My First Tech Speaking Experience: Lessons from the Stage

Experience shapes us in ways we never expect. Whether it's our first job, first love, first child, or in my case, first time speaking at a tech conference—these moments become defining chapters in our story. Today, I want to share my journey of stepping onto the stage as a speaker for the first time, the lessons I learned, and the advice I wish I'd had.

How It All Started

My speaking journey began when I joined Indonesia Cloud Computing (iCCom), a community focused on cloud technologies. While they had a strong presence in other cities, the community was still growing in my hometown. As an active member, I was eager to contribute and get involved in their events.

The opportunity came when senior members invited me to help organize a local event. The topic they wanted covered was migration principles and strategies—something I'd been working with extensively in my current role. It felt like the perfect alignment of timing, knowledge, and opportunity. As they say, some chances don't come twice.

The Preparation (And the Nerves)

Despite having relevant experience with the subject matter, nothing quite prepares you for that first-time speaker anxiety. I spent considerable time preparing both the technical content and my presentation delivery. I even found a helpful reference from a 2021 Bandung.py talk: "Prepare your first talk at tech conference".

But as prepared as I thought I was, the reality of standing in front of an audience is entirely different from practicing alone.

Three Key Lessons I Learned

1. Master Your Material (But Keep It Simple)

The most crucial aspect of any tech talk is knowing your subject matter inside and out. However, knowledge alone isn't enough—you need to present it in an accessible way. Avoid overcomplicating things just to sound impressive. Your goal is to educate and inspire, not to prove you're the smartest person in the room.

Key elements that make a difference:

• Strong opening to create a good first impression

• Clear agenda setting expectations

• Compelling conclusion that reinforces key takeaways

• Bullet points summarizing the main benefits for your audience

Remember, you're there to share knowledge and help others grow, not to show off.

2. It's Okay to Say "I Don't Know"

This lesson hit me hard during the Q&A session. A student asked a question that was adjacent to my topic but outside my direct expertise. Instead of admitting I didn't know, I gave a roundabout answer that probably confused more than it helped.

Saying "I don't know" isn't a sign of weakness—it's a sign of honesty and humility. People respect speakers who are genuine about their knowledge boundaries. It also opens up opportunities for meaningful discussions with audience members who might have insights to share.

If I could go back, I'd simply say: "That's a great question, but it's outside my area of expertise. Let's connect after the talk and explore it together."

3. Introduce Yourself Authentically

Don't be a mystery speaker who jumps straight into technical content. Your audience wants to know who you are, what you do, and why they should listen to you. This isn't about boasting—it's about building trust and connection.

Share your background, your current work, and what unique perspective you bring to the topic. Help the audience understand what value they'll gain from spending their time listening to you.

Reflections and Moving Forward

Looking back on my first speaking experience, I feel a mix of pride and self-awareness. I'm proud that I took the leap and shared my knowledge with the community. However, I also recognize that my nervousness and perhaps some overconfidence affected my delivery.

Some student approached me afterward asking about career development and gaining industry experience. For anyone in a similar position, here's what I'd share:

• Build industry-ready skills early: Don't wait until graduation to start developing practical skills

• Embrace continuous learning: Develop technical skills, soft skills, and personal growth habits

• Take calculated risks: Be more afraid of missed opportunities than of failure

• Learn from failure: Every mistake is a valuable teacher

• Maintain balance: Accept both challenges and successes as part of your growth journey

For Aspiring Speakers

If you're considering your first tech talk, here's my advice: prepare thoroughly, be authentic, and remember that your audience is rooting for you to succeed. They're there to learn, not to judge.

The stage might feel intimidating, but it's also an incredible platform for sharing knowledge, building connections, and contributing to the tech community. Your unique experiences and perspective matter—don't let imposter syndrome keep you from sharing them.

Final Thoughts

My first speaking experience wasn't perfect, but it was transformative. It taught me about preparation, humility, and the importance of authentic connection with your audience. Most importantly, it reminded me that growth happens outside our comfort zones.

To anyone standing at the edge of their first speaking opportunity: take the leap. The community needs your voice, your experiences, and your unique perspective. Prepare well, be yourself, and remember that every expert speaker was once exactly where you are now.

The stage is waiting—and so is your audience.