Alexa, how do I get the most out of Speak Up?

The excitement is growing, can you feel it? When you made your reservation for Speak Up, maybe it felt far away – almost like a dream… but, now it’s about to happen!

If you’re new to Speak Up, your emotions may be swinging from ridiculously excited to nerve-rattling fear. You’re excited to soak in the great wisdom of the workshops, but feel a bit intimidated by the thought of peer critiques. What’s a person to do? You can’t just say “Alexa, how do I prepare for Speak Up?” And, likewise, you can’t ask “Alexa, how do I get the most out of this conference?”

Four things you can do to prepare for Speak Up:

1. Expand your prayer coverage.

You can be assured that as you step out to be better equipped to be a world changer through your speaking and writing, the enemy will take notice. In the time leading up to the conference, as well as in the time immediately after, expanded prayer coverage is a wise strategy. Consider asking 2 or 3 trusted prayer warriors to keep you and your family covered in prayer. There’s no need for you to face the battles that will come your way alone.

2. Use the Speak Up resources.

Leading up to the conference, make use of the great resources already at your fingertips. Looking for tips on polishing your one-sheet? Check out the resource Michelle Nietert posted in the Facebook group. Wondering how you can effectively network at the conference without being pushy and still being Godly? Check out Shannon Popkin’s blog on the Speak Up conference site. Truth is, there is a wealth of resources both on the Speak Up blog and within our Facebook group. Not subscribed to the Speak Up blog yet? You’ll definitely want to do that so that you don’t miss great future content as well.

3. Pack a growth mindset.

Each year when I arrive at Speak Up, I’m amazed by the collective wisdom and impact of the individuals who come together for these power-packed days. Choose to arrive with a growth mindset. Look for opportunities to learn and grow in the situations you encounter. You will likely meet new friends who are further along on their journey. Refuse to give the enemy a foothold with toxic comparison. Instead, nurture a growth mindset by asking questions, listening carefully, taking notes and networking. Every “one day” starts with day one. Start where you are and keep going!

4. Pack strategically.

Comfortable shoes aren’t the only thing you’ll want to be sure to pack. Business cards will help you stay in touch with the many great people you meet. Sites like Vista print have affordable options. Also, consider bringing highlighters and sticky notes to help you mark important takeaways and action items in your conference notebook. Doing so will set you up for follow-up when you get home.

Still looking for more tips on how to get the most out of Speak Up? While you can’t ask Alexa, Siri, or Google for help, there’s no need to worry. We’ve got just the pre-conference workshop for you!

Jumpstart is a pre-conference workshop designed to help you calm your nerves, get an insider’s look at the conference, and equip you to capture tangible take away action items that will translate into progress at home.

What will you learn at Jumpstart?

• Understand who’s who and what’s what (aka Agents, Editors and Mentors oh my!):

Jumpstart will give you an understanding of who’s who and what’s what so that the terms and titles you hear during the conference don’t feel like a foreign language.

• Gain tips for making the most of the conference:

Attending Speak Up can feel a bit like drinking from a fire hose. Jumpstart will provide you a road map to help you avoid potential barriers to your experience while equipping you with valuable tools for your workshops and appointments.

• Develop a strategy for transforming your efforts at home

The jam-packed time at Speak Up will leave you inspired and full. Simply put—we’ll share hacks that will help you make it happen when you return home.

So, before you ask Alexa how to prepare for your 15-minute appointments, consider signing up to join us at the Jumpstart pre-conference workshop. We’ll tame your nerves and give you a strategy to get the most out of Speak Up. See you at Speak Up!