Here's how you can make an impact at a conference

Maybe you applied to speak at the event and weren’t selected. Or, not thinking you were qualified, you didn’t inquire about speaking and now wish you were a speaker.

You still have the opportunity to stand out at the event. Here are seven steps that will help you make an impact, even if you are not the speaker:

1. Raise your hand.

If you want to make an impact at a conference, you need to speak up. You must contribute to the main conversation while other people are paying attention. Do not say just anything or something outrageous to get noticed. Your goal is to say something that demonstrates your understanding and sparks an interest in people wanting to know more. If you want to create an opportunity that will facilitate interaction and conversation afterwards, raise your hand.

2. Stand on your two feet.

I once read a fortune cookie that said, “The way to get to the top is to get off your bottom.” Stand up. Let people see you. If others cannot see you, they will not know who to look for afterwards. If you want to make an impact, you must make yourself visible.

3. Say your name.

The first words out of your mouth and into the microphone should be your name – your first name and last name. Give others the opportunity to put a name to a face. Make sure people know who you are.

4. Ask one question, not two.

If you want to make an impact, less is more. The more you say, the less people will remember what you said. You want people to remember the reason you spoke. Also, the more time you take up, the more it looks like you are trying to hog time. Don’t be greedy.

5. Share a brief, personal story.

If the speaker said something that reminded you of a personal experience, briefly share it. Relate your experience back to what the speaker said, and express your appreciation for the point the speaker made. Personal stories make an impact on people. They elicit feelings that connect and bind people together. Stories hold the power of creating common ground.

6. Don’t give advice or make a statement.

You may have great advice to share, but now is not the time to share it. Leave that up to the speaker. It can be off putting for a member of the audience to tell the speaker and room of attendees what they should or should not be thinking or doing.

Every person has a role to play at a conference. Every person has an opportunity to make an impact. Speakers impact the audience by sharing advice and lessons learned. Participants make an impact and add value with their questions and relatable stories. Your power lies in your role in the conversation. Don’t give up the power that is given to you.

7. Look at others in the room, not just the speaker.

When you stand up, speak to the attendees, not just the speaker. Take the opportunity to connect with the audience. If you are sitting towards the front of the room, angle yourself so you can look at others.

The remarks or questions that add the most value are those that others can learn from or connect with. If you want to make an impact, speak to benefit others, not just you.

Conferences and similar gatherings are great opportunities to be seen and heard. Follow these steps to make a positive impact and be memorable.