Yesterday I presented my "SQL Server Development Tips and Tricks" session at SQL Saturday #34 in Boston. Here are some of my thoughts and observations:
- I've been crazy busy the last two weeks and only got some time to work on my session Friday evening. I've done this presentation many times so I wasn't worried but it still pays to make sure all the demos are working and re-learn what all the starting points for the demos need to be, things like "delete these objects" or "create a blank database first". The drive to Boston is 3.5 hours from my house so that gave me a chance to rehearse my slides. When I first got into speaking I felt weird about rehearsing but all the public speaking books I got really encourage that and as it turns out, many big shot CEOs and other people who are naturally gifted speakers still do it. I usually end up going over each slide at least twice, I find that it really helps me with the flow. The demos are a little easier but I still do those at least once.
- This was my first SQL Saturday and I found the overall atmosphere really relaxed and much more friendly than a conference setting. I had at least 15 people stopping me after the session to either say they liked the session, or to thank me for speaking. I had many discussions in the lunch room and discovered that despite of what their driving habits might imply, people from Boston can be very friendly. Overall, there was a great community feel. I also noticed a higher percentage of women than ever before so all those "Women in Technology" initiatives must be paying off.
- Just like Aaron mentioned, I also need to train mylelf better to repeat all the audience questions. Before each presentation I have every intention of doing that but somehow I keep forgetting to do that.
- Part of my session materials is my own utility for executing SQL scripts. I will be releasing it soon for public use, I just need to write basic documentation and capture some snapshots.
Adam and Grant did a great job pulling this together. I am looking forward to speaking at the next SQL Saturday in Boston. I am also planning to submit proposals for some other ones as long as they are within one day drive (or hopefullly ride when the weather gets warmer).