s sometimes hard for us to appreciate our own skills and accomplishments because we’re viewing them through our own internal lens, and they don’t always seem all that impressive to us. It’s that adage of us being our own worst critics.

Second, we don’t want to come across as if we’re bragging or arrogant. So our reaction is to downplay a lot of what we’ve done to keep ourselves humble.

But the thing is, Mike, neither of these help your audience.

A speaker’s bio is a critical piece of information for them – it’s what tells them who you are and why you’re the RIGHT person to be speaking to them about your topic!

It helps establish your credibility even before you open your mouth to speak, which is important for making a good first impression and boosting your persuasiveness.

When you’re writing your bio, you want to focus in on how the audience perceives you, rather than how you perceive yourself. What parts of your experience would be most important to them? How did you come to be an expert on this topic (and if you’re the speaker, you’re the expert – whether you like it or not!)? What would make the audience sit up and say “wow, that’s really impressive!”

For most talks, it’s going to come down to these details:

1: Your name and title or what you do

2: How many years of experience you have (this could be years of experience in your field, or with the topic you’re speaking about)

3: What sort of people you work with or clients you’ve had (you might say that you work with certain fortune 500 companies, or you  could describe the types of clients your typically help)

4: Significant accomplishments, such as honours or awards, books you’ve written, media appearances you’ve had, or major projects you’ve worked on.

Keep the details short and always make sure they’re relevant to the audience and the topic. For example, let’s say that you’re a policy analyst specializing in zoning regulations, and you’re speaking to an engineers’ association. You’ll definitely want to tell them about your Master’s degree in governmental policy, but maybe leave out that Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design or the fact that you’re a certified yoga instructor. On the other hand, if you were speaking to an association of art educators, the theatre degree and yoga instruction might suddenly become relevant again.  Always ask yourself: will the audience see this as adding to my credibility? Will it help them understand my views better? Will they care?

If you’re really stuck, ask your friends what THEY would put in your speaker’s bio, and run your bio past them for feedback. That can help you get that outsider’s perspective you need.

Best wishes for your talk, Mike, and take pride in all the great things that make it into your speaker’s bio!

And now it’s over to you – if you were writing your speaker’s bio, what would you be most proud to put in? Share your comments down below.

And as always, please like this video and subscribe to this channel – it helps others find this video and gives me some warm fuzzies as well. And of course if you haven’t already, make sure to visit laurensergy.com and sign up for speaking tips like this sent straight to your inbox.

Thanks for watching – see you on the next Communication Q&A!

Author:  Lauren Sergy

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How to be Less Stressed Before Your Presentation: A Public Speaking Pro Tip August 2, 2018

Thank you Lauren, that was very helpful. (coincidently my name is Mike as well).

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How to Write a Speaker Biography

If you’re planning to speak at an event or you want to pitch yourself to speak at an event , you’ll need to write a speaker biography to properly introduce yourself to the audience. But what should you put in the bio? How do you highlight your skills without sounding like you’re bragging? Personally, I’ve found it hard to encapsulate all of who I am in one short speaker biography while not sounding a tad self-important.

Your biography is potentially the most important piece you’ll ever write about yourself. It’s the first introduction to who you are, what you do, and what you’re all about. It’s an opportunity for you to succinctly explain your work, competence, and areas of expertise. What you choose to highlight will play a role in others deciding to attend your speaking session, follow you online, call you, connect in person, or invite you to participate in an event.

Professional speakers are the most important factor in encouraging event turnout for 65% of attendees . Thus, the ability to get the right message out about a speaker has a huge impact on event attendance. While giving a great speech for your audience is important, without a strong bio attracting attendees to your speech you might wind up without an audience at all. A speaker biography helps establish your credibility before you even speak, which in turn encourages attendees to view you as an expert, making them more likely to attend your presentation.

Speaker Bio Format and Content

A speaker bio should include a brief summary of your education, work history, and experience relevant to your speaking topic. When you’re writing your bio, you want to focus on how the audience perceives you. What is it about you that would be most important or interesting to them? How did you become an expert on this topic? One of the biggest goals of a speaker biography is to grab potential event attendees’ attention and get them to register and attend your presentation. A fascinating bio can convert an undecided into an attendee.

The organization requesting your speaker bio may specify a format and length. If they don’t, follow these guidelines:

• Always write about yourself in the third person.
• Make it clear what the speech is going to be about to gather the right audience.
• Keep it brief at no more than 75 to 100 words, because if it’s too long simply won’t get read.
• List your current position and a brief mention of work history and experience.
• State academic qualifications, awards, and published work.
• Include one remarkable fact about yourself to help personalize you to your audience and make you more memorable.
• Keep it brief and relevant to the speaking engagement topic.

No One Can Have Just One: Cater It To Your Audience

Your speaker bio will go a long way! It will be used for introductory purposes on promotional materials. And, a good speaker biography for a conference will attract the right target demographic to come hear you speak. Keep in mind that your speaker bio is not a static element, meaning it should be tweaked and updated so it’s tailored to the presentation you are giving, the conference you are attending, and/or the audience you want to attract. Make sure to review your bio and check it against all of those factors before submitting it to ensure the best possible result.

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How to Write a Short Bio: 5 Examples and Templates

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 16, 2023 — 12 minutes to read

• How to Write a Short Bio Part 1
• What to Include in a Short Professional Bio Part 2
• Example of a Formal Short Bio Part 3
• Example of a Casual Short Bio Part 4
• Examples of Well-Written Short Bios Part 5
• Short Bio: Best Templates Part 6
• Tips for Writing a Short Bio Part 7
• Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms Part 8

A short bio is a concise and informative summary of your professional background, accomplishments, and personal interests. It’s an opportunity for you to introduce yourself to others, whether it’s for networking, job applications, or social media profiles. By writing a short bio, you allow others to quickly understand your expertise, strengths, and personality.

As you write your short bio, consider your audience and tailor the content accordingly. You might want to have different versions of your bio for varying contexts, such as a professional conference, a job application, or a social media platform. Regardless of the situation, strive to be authentic and maintain a tone that reflects your personality while also adhering to professional standards.

Part 1 How to Write a Short Bio

When writing a short bio, first focus on being concise and relevant. A short bio should be approximately 4-6 sentences or about 150 words. Be sure to highlight your achievements, experience, and expertise with confidence and clarity.

To start, introduce yourself briefly, including your name, title, and current role or profession. Next, mention your most significant accomplishments in your field thus far. This can include awards, certifications, publications, or any other relevant milestones. Discuss your current work and projects, providing the reader with a snapshot of your professional life. Make sure to emphasize your unique strengths and specialties. Then, touch upon your education or any other credentials that showcase your expertise.

“Jeremiah Smith, an award-winning graphic designer, specializes in creating visually stunning websites and marketing materials for a diverse clientele. With over 10 years of experience, Jeremiah has led branding projects for major corporations and small businesses alike, receiving accolades for his innovative design solutions. Currently, he serves as the Creative Director at X Design Studio, where he is dedicated to helping clients grow their digital presence. Jeremiah holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago.”

For a stronger impact, customize your short bio by tailoring it to the specific platform, audience, or purpose. By prioritizing information and emphasizing the most relevant points, you can create a brief, engaging bio that showcases your unique skills and accomplishments.

Part 2 What to Include in a Short Professional Bio

• Your job title and current role : Start by mentioning your current role and the industry you’re working in. This helps to establish your expertise and gives readers an immediate understanding of your professional focus.
• Career accomplishments and milestones : Highlight a few significant achievements in your career thus far. These can be successful projects, promotions, or awards you’ve received. Be specific about what you’ve accomplished and how it demonstrates your expertise.
• Skills and qualifications : Briefly mention the key skills and qualifications you possess that make you an expert in your field. This can include technical abilities, soft skills, certifications, or degrees.
• Interests and personal touch : Add a few personal details that showcase your interests and passions outside of work. This can humanize your professional persona and help you connect with readers on a more personal level. However, be careful not to share too much personal information.
• LinkedIn and networking opportunities : Include a link to your LinkedIn profile or other professional social media accounts. This provides readers with an opportunity to connect with you and discover more about your background.

To present this information effectively, write your short professional bio in the third person and maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone of voice. Keep the content concise and easy to understand by breaking it into paragraphs and using formatting elements such as bullet points and bold text when necessary.

Here is one more example of a well-crafted short professional bio:

“John Smith is a seasoned marketing manager with over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He currently leads product marketing efforts at X Company, where he has successfully launched new products and significantly increased market share.

John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is certified in digital marketing. His expertise includes strategic planning, content creation, and driving brand awareness through innovative campaigns.

In his free time, John enjoys hiking, photography, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. Connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about his professional experience and accomplishments.”

Taking Into Account Personal and Professional Aspects

Try to strike a balance between your personal and professional aspects:

• Make sure to mention any relevant professional accomplishments and skills that showcase your expertise in your field. If you are a student or a working professional, add details about your university, current position, or professional experiences that give readers an insight into your capabilities.
• Don’t forget to add a touch of personality to your bio. Including personal details, interests, and hobbies will make you more relatable and create a connection with your audience. However, try to keep these personal elements brief and relevant to your overall bio. For example, if you are writing a bio for a personal website or Twitter, you could mention that you are an avid painter or a dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter.

When writing in the second person, use short paragraphs to make your bio easy to read and understand. For instance:

• Full name: Briefly mention your full name at the beginning of your bio.
• Professional skills: List your core skills and accomplishments in bullet points or a table format.
• Personal interests: Share some hobbies or interests related to your profession or that showcase your values.
• Personal goals or mission statement: Include a sentence or two about your professional philosophy and core values to give readers a sense of your personal brand.

Related: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement (20 Examples)

Be cautious with the contact information you provide, especially if your bio will be accessible to the public on your personal website or social media profiles. Make sure only the necessary details are included to avoid any privacy concerns.

In summary, your short bio should be a reflection of both your personal and professional self. Showcase your skills and accomplishments while adding personal touches to make it engaging and relatable. Keep the text concise, use appropriate formatting, and remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone throughout your bio.

Related: What Are Your Values? How to Discover Your Values

Selecting the Tone for Your Short Bio

Selecting the right tone for your short bio is crucial to portraying yourself in the way you want to be perceived. Consider the context in which the bio will be read and choose a tone accordingly. There are two main tones you can adopt: formal and casual.

Part 3 Example of a Formal Short Bio

Formal Tone : If you’re writing a bio for a professional context, such as a job, conference, or publication, opt for a formal tone. This means using more sophisticated language, avoiding slang, and maintaining a professional vibe throughout the bio. To achieve this, write in complete sentences, utilize proper grammar and punctuation, and highlight your achievements and expertise. Be sure to remain confident and clear in your writing. Example: “Dr. Jane Doe is a renowned expert in the field of molecular biology, with over 15 years of research experience to her credit. As the recipient of several prestigious awards, Dr. Doe’s groundbreaking work has had a significant impact on the scientific community.”

Part 4 Example of a Casual Short Bio

Casual Tone : A casual tone works well for less formal situations, such as bios on personal websites, blogs, or social media profiles. Here, you can use more relaxed language and showcase your personality. However, it’s still important to sound knowledgeable and approachable. Feel free to use contractions, incorporate humor, and speak directly to your audience to create an engaging tone.

“Hey there! I’m John, a travel enthusiast who loves exploring new cultures and tasting exotic dishes. When I’m not backpacking across the globe, you can find me geeking out about the latest tech gadgets or sipping on a well-crafted cocktail.”

In both cases, whether formal or casual, always ensure that your voice is confident, neutral, and clear. Remember to keep it concise, avoid exaggeration or false claims, and maintain a second-person point of view.

Part 5 Examples of Well-Written Short Bios

Short bio example 1.

Jane Smith is a marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in helping brands elevate their online presence. With a passion for storytelling, Jane excels in creating content that engages and inspires. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring her city’s local coffee shops. Connect with Jane on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter @JaneSmith.

Short Bio Example 2

John Doe is an experienced software engineer with a knack for developing cutting-edge applications. Specializing in full-stack web development, John’s expertise lies in JavaScript, Python, and Node.js. When he’s not coding, John can be found playing the guitar, tutoring local students in programming, or cheering on his favorite esports team.

Part 6 Short Bio: Best Templates

Short bio template 1.

[Your Name] is a [industry or profession] expert with [number of years] of experience in [specific skills or areas of expertise]. [He/She/They] specializes in [technical skills or industry knowledge] and has a passion for [relevant interests]. In [his/her/their] free time, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or activities]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platforms] or through [his/her/their] website.

Short Bio Template 2

As a [occupation or field], [Your Name] incorporates [unique qualities or skills] to produce [specific type of work]. With a background in [relevant experience], [He/She/They] has been able to [achievement or accomplishment] through [personal path or passion]. When not [working or creating], [Your Name] spends [his/her/their] time [hobbies or activities], always seeking new inspiration.

[Your name] is a [profession or role] with a background in [relevant expertise or industry]. [He/She/They] earned a [degree] in [field] from [institution]. [Your name] has [number of years] experience in [profession/industry], providing [valuable service or skill]. Outside of work, [your name] enjoys [hobbies or personal interests]. Connect with [your name] on [social media platform] or visit [your website or portfolio].

Customize these examples and templates to fit your own unique skills, experiences, and personality. Using a second person point of view, focus on the key aspects you want your audience to know about. Be confident and transparent about your achievements and interests, and let your short bio speak for itself. Happy writing!

Part 7 Tips for Writing a Short Bio

• Know your target audience : Consider the people who will be reading your bio and focus on the information that will be most relevant to them. Tailor your bio to best serve their needs and expectations.
• Highlight your accomplishments : Share information on your achievements, awards, and notable experiences. This will give your audience an understanding of your expertise and success in your field.
• Include your goals and mission statement : Tell your audience what drives you and what you hope to achieve. This can help create a connection with the reader and showcase your dedication to your work.
• Maintain a professional tone : Write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding casual language and slang. A confident and knowledgeable tone will convey your competence in your field.
• Keep personal information to a minimum : While you may choose to mention some personal tidbits, be mindful of what you share. Focus on information that enhances your professional image, rather than oversharing personal details.
• Promote your brand and company : If you represent a business or have a personal brand, mention your company name and mission statement. This can help reinforce your brand identity and make a stronger impression on your audience.
• Prioritize transparency and authenticity : Be honest about your experience and qualifications. Avoid exaggerating or making false claims in order to maintain trust with your audience.
• Limit self-promotion : While it’s important to show off your accomplishments, be sure to keep the focus on meaningful information rather than excessive self-promotion. This will help engage readers and build credibility.
• Use formatting to enhance readability : Break up your bio into paragraphs, use bullet points for lists, and bold text for important details. This will make it easier for your audience to read and understand your bio.
• Include contact information : Provide a way for your audience to get in touch with you, whether it’s an email address, phone number, or a link to your website.

Part 8 Optimizing Your Bio for Different Platforms

On LinkedIn , focus on your professional achievements and skills. Use bullet points or a table to highlight your most significant accomplishments. Feel free to include any relevant certifications, courses, or awards. Remember that LinkedIn is a professional networking platform, so maintaining a professional tone is crucial.

For a resume , your bio should be concise and focus on summarizing your career history and specific expertise. Make it easy for potential employers to grasp your main strengths quickly. Use bold text to emphasize crucial information, such as your job title, years of experience, or industry-specific skills.

On a personal website , you have more freedom to express your personality and showcase unique aspects of your life. Consider adding anecdotes, hobbies, or personal achievements to give visitors a glimpse of who you are outside of your professional life. You can also touch on your professional capabilities but keep it concise.

For Twitter , keep in mind the character limit for bios and make every word count. Capture your profession or industry, and maybe add a touch of your personality or interests through emojis or hashtags. It’s common to see authors and celebrities mention their latest projects, books, or achievements here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential elements of a short bio.

A short bio should include:

• Your name and current role or profession.
• Brief background information including education and relevant work experience.
• Notable accomplishments or skills relevant to your profession.
• Personal interests or ambitions that showcase your personality.
• A call-to-action, such as directing readers to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile.

How can I create a compelling short professional bio?

To create a compelling short professional bio, follow these steps:

• Start strong with a clear and concise introduction.
• Focus on your most relevant qualifications and experience.
• Highlight key achievements and successes.
• Provide a personal touch that showcases your unique attributes.
• Keep it brief and easy to read, aiming for around 100-150 words.

What are some tips to make my short bio stand out?

• Use vivid language and strong, active verbs.
• Tailor your bio to your audience, emphasizing information that is most relevant to them.
• Share a unique or unexpected personal interest to pique interest.
• Edit and proofread your bio carefully, ensuring it is free of errors and reads smoothly.

How can I tailor my short bio to different contexts?

Adjust your short bio for different contexts by:

• Focusing on relevant skills, experience, or accomplishments for each specific audience.
• Adjusting the tone or language to suit the platform (e.g., more casual for a social media profile or more formal for a conference bio).
• Emphasizing specific personal interests or accomplishments that align with the context or audience.
• Updating your call-to-action as needed to direct readers to relevant content or profiles.

Related: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

• 20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement
• How to Live By Your Values

Home > Blog > Speaking 101 > 10 Speaker Bio Examples That Will Inspire You To Update Yours

10 Speaker Bio Examples That Will Inspire You To Update Yours

In managing a speaking business, there are dozens of moving pieces that operate simultaneously. There are the more exciting pieces of the puzzle, like the signature on a new contract, as well as the more tedious components, like cleaning out your customer relationship management system ( CRM ). However, of these components, there are a handful that are recycled for each speaking gig, and over time, it becomes easier and easier to not only identify them but also refine them. Together, these details form your “speaker kit,” a comprehensive set of information that provides your clients with all the tools they need to prepare for their event with you as the highlight. Within this kit, although there are many things included, we’re going to just focus on a single one here: your speaker bio.

A few months ago, we published a guide to six quick and easy steps for writing a stellar speaker bio. From things you should include to mistakes you should avoid, these six steps were focused on providing speakers with actionable and straightforward advice, making the process of writing your bio a little easier. However, while we went through plenty of “to-do”s, we didn’t cover many examples for you to reference as you write your bio. In light of that, in this guide, we’re going to highlight the SpeakerFlow team ’s top ten speaker bios.  That way, the next time you give your bio a facelift, you’ll have a solid set of examples to get you started. 👍

1.  Meridith Elliott Powell

First on our list is the one and only Meridith Elliott Powell . As both an experienced saleswoman and a decorated speaker, Meridith’s speaking business can serve as an example in many regards. However, in the context of her speaker bio, there are a few things that make it especially noteworthy. First, it highlights her accomplishments in her field and as a speaker right from the beginning. This shows her confidence as well as her experience, making her a valuable hire for any event organizer reading her bio. Second, she names the industries for which her content is designed, specifically “banking, healthcare, and finance”. In this way, she clears up any confusion the reader may have as to whether or not she’s a good fit for their organization. She also saves herself from having to meet with event organizers that turn out to be a bad fit for her message. 

Lastly, as far as speaker bios go, there are three variations to have on hand: the full version, a 100 word version, and a “super short” version. The version of Meridith’s speaker bio below is a perfect example of what a 100-word version should look like. Direct, detailed, and succinct, it not only communicates everything you would need to know, as an event organizer. More importantly, it does so in a read-time of less than a minute. That means less time spent reading, for the event organizer considering her, and a shorter timeline between “first landed on her website” and “contacted her to learn more”. 

The Biography:

“Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to Watch by Currency Fair, sales and leadership expert Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare, and finance. Meridith worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. Meridith is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers. She is passionate about helping her clients learn the sales and leadership strategies they need to succeed no matter what this marketplace does.”

2. Neen James

Second is Australian leadership and productivity speaker Neen James . In many ways, Neen’s speaker bio is admirable for the same reasons as that is Meridith Elliott Powell. To begin with, it mentions her certifications, both within the speaking industry and outside of it. Additionally, it goes on to give details from her past clients, regarding her value as a speaker, specifically. For example, in the third sentence she states, “Meeting planners love working with Neen, often describing her as the energizer bunny for their events.” This functions well as both a quick way to work in a testimonial and a fun way to suggest her energy. Plus, as someone who has also been described as the “Energizer Bunny,” it already makes me want to get to know her, and I’m not even planning an event! 

Lastly, the final thing to notice in Neen’s speaker bio is her strong and unique ending. In it, she says, “Oh, did we mention that Neen is Australian? Why does that matter? Well, it means that she’s a bit mischievous, is pretty witty and a little cheeky. She also considers herself an unofficial champagne taste tester … and a really slow runner.” In sharing a bit of personal information as well as a few jokes about herself, Neen ends the entire bio with a laid-back and “don’t take life too seriously” sort of attitude. This makes her memorable both as a potential event hire and as a potential connection. After all, who doesn’t like working with someone that works hard but is humble enough to laugh at themselves? I know I do. 🤷

“Neen is a leadership expert who delivers high-energy keynotes presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences love her practical strategies they can apply personally and professionally. Meeting planners love working with Neen, often describing her as the energizer bunny for their events.

Neen earned her MBA from Southern Cross University and the Certified Speaking Professional designation from National Speakers Association. She has received numerous awards as a professional speaker. Her strong background in learning, development and managing large corporate teams makes her the perfect fit. Organizations that hire Neen because of her implementable strategies that help employees avoid distractions, stop interruptions, prioritize daily objectives and say ‘no’ to requests that steal time from real goals and priorities.

Oh, did we mention that Neen is Australian? Why does that matter? Well, it means that she’s a bit mischievous, is pretty witty and a little cheeky. She also considers herself an unofficial champagne taste tester … and a really slow runner.”

3. Jason O. Harris

Next up, let’s take a look at the speaker bio for motivational speaker and decorated veteran Jason O. Harris . As one of the longest examples in this list, Jason’s speaker bio clocks in at 224 words. Overall, it’s a great example of what the long version of a bio should look like and the sort of details it should include. From his credentials to his experience, it shares the details about Jason that not only have made him a good person but also a good leader. Because these details are also what makes him a good consultant, speaker, and coach, in sharing them, he subtly shows his value without having to state it outright. In your own speaker bio, that’s exactly the level of class to aim for. In other words, your goal is to provide evidence that you are well worth hiring without ever saying “Hire me!”. 

On a secondary note, Jason’s speaker bio is also smart in that it’s organized with the assumption that the reader may not finish it. The first paragraph alone mentions the services he provides, the experiences that make them credible, and the reasons that hiring him is a good move. In this way, even though it doesn’t necessarily include everything a speaker bio should, it ensures that, as long as the reader makes it through that first paragraph, they’ll want to continue learning about Jason and the benefits of booking him for their event. 

“Jason Harris is a motivational speaker, consultant, and certified character coach who values dedication, service and excellence. As a decorated combat veteran, Jason brings unique perspectives gained from his battlefield experience to your organization, empowering you to unleash the untapped potential of your employees. Using real-world examples, Jason sheds light on how the invaluable talent each person brings to your organization can positively impact your mission.

Jason learned the value of dedication at an early age growing up in East Oakland, CA, as the second of six children in a single-parent home. Jason’s dedication, hard work, and determination to avoid a life of poverty and mediocrity inspired him to earn a congressional nomination to the United States Air Force Academy which lead to an accomplished military career as a decorated Air Force pilot. Jason’s career has been a model of service recognized with awards and decorations.

Earning several military awards for his superior military career has proved this attitude and consistent mission of excellence. Jason knows that excellence is a journey, not simply a destination. This perspective inspired him to teach, develop, inspire, and mentor hundreds of future Air Force leaders as an academic instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He brings this same dedication to his work with business leaders as they strive to empower their teams and achieve greater success.”

4. Mimi Brown

Number four on the speaker bio list is that of the hilarious Mimi Brown . As a speaker and coach, Mimi is all about authenticity, as anyone who’s met her can attest. Whether you’ve seen her speak or talked with her at an NSA event, a conversation with Mimi is relaxed and candid. In the same way, her speaker bio doesn’t just share the standard info about her credentials and speaking skills. It also gives the reader an idea of what Mimi is like, so they can know right off the bat if she’s the speaker they’re looking for. 

Additionally, like Jason O. Harris’s speaker bio, Mimi’s speaker bio begins with the most important information you should know about her, if you’re considering her for your event. As a whole, her first paragraph also serves as an example of what a promise statement should look like. If you haven’t heard of a promise statement, essentially, it’s a short and sweet description of a speaker, their clients, their services, and the results of their work. Considering this, besides looking to Mimi’s bio as an example of what a full speaker bio looks like, it’s definitely worth looking at the first paragraph for crafting your promise statement, too. 

“Motivational Keynote Speaker, Mimi Brown works with individuals and organizations to amplify their communication, connection and confidence so they can make an influential impact on the world. She mentors with passion, guiding her clients to effectively strengthen and elevate their leadership vision to new heights.

With over ten years of corporate training experience, a knack for making meaningful connections with audiences and an insatiable appetite for helping others maximize their potential, Mimi knows how to rock a platform, connect with a crowd and provide training so that others can effectively do the same.

Mimi’s down-to-earth humor compels audiences to laugh while they learn. She engages groups from the moment she steps in front of them and leaves them with empowering tools and focused mindsets that they will use long after the lights have gone out on the event. Mimi is passionate about people, leadership and successful businesses. She is especially inspired to help people take their careers – and themselves – to unprecedented levels.

Mimi’s honors include being recognized as one of Michigan Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40, Ms. Michigan Plus America 2015 and a proud contestant on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

When not speaking or training, Mimi can be found creating delicious meals with chef and hubby Mr. Brown and bribing her snobby cat Kitty Brown with treats in exchange for snuggles.”

5. Brittany Hodak

Moving on, the fifth speaker bio example comes courtesy of keynote speaker and customer happiness expert Brittany Hodak . Overall, Brittany’s speaker bio is a fine example for several reasons, starting with the length. Unlike those of Jason O. Harris or Mimi Brown, Brittany’s bio totals about 125 words, making it perfect for an event program or landing page. 

Additionally, despite being relatively short, Brittany’s speaker bio is jam-packed with credentials and proof of her skills. In the last paragraph alone, she mentions Walmart , Disney , Amazon , Luke Bryan , and Katy Perry as past clients. These not only catch the reader’s eye, even if they merely skim her bio. They also are a huge testament to her business and speaking abilities, due to their reputation. In the same way, in your own speaker bio, include a few of your biggest clients in the long-form version. That way, even if the reader hasn’t met you before, your clients’ names will give you some added desirability. 

“Brittany Hodak is an international keynote speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. She is widely regarded as the go-to source on customer engagement and retention.

Additionally, Brittany has been invited to speak to organizations across the world including American Express, WeWork, Inc. and the United Nations. She has published more than 350 thought-leadership articles for media including Forbes, Adweek, and Success, and has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, NBC, CBS and Shark Tank.

Brittany co-founded, scaled, and successfully exited The Superfan Company, a fan engagement company whose roster included Walmart, Disney, Amazon, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and more under her eight-year leadership. She has been named to Advertising Age’s 40 Under 40 list, Inc.’s 35 Under 35 list, and Billboard’s 30 Under 30 list.”

6. Dave Raymond

Next, let’s take a look at another example, the speaker bio of the self proclaimed “Emperor of Fun,” Dave Raymond . Dave’s bio is a notable example for a few reasons. For one thing, like Brittany Hodak’s bio, it’s short, sweet, and includes the names of some eye-catching clients, in this case the Philadelphia Phillies . Again, including the names of your biggest clients in this way can boost your reputation and make hiring you an easy “yes.” In other words, don’t skip it, if you have some big clients under your belt. It might feel a little like boasting, but it’s almost guaranteed to get other event organizers’ attention. 

In addition, Dave’s bio also stands out from the other examples in this list because of how personal it is. In fact, Dave’s speaker bio focuses less on his speaking life and more on his life as a whole. From his experience on the baseball field to his experience behind a desk, it shares more personal details than the average bio, suggesting the same level of openness between him and his clients. Likewise, when writing your own bio, keep in mind that, while it’s important to include your professional info, it never hurts to include some fun facts about yourself, too. 

“Moving directly from college student to campy green fur-ball, Dave Raymond pioneered the field of sports mascots as the first enhabitor of the world-renowned Phillie Phanatic. Over his sixteen years in the suit, David’s performance as the Phanatic carried the Philadelphia Phillies to World Series victories and unimagined levels of popularity, helping to spawn a revolution in the mascot industry.

Leveraging the unique lessons he learned from the inside out – literally! – Dave made a seamless transition to the world of character branding and mascot training. Since starting Raymond Entertainment nearly twenty years ago, he has overseen the creation and rehabilitation of hundreds of mascots and the brands that support them.

With The Power of Fun, Dave shares his “phantastic” story. Learn how Dave’s time as the Phanatic led him to realize that fun’s transformative effects are the key to living a happier, healthier, and more productive life.”

7. Brandon Farbstein

The seventh speaker bio example we’ll look at comes from empowerment speaker and thought leader Brandon Farbstein . The youngest speaker in this list, Brandon’s bio is a perfect example of what a short bio looks like. To start, it opens with mention of his age and his dwarfism diagnosis, both of which are unique among speakers. From there, it mentions his TED appearance, alluding to his speaking skills and clientele, as well as his purpose, “to change the lens through which people see their world.” Finally, it concludes by asserting “In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon”. In this sentence alone, he shows his dedication and the impact he’s had on his audiences, despite only having been a speaker for a short time. 

All in all, Brandon’s speaker bio covers all of the things we mentioned already. If you forgot, these include your credentials and experience, some personal details, and mention of your target audience. However, it also does an exemplary job of telling a story, engaging the reader and leaving them with a desire to meet Brandon, either for their event or just for a conversation. In the same way, when writing your own speaker bio, try writing it as a story about you. Focus on answering the questions, “What is your experience?,” “Where have you spoken in the past?,” and “What are you doing these days?”. Not only will it help hold the reader’s attention. It will also show your story-telling skills, inadvertently crediting your speaking abilities, as well. 

“At just 20, Brandon Farbstein has already made a name for himself worldwide as a sought after speaker and prominent Gen Z activist. Diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism at the age of 2, Brandon stands at 3’9” – making his life’s journey full of adversity, strength, and impact. After feeling invisible and without a purpose for the first 15 years of his life, he discovered his calling on the TEDx stage, and suddenly realized his life’s meaning: to change the lens through which people see their world.  In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon; and his work continues to touch audiences from every walk of life.”

8. Cassandra Worthy

Eighth on our list of speaker bios is that of change management speaker Cassandra Worthy . Like Meridith Elliott Powell, Cassandra’s speaking brand is spot-on for a variety of areas, including her website and social presence. However, looking at her bio specifically, there are a few things that make it stand out. Arguably, the most noticeable thing that differentiates her speaker bio from the others in this list is that it’s told in first person. In other words, reading Cassandra’s bio, it’s almost as if you’re listening to her, rather than just reading about her. 

Additionally, like Brandon Farbstein, Cassandra’s bio shares her story as just that: a story. For example, between the first and second paragraphs, she states, “Fueled by frustration and stress, I found myself on the precipice of walking out of the office and never coming back. Had I done so, I would have become another statistic. Yet another Africa-American female departed from a STEM-driven industry…But I didn’t.” In doing this, she doesn’t juat pull the reader in. She also gives them a hint of the engaging way in which she speaks. In your own speaker bio, remember this as you tell your story, too. Your voice on paper (or on a screen, alternatively) is just as important as your voice on stage. 

“Early on in my career, when my company was in the aftermath of a $5B acquisition, I almost quit. Fueled by frustration and stress, I found myself on the precipice of walking out of the office and never coming back. Had I done so, I would have become another statistic. Yet another Africa-American female departed from a STEM-driven industry. Top talent voluntarily resigning during a time of significant organizational shift. Another change victim.

But I didn’t. Instead, I woke up one day and decided to view those feelings as a signal that I was sitting in a moment of opportunity. 

An opportunity to transform that chemistry, that feeling into something better. To choose every day to do something, say something, behave in some way that would move the needle of my work experience towards a better feeling. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was cultivating a teachable strategy to inspire anyone to become enthusiastic about change, to find their unique power of resilience during turbulent times.

Today, I help organizations disrupt ‘change as usual’. Through a practical and repeatable framework, I show them how they can transform their culture from surviving change to growing through change.”

9. Wayne Lee

Next is another example of a quick and inviting speaker bio, that of Canadian speaker and hypnotist Wayne Lee . Like the bios of Mimi Brown and Dave Raymond, Wayne’s speaker bio is a written representation of his stage presence. It is straightforward in that it explains his experience and general approach to positively impacting his audiences. However, it’s also engaging in its mention of “magic and visualization,” leading the reader to wonder how that plays a role in his presentations. 

Furthermore, Wayne’s speaker bio is also another great example of finding balance. It’s self-promotional but not to the point of arrogance. It’s engaging but not so much that it’s flashy. Above all, it’s long enough to be detailed but not so long that it’s boring. As you craft your own speaker bio, keep these balances in mind. That way, you can effortlessly gain event organizers’ attention and respect, again, without explicitly saying, “I’m well worth hiring!”.  

“One of North America’s premier Corporate Presenters, Entertainers, and Peak Performance Experts, Wayne Lee is a veteran of thousands of successful shows and presentations, a published author, and a mentor to professionals of all walks of life.

Wayne’s own journey to excellence has been fueled with an unrelenting passion for empowering people. From a childhood fascination with magic and visualization, Wayne’s gift and passion for seeing great potential and acting on it have allowed him to grow his career and perform to audiences worldwide.

Today, he works with leading brands to guide their teams through the high-stress, constant change, and fast-paced environment that is now commonplace. Wayne shows each audience how to reconnect with what matters most so they can achieve any result, all while enjoying the ride of their life.”

10. Gregory Offner

Last but not least on our list of speaker bios is that of creativity speaker and musician Gregory Offner . I saved Greg’s for last partly because it meets all the requirements already mentioned but also because it does a wonderful job of being unique and memorable. For example, one of the most important components of a speaker bio – of any written text, really, is the ending. In Greg’s bio, he ends the entire thing almost as if he wants to be respectful of your time and keep things short. But he has one last thing to mention before letting you go: “Oh, and he also brings an electric piano!” Not only is this a unique selling point. It also gives you a  glimpse of Greg’s down-to-earth attitude, even though his bio is written in third person. 

In the same way, as you write your speaker bio, make sure to start with your background and credentials and then segway into your services and what you’re currently doing. But, most importantly, remember to be authentic in telling your story and end on a high note. At the end of the day, after looking at a bunch of speakers, event organizers are going to consider those they remember the best. Even if it also functions as a source of basic information, the goal of your speaker bio is to put you in that group. 

“Using his background in Music and Entertainment, Greg weaves song and story together with insight from his 16 year career in business and sales to deliver a mesmerizing tale of fortune and frustration – the ups and downs of disruption. Having worked over 40 jobs before turning 30; attending 4 different schools before age 14; and then surviving 12 major surgeries to repair extensive damage to his voice from a career in music and sales, Greg doesn’t just speak on disruption, he’s lived it. 

His studies of Philosophy and Psychology enable him to simplify the science of why we create the patterns we do – where they come from, and how to change them to amplify results. From his 16 year career as a top-performing sales executive with Fortune 500 companies, to a 12 year run around the globe as a professional musician (dueling pianos); Greg brings a track record of integrity, creativity, and passion to every event – oh, and he also brings an electric piano!”

Hopefully, this list of examples provides you with some inspiration as you consider your own speaker bio, moving forward. For more information, check out our previous guide, “ Writing A Speaker Biography: The Beginner’s Guide ”. Conversely, feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] , too, if you have any additional questions. 👋

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How to Write a Speaker Biography for a Conference (Updated 2023)

• February 15, 2018

A gripping bio can actually convert a random browser into a conference attendee. 65% of event visitors cite professional speakers as the most important factor to encourage them to attend. In this sense, the ability to get the right message about a speaker out there has a huge impact on attendance.

Why Do You Need to Write a Speaker Biography for a Conference?

Giving a speech that wows your audience is the best introduction, you might say. Well, that’s true. However, without a strong bio, you might end up having no audience at all.

Here’s why creating a good speaker biography for a conference is vital:

• Make things easier for organizers. Event managers view event publicity as the father of event success. Accordingly, the effective presentation of the agenda on an event website, in a press kit, or on a conference brochure cover is a must. By turning your credentials and expertise into a speaker biography format, you definitely deserve a “thank you” from organizers.
• Encourage attendance. You can make your bio catchy by adding some intrigue or fun. Play with words to get your biography read through to the end and encourage people to come. Also, by posting speaker bios on your event website, you can take conversion rates sky high. To make your speakers list beautiful, you can leverage the GEVME Website Builder automation.
• Cater to the right audience. A good speaker biography for a conference is the one that attracts the target persona. Make it clear what the speech is going to be about in the speaker’s biography to gather the right audience.

Build and host conferences with multiple speaker tracks and a large number of attendees. Try Gevme for free

The top 10 best speakers bio examples

You need a personal formula to craft a beautiful speaker biography that draws crowds. The key factors that you should keep in mind are the tone, length, and relevance of the provided information. To amp up your creativity, check out this top 10 successful conference speaker bios:

Content Marketing World

What’s good? Kate lives to blow stuff up! The first statement gives a clear promise: This speaker bio isn’t dull. By catching aperuser’s attention from the first phrase, you ensure the reader will be eager to discover more. In this case, the biography also perfectly resonates with Coca-Cola branding. 130 years of Coke taglines which include “Open happiness” and “Life tastes good” demonstrate this brand appreciates juicy wordings.

What’s good? Credentials get the message across. By pointing out that Gary is a bestselling author and a founder of VaynerMedia, it makes clear this speaker can give an excellent, media-related speech.

Singapore FinTech Festival

What’s good? Adjectives add value. If it’s a must to keep you biography as formal as possible, concentrate on the details. In this sample speaker biography for a Singapore FinTech Festival, the key value-adding elements are adjectives. By describing the speaker as the creator of an integrated, long-term digital strategy, you emphasize the qualities that are super important to a digital strategist and, thereby, amplify the expertise.

B2B Marketing Exchange

What’s good? The core skill shows what you can benefit from. Phyllis Davidson, obviously, has huge experience working with content strategies in the B2B segment. Her “signature dish,” however, is storytelling, and by identifying it as her core skill, the expert provides a crystal-clear value offer.

What’s good? A topic as a priority. Instead of focusing on her general biography and experience, MozCon organizers choose to tie this speaker’s persona to the theme of the speech. Katie’s short bio is a great example of how the target audience perceives the value of a speaker in the context of a specific topic.

World Cities Summit

What’s good? Special achievements. It’s impossible to create a catchy biography if you describe a politician, you might say. Well, we must disagree. Although the tone is incredibly formal, the bio of the Second Minister of Finance for Singapore’s World Cities Summit looks quite interesting. The statement about the efforts of Mr. Wong to make Singapore Botanic Gardens recognized as UNESCO World Heritage is a special achievement that definitely attracts public interest.

What’s good? Starting with a focus question. CODELAND organizers introduce the reader to the key question or theme on which his speech has to focus. Build a link between the speaker’s personal experience and the conference agenda to help people understand how this information falls in line with attendees’ expectations.

What’s good? Explaining the speaker’s occupation. In this sample speaker biography, a reader isn’t left with the mysterious name “Sherpa,” but gets a good explanation of what this speaker actually specializes in.

 Universe

What’s good? Compare and contrast. The organizers emphasize Frank Lamar’s role at the beginning of his career and today to show the incredible progress this speaker has demonstrated. With the speech focusing on “digital transformation,” the analogy is gorgeous.

What’s good? Catering to the focus industries & organizations. As the conference focuses on business transformation, IoT Asia explores the concept of transformation in diverse contexts and industries. By emphasizing Philip Seow’s background in consulting for residential, retail, and commercial organizations, the value offer is super relevant.

How to write a personal biography for a conference

To guide you through the process of speaker biography development, we’ve prepared some working tips for you:

• Keep it brief, but informative. 75-100 words are perfectly adequate to describe the speaker’s credentials, occupation, and a value promise.
• Keep it relevant. You only need to talk about those achievements which resonate with the topic a speaker is going to discuss at the conference.
• Keep it in a great format. Use an effective website development system and photoshop technologies to make it magnetic on your conference website.

Even if you’re super confident you can get the message across, explore the most effective speaker biography examples to maximize conversions. With a powerful website development software and a good arsenal of examples of speaker bios, you can make it work for you.

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How to Write an Academic Bio for Conferences

There are very few things as challenging as writing academic biographies (perhaps academic writing?). It seems simple, but things soon get awkward as you try to show how amazing you are without sounding arrogation or pretentious. Sophie shares her tips on writing a balanced bio…

It’s all going swimmingly until you read the Call for Papers: Please submit a proposal and brief bio.

What on earth is a bio (otherwise known as an ‘academic bio’)? And just how brief does it need to be? Writing an academic bio is a skill you can pick up like any other, and this article will take you through the basics of what to include, what to leave out, and how to craft this tricky piece of your academic arsenal.

Covering the Basics

Whatever discipline you’re working in, you’ll definitely need to include the following in your academic bio:

•  full name,
• position (i.e. PhD student; PhD candidate),
• institution.

All this should go into the first sentence, so it reads something like this:

Joe Bloggs is currently a PhD candidate [meaning he’s passed his upgrade] at the University of Warwick.

You can also mention your department, although it’s not strictly necessary for most of us.

The Big Picture

The rest of your academic bio should tell the reader about your research interests. Start by setting out your broad research question , whether that’s finding new ways to create Omega 3 in algae cultures or exploring fashion statements at Charles II’s court. Then focus it further; are you looking at a specific type of algae culture, or a particular poet who was into fashion? This is the most important part of your bio: it tells other people attending the conference where you’re coming from, and may present links between your research areas.

You can end your bio here, or add another sentence situating your research within wider scholarship. Is it important to reference your specific style of criticism, or how you’re leading on from recently-published developments in the field, for example? If it’s important for the theme of the conference, you may wish to add another sentence on the future directions of your research. However, if this isn’t relevant or necessary, feel free to leave it out, especially if you’ve been asked to submit a brief bio – best to keep it brief and stick to your research interests.

What Not to Do

Inevitably, we all do things early in our career/academic life that, with hindsight, make us cringe. To avoid that uncomfortable feeling in the future, four common errors are:

• Treating your bio like a humorous essay : only include a joke if you’re sure it’s really, really funny (maybe check with a straight-talking friend).
• Getting too personal : an academic bio is a chance to make an impression pre-conference, and it may be what people remember you by, so ensure that you stay professional.
• Giving too much information : remember that an academic bio isn’t the same thing as a CV – the conference organisers don’t need to know where you did your undergrad, MA or how much you’ve won in grants.
• Using exclamation marks : your writing should be relatively formal in style, so avoid coming across as too chatty – save your engaging manners for the big presentation day!

One final tip is to use the third person. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but at some conferences, your bio will be read out as an introduction, so personally I prefer to start a sentence like Joe Bloggs above.

What do you think about this approach?

Any more tips for writing academic bios?

Text credits: Sophie Shorland 

Sophie is a PhD student at Warwick, where she’s one of the organisers of the English Department’s annual postgraduate symposium for 2017. You can find out how to get involved in the symposium here , or check their Twitter here .  

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What a concidence. I’m sending the abstract and the bio for a conference at Warwick

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3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own

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What’s a professional bio?

How to write a professional bio, professional bio examples to inspire your own, promote with pride.

Opportunities to self-promote can arise when you least expect them. Whether you exchange LinkedIn profiles at a networking event , receive an invite to submit a resume , or share your personal website with a potential client, branded materials that effectively describe you are crucial to making a great first impression . 

A professional biography (bio) is more than a simple self-introduction or opportunity to boast — although you should promote your skills and accomplishments with pride . With such little space and so much to say, you may struggle to find the perfect words.

After all, who you are and what you do extends far beyond a couple of sentences. But conciseness is possible — it just requires a little self-reflection and guidance. 

Let’s explore different strategies for writing a bio that's engaging, adaptable, and, most importantly, encapsulates your professional values and identity. With these tips and professional bio examples to guide your process, you’ll learn how to write a bio about yourself that shows off your best side. 

A professional bio is a brief but impactful blurb that introduces who you are and what you do. Ranging from a few sentences to several paragraphs, it sums up your area of expertise, talents, and professional background. 

Think of your professional bio as an opportunity to expand your personal brand statement , which uses marketing strategies like punchy and emotion-provoking language to sell you in a few choice sentences. Your bio includes additional information and personal touches to create a fuller picture of your professional accomplishments and future aspirations . 

You never know who scans your social media profiles, company website, or resume. A thoughtful bio is adaptable and provides consistent messaging regardless of the platform and audience. Whether it’s a recruiter , client, or collaborator checking out your branded materials, your professional bio works around the clock to promote your personal brand . 

Wherever you network, job search , or show off your work are all great places to include a bio. That may include: 

The “About” section on your personal website, YouTube channel, or podcast , giving insight to visitors about the person behind the work

Your LinkedIn profile's summary section , providing a personal touch to the career achievements and skills highlighted in your work experience section

Promotional materials or event programs , like for a workshop, speaking engagement, or training webinar

On the team page of your organization’s website , showcasing your unique role and contributions to your team

In an author bio for blog posts and articles , establishing your trustworthiness and providing context to readers

In the bio sections of social media profiles used to promote your personal brand , adding personality to reflect your professional identity

Within a cover letter , letter of intent , or letter of interest , connecting your unique value to a potential employer’s needs

In a grant or proposal submission , lending credibility when applying for funding or pitching a project

On your online or physical portfolio , helping people connect more deeply with your work as a creative

On a book jacket, author page, or academic journal , highlighting your expertise, background, or focus areas

Adapting your professional bio template to fit different platforms helps you paint a consistent and engaging picture of yourself for varying audiences. You can control the narrative that surrounds your professional identity and reputation.

And clarity across platforms acts as a powerful call to action — the more your target audience understands what you represent, the more likely they’ll want to connect with you. 

A great bio shows off your unique value, reflects your goals, and displays your personality . But, despite its highly personalized nature, you can still use templates or follow frameworks to write your own. Here are a few guidelines for writing different bio types. 

How to write a short bio

A short professional bio offers your reader a quick snapshot, making it best suited for professional situations requiring brevity, like a cover letter or social media platform with character limits.

And a well-written short bio captures attention and entices your audience to follow through, carefully reading an attached resume or scrolling your LinkedIn profile. 

Here are some general guidelines:

• Start with the basics: Explain who you are, what you do, and your current work. Keep it as brief as possible and focus on essential information that reflects your identity and current professional situation. 
• Establish credibility: Share valuable professional triumphs to give readers insights about your unique value and credibility. Descriptors like “Award-winning” or “With 10 years of experience” are concise ways to express the breadth of your experience. 
• Be personal but appropriate: Add personal touches to make your bio feel more authentic and relatable , remembering to consider context. “Adventure-loving mechanical engineer” may suit an Instagram bio, whereas “ Innovation-seeking mechanical engineer” is better suited for a professional portfolio . Each conveys a sense of personality and aligns with the goals of the medium. 

How to write a long bio

A long bio offers your audience a more comprehensive understanding of who you are and what you stand for. They’re best suited for professional situations requiring a more in-depth intro, like an author page, “About Me” section, or funding proposal. 

A well-crafted long bio doesn’t just illuminate key experiences and skills. It humanizes you, showing off professional goals and personal interests that capture reader attention and build trust . 

Here are some general tips: 

Introduce yourself: Just like you do in a short bio, the first sentence should clearly establish who you are and the work that’s most important to you. Consider mentioning your current position and clarifying your responsibilities . 

Go in-depth on your values: In a long bio, you can elaborate beyond short descriptors and action verbs . Depending on the medium, tell a fuller story that adds depth to your personal values and professional pursuits.  

Mixing the personal with the professional, like mentioning your alma mater and describing your first roles, adds nuance and richness to your character representation. This creates a sense of closeness and understanding with your reader. 

Detail your professional journey: While the focus should be on your current job title and area of expertise, readers can build a deeper connection when they learn more about your professional story.

Consider highlighting career milestones, including certifications, notable successes, and work experience. But describe yourself with humility . Bragging about your skills and accomplishments may come off as arrogant instead of confident , a misunderstanding that might put the reader off.

General guidelines

Regardless of format, a successful professional bio follows a few basic rules, like: 

Keep it fresh: Your career is never stagnant, and your personal bio shouldn’t be, either. Regularly update your bio to include new achievements, professional skills , and shifts in your career focus. 

Keeping your LinkedIn bio, portfolio website, and other materials current ensures that potential employers and collaborators have access to the most relevant information about you, avoiding misunderstandings and missed opportunities. 

Provide a call-to-action: You’ve captured your target audience's attention — now what? Invite readers to connect, engage, and start a conversation . Clarity can help direct the kind of engagement you want. 

Something like “For consulting inquiries or collaborations, contact me at [email]. For copyright requests, contact my publisher at [email].” is appropriately clear and direct. 

Proofread for consistency: Like any professional communication, always double-check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Hiring managers and clients may interpret poor writing skills as a lack of clear thinking or attention to detail , discouraging them from following up with you. 

And choose a point of view (first person “I” or third person full name), staying consistent to ensure a better reading experience. You want your reader to focus on the content without bad mechanics distracting them. 

Now that you have the basic rules down, here are some bio examples to help you write yours. Pay attention to flow and content, and edit them to meet your needs. 

Short bio examples

Here’s a short bio for an events brochure for a graphic designer leading a workshop:

[name] is a speaker, graphic designer, and UX engineer who builds performant branding strategies with an eye for accessibility. [name] helps brands of all sorts, from startups to multinationals, transform how they tell stories through visual design and cutting-edge technologies that focus on sustainable, inclusive engagement. 

And here’s a data analyst’s work bio example for LinkedIn: 

I’m a certified data analyst with a natural curiosity for transforming complex data into action. With more than 10 years of experience, I’ve developed expertise in statistical modeling and predictive analysis.

Currently, I’m a project manager at TechBiz focused on enhancing business strategies through data optimization. I’ve been instrumental in driving growth for several Fortune 500 companies and was recognized in 2022 as one of “America’s Innovators” by Women in Data. 

Why they work: Both bios concisely illustrate current job roles, career focus, and unique character traits. Small details like “eye for accessibility” and “natural curiosity” show personality and professional values, illustrating what they’ll be like to work with. 

Long bio example

Here’s a freelance writer example for their portfolio website: 

I’m a Mexico City-based freelance writer by way of Louisville, Kentucky. My weekly newsletter on sustainability, policy, and culture — Sustainability Now — has been mentioned by the LA Times, The Nation, and Vogue London and has over 20,000 subscribers.

My work recently appeared in Foreign Policy, the New York Times, and Mother Jones, where I’ve written about sustainability in cities, business, and consumption. And I’ve also contributed to Politico and Dissent and won an award for my story on the history of natural wine for MOLD. 

I’m a firm believer that positive environmental change is powered by conscientious consumption. Since 2018, I’ve consulted content marketing teams of startups and branding agencies to transform how their businesses and consumers engage with our planet through storytelling. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in journalism from Boston University. I also have completed Google’s SEO Fundamentals and UC Davis’ Content Marketing Strategy course. 

In my spare time, you can find me hiking through the national parks surrounding CDMX with my dog, Mole, when we aren’t looking for the city’s perfect vegan taco.

For business consulting, please contact me at [name]@gmail.com. For editorial inquiries and media work, please contact my agent at [name]@talentcorp.com. 

Why it works: This bio is comprehensive and focused on professional goals while listing key achievements, recognitions, and core principles to establish credibility and align the reader with her values.

And personal details and a touch of humor add warmth and authenticity that resonate and illustrate a well-rounded individual. 

A successful professional bio covers all the bases, letting your reader know what you’re about and what it’d be like to work with you. Clarity and conciseness require nuance and careful curation, but the extra work pays off.

With these tips, professional bio examples, and a little self-reflection about your accomplishments and aspirations, you’ll soon write a bio like a natural wordsmith.

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Speaking 101: How to Write a Professional Bio

So, tell me about yourself. We’ve all been asked this—and may have overshared, or maybe not dove deep enough— but how do you describe yourself in a professional setting? 

A professional bio is essential for the world to get a full picture of who you are—these are found on event agendas, LinkedIn profiles, personal websites, and anywhere else you want people to know you. 

Figuring out where to begin can be a challenge but we’re here to share our best tips on writing a  professional bio that will get you noticed. 

Before you begin: 

Professional bios are usually written in the third person. Depending on the platform and formality of where you’re using your bio, you can also choose to write in the first person.  

Keep it brief! Speaker bios should be between 75 to 100 words so highlight only the important elements you would like people to know. 

Know your audience. Once you have your base profile, you can edit it for specific groups. For example, if you’re speaking to an alumni group, make sure to include any similar collegiate experience. 

Elements to include: 

Name and professional title 

A brief overview of your role and a mention of work history

Professional achievements 

Any previous speaking experience (plus examples/links)

End with something memorable 

Name and professional title  Begin your bio by introducing yourself with your first and last name, along with your professional title and company (if you are currently between positions, state your last job title). If you are able to hyperlink, we suggest linking your name to your LinkedIn profile. 

A brief overview of your role and a mention of work history  Titles vary from company to company, so if your title isn’t clear, including a quick, 1-sentence overview describing what you do, projects you oversee, or specifics of your day-to-day helps event organizers and producers understand if you would be a good fit for their agenda or interview. Mentioning past work history gives insight into how you got to where you are today, and what other experience you bring to the table, or what you’d be able to discuss in a session or on a panel. 

Professional achievements Now’s the time to show off a little! Stating professional achievements— including academics, awards, funding, or landing a spot on a list—can help showcase your credentials. These can be tailored for different circumstances. For example, if you’re aiming to speak at an event about entrepreneurship, make sure to highlight your company statistics, to show you are qualified to speak.

Previous speaking experience  If you’ve spoken before—podcasts and interviews count—make sure everyone knows. Add in a few examples (not the entire list, if you’ve spoken extensively, just the highlights), and link to the video or audio player, if possible. Giving events and attendees a sample of what you’re like on stage or on air gives a sense of your on-stage presence. 

End with something memorable  Showcasing your personality can pique the interest of your audience and allows people to see you as personable and authentic, so it’s important to end your bio with something memorable. If you’d rather not share personal details, end on a career highlight. 

Pulling everything together  What does all of this look like in action? You can find all of these aspects in the bio of our CEO and Founder, Caitlin Bartley:

Caitlin Bartley , CEO & Founder, cred With more than 10 years of event marketing and branding experience, Caitlin Bartley is the Founder and CEO of a boutique PR agency, cred. Focusing solely on building thought leadership through events, cred has worked with 200+ speakers and brands, like Pinterest, Ripple, Warner Media, SaaStr, and others, across 1000s of events in every industry, worldwide. She has spoken about her experience as a founder at events including the Women in Business Club . Prior to founding cred, Caitlin worked in brand strategy and planning working at an Advertising Agency in Australia. Before moving abroad, Caitlin ran marketing and communication efforts at LiveRamp, a leading company in data connectivity, that was acquired by Acxiom in 2013 for $310 million. 

Interested in seeing your bio on agendas, and getting out there speaking? Get in touch !

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You Need to Write a Professional Bio, Now What?

How to Write a Speaker Bio That Sells You + Your Presentation

You are presenting at a professional conference or networking group on your specialty. That’s great! Next, you receive one of the most dreaded emails from the organizers, “Please send us your professional bio and a hi-res headshot. Also, please keep your professional bio under 50 words.” Panic ensues for most professionals since this is usually needed right away and you have a business to run.

A professional bio is often needed for: your personal or company website; a listing in a professional directory; for articles or blog posts that you write; your social media profiles; for speaking engagements; when applying for corporate boards or the author page of your book. This post will primarily focus on writing a bio for a speaking engagement.

Treat your professional bio as a marketing tool to promote your brand. One speaking engagement can lead to potential clients, future strategic partners and additional speaking engagements.

Always write your speaker bio for the people you want to attract in your professional life and those who will be attending your presentation.

Use these 10 tips to write a professional bio that sells:

1. Introduce yourself. Give your name, title, company name and what people know you for in your professional life. This can also be your biggest accomplishment.

2. What are you known for? Share your expertise or niche. It is more powerful than being all things to all people. When you share your specialty, you give people a specific reason to connect with you. Keep in mind what your target audience would want to know about you.

3. List your most important accomplishments. Once you list your accomplishments, order them by what is most relevant to your audience. The reader will only want to see two or three strong accomplishments that add to your credibility. Show rather than tell by quantifying your results when possible. Think about showing the person behind the accolades.

4. Your story. What personal or humanizing details can you provide that are interesting to your audience? Did you have a life-changing moment or did you overcome adversity to get where you are today? Are any of your hobbies or volunteer work related to your professional image? Choose carefully here, especially if you are only allowed a 50-word bio. Even though being a proud spouse, parent or pet owner is an important part of your story, it is usually best to save these expanded personal details for the about page on your website or blog.

5. Tell people how to reach you. Include a link to your website, about page, LinkedIn profile or customized landing page.

6. Use strong verbs and active voice. This helps build credibility and authority while keeping the focus on your contributions.

7. Your professional headshot. If you don’t have a professional headshot, schedule one immediately. Ask colleagues or friends to recommend a photographer. Your photo helps potential attendees who may become clients connect with you through your bio before your presentation.

8. Write in the third person. Write your speaker bio as if someone else is talking about you. Don’t use “I” statements.

9. Create three versions of your professional bio. Now that you have a draft, edit it down to a 50-word, 100-word and 250-word version of your bio. With minor adjustments, you’ll be ready to send your bio no matter the required length. Even when there is no space limit, always go for a short, succinct bio. It is more powerful and stands out from all the other long wordy bios.

10. Critically read your bio. Ask yourself, “Would this bio make me want to meet me?” “Would I want to listen to me speak?” “Does this matter to anyone but me?” Have a few friends or colleagues read it to give you constructive feedback. Be open to their suggestions of what is unnecessary or missing.

Here are a few things to avoid:

• Don’t use jargon or buzzwords. Resist the urge to fill your professional bio with meaningless industry jargon or acronyms. They only make your bio wordy and boring. Buzzwords like “innovative” come off as fluffy and overused. Your reader will check out and not finish reading your bio.
• Don’t use passive voice. It is harder to read and comprehend. Plus, it tends to detract from your authority. Passive voice = form of “to be” + past participle
• Don’t send in a longer bio than requested. If the event organizer asks for a 50-word bio, send them a 50-word bio. You put your brand in the event organizer’s hands when you send in a longer bio than requested. Stay in control by sending the correct bio length. If in doubt, send your 50-word version to stand out from the longer bios. Less is more powerful.

Carve out some time to create or revise your professional bio. You’ll thank yourself the next time you speak at a professional event.

Don't forget to share this post!

Jaime believes authenticity and storytelling are the keys to successful marketing. As a graduate from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, she loves finding and connecting narratives. When she's not at work, she's psychoanalyzing contestants on The Bachelor, painting, listening to podcasts, or playing tabletop RPGs.

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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What to Know About J.D. Vance, Trump’s Running Mate

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• July 15, 2024

Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, the newly announced running mate to former President Donald J. Trump, has gone on a rapid journey over the past eight years from best-selling author and outspoken Trump critic to one of Mr. Trump’s staunchest defenders and, now, his would-be second in command.

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Here is more on Mr. Vance’s background and views.

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