Professional Development Standard Policy Documents

The following links access documents that describe the SOA's standard policies on antitrust, publishing/copyright and presentation standards. Make sure you are familiar with the policies.

Antitrust Disclaimer

Intent to Publish 

Presentation Submission Process 

Content Development Resources

Create engaging content.

Competency Framework Session Planning Worksheet 

Use the competency framework to help identify session content.

Creating Meeting Content Workbook 

Provides a process with worksheets to help you create engaging content.

• Audience Analysis Worksheet 
• Goal Setting Worksheet 
• Objective Writing Worksheet 
• Presentation Outline Worksheet 
• Evaluate Content Worksheet 

Presentation Layout Tips 

Provides guidelines on the use of font size, graphics and animation in presentations.

Life After Death PowerPoint Video

Engaging 4 minute video clip on PowerPoint Do's and Don'ts

Presentation Delivery Tips & Techniques

Helpful hints and guidelines for presenting at a live or virtual meeting.

Presentation Tips 

Guidelines for presenters.

Presenter/Moderator Self Assessment Tool

Use both the long and short forms of the presenter/moderator self-assessment to prepare for and reflect upon your SOA meeting session. Assess your effectiveness as a presenter or moderator.

Long Form  

• Use as you prepare your presentation. (Preparation Tool)
• Use for in depth post-presentation reflection. (Personal Development Tool)

Short Form  

• Use for a quick post-presentation self-assessment.

Don't Let This Happen to You!

Read this article in which some of the top SOA conference presenters discuss their secrets on giving good presentations.

Tips for Moderators: Make your Session an Outstanding Learning Experience

This 30 minute audio recording gives you practical tips on how to be an effective moderator for any session. Listen to the audio and follow along with the slides. 

Presenting at a Virtual Conference Session

This 23 minute recorded webinar discusses how to present at a live meeting that includes a virtual audience. The virtual broadcast streams the video, audio and PowerPoint slides through the participant's computer at an off-site location during the session. Virtual participants will be allowed to interact and e-mail questions for live response during the session.

Virtual Session Presenter Checklist 

Virtual Session Production Tips: On-Camera Clothing, Performance Tips and PowerPoint Creation Guidelines 

Suggested Books

The books below are good reads for tips on public speaking. You can purchase these books from a local or online bookstore.

Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun

Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds