Welcome to the spotlight!
As we kick off Part 3 of our series, “Lights, Camera, CLE,” we’re shifting focus from the strategic advantages of CLEs to the art of delivering a show-stopping presentation.
Your CLE is more than just an educational session—it’s your moment to shine, connect with your audience, and leave a lasting impression.
This article will guide you through the essential steps to prepare for your CLE like a pro, from practicing with PowerPoint tools to ensuring your bio and photo reflect the expert you are.
Setting the Stage: Practicing for the Big Day
Rehearsing with PowerPoint Tools
Just as an actor wouldn’t hit the stage without rehearsing, you shouldn’t walk into your CLE without thoroughly practicing your presentation. PowerPoint is more than just slides — it’s your co-star. Get comfortable with its features, including transitions, animations, and speaker notes. Run through your presentation multiple times, focusing on:
• Timing: Ensure your presentation flows smoothly and fits within the allotted time.
• Transitions: Practice moving seamlessly from one slide to the next, so your narrative remains cohesive.
• Speaker Notes: Use them as cues but avoid reading directly from them—your delivery should feel natural and engaging.
Engaging with the CLE Gods
Before your CLE debut, there’s one crucial step — providing all your content to the “CLE gods.” This means ensuring that the CLE board or organization hosting your session has everything they need, from your slides to any handouts or supplementary materials.
This is your behind-the-scenes crew, ensuring the show goes on without a hitch. Make sure to:
• Submit Materials Early: Give the CLE board ample time to review and approve your content.
• Double-Check Compliance: Ensure your materials meet all CLE requirements, including content relevance, timed agenda and accreditation standards.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate any questions or requests for clarification from the CLE board and be ready to respond promptly.
Setting the Stage: Practicing for the Big Day
Reviewing Your Bio
Your bio is more than just a summary — it’s your pitch to the audience. It needs to be concise, compelling, and reflective of who you are as a professional.
Before your CLE, take the time to review and update your bio to ensure it highlights your expertise and aligns with the topic you’ll be presenting. Consider these tips:
• Focus on Expertise: Emphasize your experience and knowledge in the area related to your CLE.
• Inject Personality: While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through to make you more relatable.
• Update Regularly: Make sure your bio reflects your latest achievements and roles.
Choosing an Approachable Photo
Your photo is often the first impression attendees will have of you—make sure it’s a good one. Select a headshot that is professional yet approachable, conveying confidence and warmth. Here’s what to consider:
• Professional Quality: Use a high-resolution image with good lighting and clarity.
• Dress the Part: Choose attire that’s appropriate for your field and the audience you’ll be addressing.
• Express Approachability: A genuine smile and relaxed posture can go a long way in making you seem accessible to your audience.
Final Dress Rehearsal: Last-Minute Checks
Final Pre-Presentation Checks
As the curtain call approaches, it’s time for a final dress rehearsal. This is your opportunity to catch any last-minute issues and ensure everything is in place for a flawless performance. Key areas to focus on include:
• Technical Checks: Ensure all equipment—microphones, projectors, and laptops—are working correctly. Test your PowerPoint on the actual equipment you’ll be using to avoid any compatibility issues.
• Material Review: Go over your slides, handouts, and notes one last time to ensure everything is in order.
• Mental Preparation: Take a few moments to center yourself. Visualization techniques can help you picture a successful presentation, calming any pre-show jitters.
Ready for Action
As you take the stage for your CLE, remember that preparation is key to delivering a presentation that’s not just informative, but unforgettable. By rehearsing with your PowerPoint tools, ensuring your materials are top-notch, and presenting yourself as the knowledgeable and approachable expert you are, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Now, it’s time to let your expertise shine and make the most of your moment in the spotlight.
In the next article, we’ll focus on how to engage your audience during your presentation. From interactive elements to storytelling, we’ll explore techniques that will keep your attendees captivated from start to finish.
Rehearsing with PowerPoint Tools
✔️ Practice Timing: Ensure your presentation fits within the allocated time.
✔️ Smooth Transitions: Rehearse moving seamlessly between slides.
✔️ Use Speaker Notes: Have cues but aim for a natural delivery.
Engaging with the CLE Gods
✔️ Submit Materials Early: Provide all necessary content well before the deadline.
✔️ Check Compliance: Ensure your materials meet all CLE requirements.
✔️ Prepare for Questions: Anticipate and be ready to address any inquiries from the CLE board.
Bio and Photo Prep
✔️ Update Your Bio: Ensure it reflects your expertise and personality.
✔️ Choose an Approachable Photo: Select a professional, inviting headshot.
Final Pre-Presentation Checks
✔️ Technical Run-Through: Test all equipment on-site.
✔️ Material Review: Double-check all slides and handouts.
✔️ Mental Prep: Use visualization techniques to calm any nerves.
With these steps in place, you’re not just preparing for a CLE—you’re preparing for a performance that will leave a lasting impact on your audience and elevate your professional standing.
Sejal Bhasker Patel is a Rainmaking Consultant and Author of Rainmaker: Unleashed — a sharp, strategic playbook for attorneys who don’t fit the traditional mold. She’s the founder of Sage Ivy, a consulting firm that works directly with law firms and attorneys to turn relationships into revenue — without selling their soul. Her work is blunt, tailored, and built on one core belief: Authenticity isn’t a liability — it’s your strongest competitive edge.
www.sageivyconsulting.com
The post Lights, Camera, CLE: Prepare For Your Best Presentation Yet appeared first on Above the Law.
Welcome to the spotlight!
As we kick off Part 3 of our series, “Lights, Camera, CLE,” we’re shifting focus from the strategic advantages of CLEs to the art of delivering a show-stopping presentation.
Your CLE is more than just an educational session—it’s your moment to shine, connect with your audience, and leave a lasting impression.
This article will guide you through the essential steps to prepare for your CLE like a pro, from practicing with PowerPoint tools to ensuring your bio and photo reflect the expert you are.
Setting the Stage: Practicing for the Big Day
Rehearsing with PowerPoint Tools
Just as an actor wouldn’t hit the stage without rehearsing, you shouldn’t walk into your CLE without thoroughly practicing your presentation. PowerPoint is more than just slides — it’s your co-star. Get comfortable with its features, including transitions, animations, and speaker notes. Run through your presentation multiple times, focusing on:
• Timing: Ensure your presentation flows smoothly and fits within the allotted time.
• Transitions: Practice moving seamlessly from one slide to the next, so your narrative remains cohesive.
• Speaker Notes: Use them as cues but avoid reading directly from them—your delivery should feel natural and engaging.
Engaging with the CLE Gods
Before your CLE debut, there’s one crucial step — providing all your content to the “CLE gods.” This means ensuring that the CLE board or organization hosting your session has everything they need, from your slides to any handouts or supplementary materials.
This is your behind-the-scenes crew, ensuring the show goes on without a hitch. Make sure to:
• Submit Materials Early: Give the CLE board ample time to review and approve your content.
• Double-Check Compliance: Ensure your materials meet all CLE requirements, including content relevance, timed agenda and accreditation standards.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate any questions or requests for clarification from the CLE board and be ready to respond promptly.
Setting the Stage: Practicing for the Big Day
Reviewing Your Bio
Your bio is more than just a summary — it’s your pitch to the audience. It needs to be concise, compelling, and reflective of who you are as a professional.
Before your CLE, take the time to review and update your bio to ensure it highlights your expertise and aligns with the topic you’ll be presenting. Consider these tips:
• Focus on Expertise: Emphasize your experience and knowledge in the area related to your CLE.
• Inject Personality: While maintaining professionalism, let your personality shine through to make you more relatable.
• Update Regularly: Make sure your bio reflects your latest achievements and roles.
Choosing an Approachable Photo
Your photo is often the first impression attendees will have of you—make sure it’s a good one. Select a headshot that is professional yet approachable, conveying confidence and warmth. Here’s what to consider:
• Professional Quality: Use a high-resolution image with good lighting and clarity.
• Dress the Part: Choose attire that’s appropriate for your field and the audience you’ll be addressing.
• Express Approachability: A genuine smile and relaxed posture can go a long way in making you seem accessible to your audience.
Final Dress Rehearsal: Last-Minute Checks
Final Pre-Presentation Checks
As the curtain call approaches, it’s time for a final dress rehearsal. This is your opportunity to catch any last-minute issues and ensure everything is in place for a flawless performance. Key areas to focus on include:
• Technical Checks: Ensure all equipment—microphones, projectors, and laptops—are working correctly. Test your PowerPoint on the actual equipment you’ll be using to avoid any compatibility issues.
• Material Review: Go over your slides, handouts, and notes one last time to ensure everything is in order.
• Mental Preparation: Take a few moments to center yourself. Visualization techniques can help you picture a successful presentation, calming any pre-show jitters.
Ready for Action
As you take the stage for your CLE, remember that preparation is key to delivering a presentation that’s not just informative, but unforgettable. By rehearsing with your PowerPoint tools, ensuring your materials are top-notch, and presenting yourself as the knowledgeable and approachable expert you are, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Now, it’s time to let your expertise shine and make the most of your moment in the spotlight.
In the next article, we’ll focus on how to engage your audience during your presentation. From interactive elements to storytelling, we’ll explore techniques that will keep your attendees captivated from start to finish.
Rehearsing with PowerPoint Tools
✔️ Practice Timing: Ensure your presentation fits within the allocated time.
✔️ Smooth Transitions: Rehearse moving seamlessly between slides.
✔️ Use Speaker Notes: Have cues but aim for a natural delivery.
Engaging with the CLE Gods
✔️ Submit Materials Early: Provide all necessary content well before the deadline.
✔️ Check Compliance: Ensure your materials meet all CLE requirements.
✔️ Prepare for Questions: Anticipate and be ready to address any inquiries from the CLE board.
Bio and Photo Prep
✔️ Update Your Bio: Ensure it reflects your expertise and personality.
✔️ Choose an Approachable Photo: Select a professional, inviting headshot.
Final Pre-Presentation Checks
✔️ Technical Run-Through: Test all equipment on-site.
✔️ Material Review: Double-check all slides and handouts.
✔️ Mental Prep: Use visualization techniques to calm any nerves.
With these steps in place, you’re not just preparing for a CLE—you’re preparing for a performance that will leave a lasting impact on your audience and elevate your professional standing.
Sejal Bhasker Patel is a Rainmaking Consultant and Author of Rainmaker: Unleashed — a sharp, strategic playbook for attorneys who don’t fit the traditional mold. She’s the founder of Sage Ivy, a consulting firm that works directly with law firms and attorneys to turn relationships into revenue — without selling their soul. Her work is blunt, tailored, and built on one core belief: Authenticity isn’t a liability — it’s your strongest competitive edge.
www.sageivyconsulting.com
The post Lights, Camera, CLE: Prepare For Your Best Presentation Yet appeared first on Above the Law.
