Welcome to the highlight!
As we kick off Half 3 of our collection, “Lights, Digicam, CLE,” we’re shifting focus from the strategic benefits of CLEs to the artwork of delivering a show-stopping presentation.
Your CLE is extra than simply an academic session—it’s your second to shine, join along with your viewers, and depart a long-lasting impression.
This text will information you thru the important steps to arrange to your CLE like a professional, from working towards with PowerPoint instruments to making sure your bio and photograph replicate the knowledgeable you might be.
Setting the Stage: Working towards for the Large Day
Rehearsing with PowerPoint Instruments
Simply as an actor wouldn’t hit the stage with out rehearsing, you shouldn’t stroll into your CLE with out completely working towards your presentation. PowerPoint is extra than simply slides — it’s your co-star. Get snug with its options, together with transitions, animations, and speaker notes. Run by way of your presentation a number of occasions, specializing in:
• Timing: Guarantee your presentation flows easily and suits throughout the allotted time.
• Transitions: Observe shifting seamlessly from one slide to the subsequent, so your narrative stays cohesive.
• Speaker Notes: Use them as cues however keep away from studying straight from them—your supply ought to really feel pure and fascinating.
Partaking with the CLE Gods
Earlier than your CLE debut, there’s one essential step — offering all of your content material to the “CLE gods.” This implies making certain that the CLE board or group internet hosting your session has all the pieces they want, out of your slides to any handouts or supplementary supplies.
That is your behind-the-scenes crew, making certain the present goes on and not using a hitch. Be sure to:
• Submit Supplies Early: Give the CLE board ample time to overview and approve your content material.
• Double-Test Compliance: Guarantee your supplies meet all CLE necessities, together with content material relevance, timed agenda and accreditation requirements.
• Put together for Questions: Anticipate any questions or requests for clarification from the CLE board and be prepared to reply promptly.
Setting the Stage: Working towards for the Large Day
Reviewing Your Bio
Your bio is greater than only a abstract — it’s your pitch to the viewers. It must be concise, compelling, and reflective of who you might be as an expert.
Earlier than your CLE, take the time to overview and replace your bio to make sure it highlights your experience and aligns with the subject you’ll be presenting. Take into account the following pointers:
• Give attention to Experience: Emphasize your expertise and data within the space associated to your CLE.
• Inject Persona: Whereas sustaining professionalism, let your persona shine by way of to make you extra relatable.
• Replace Commonly: Be sure your bio displays your newest achievements and roles.
Selecting an Approachable Photograph
Your photograph is usually the primary impression attendees may have of you—make sure that it’s a superb one. Choose a headshot that’s skilled but approachable, conveying confidence and heat. Right here’s what to contemplate:
• Skilled High quality: Use a high-resolution picture with good lighting and readability.
• Gown the Half: Select apparel that’s applicable to your area and the viewers you’ll be addressing.
• Categorical Approachability: A real smile and relaxed posture can go a great distance in making you appear accessible to your viewers.
Remaining Gown Rehearsal: Final-Minute Checks
Remaining Pre-Presentation Checks
Because the curtain name approaches, it’s time for a remaining gown rehearsal. That is your alternative to catch any last-minute points and guarantee all the pieces is in place for a flawless efficiency. Key areas to concentrate on embrace:
• Technical Checks: Guarantee all tools—microphones, projectors, and laptops—are working appropriately. Take a look at your PowerPoint on the precise tools you’ll be utilizing to keep away from any compatibility points.
• Materials Assessment: Go over your slides, handouts, and notes one final time to make sure all the pieces is so as.
• Psychological Preparation: Take just a few moments to heart your self. Visualization methods can assist you image a profitable presentation, calming any pre-show jitters.
Prepared for Motion
As you’re taking the stage to your CLE, keep in mind that preparation is essential to delivering a presentation that’s not simply informative, however unforgettable. By rehearsing along with your PowerPoint instruments, making certain your supplies are top-notch, and presenting your self because the educated and approachable knowledgeable you might be, you’re setting your self up for fulfillment.
Now, it’s time to let your experience shine and benefit from your second within the highlight.
Within the subsequent article, we’ll concentrate on find out how to interact your viewers throughout your presentation. From interactive parts to storytelling, we’ll discover methods that may preserve your attendees captivated from begin to end.
Rehearsing with PowerPoint Instruments
✔️ Observe Timing: Guarantee your presentation suits throughout the allotted time.
✔️ Clean Transitions: Rehearse shifting seamlessly between slides.
✔️ Use Speaker Notes: Have cues however intention for a pure supply.
Partaking with the CLE Gods
✔️ Submit Supplies Early: Present all mandatory content material properly earlier than the deadline.
✔️ Test Compliance: Guarantee your supplies meet all CLE necessities.
✔️ Put together for Questions: Anticipate and be prepared to deal with any inquiries from the CLE board.
Bio and Photograph Prep
✔️ Replace Your Bio: Guarantee it displays your experience and persona.
✔️ Select an Approachable Photograph: Choose an expert, inviting headshot.
Remaining Pre-Presentation Checks
✔️ Technical Run-By means of: Take a look at all tools on-site.
✔️ Materials Assessment: Double-check all slides and handouts.
✔️ Psychological Prep: Use visualization methods to calm any nerves.
With these steps in place, you’re not simply getting ready for a CLE—you’re getting ready for a efficiency that may depart a long-lasting affect in your viewers and elevate your skilled standing.

Sejal Bhasker Patel is a Rainmaking Marketing consultant and Creator of Rainmaker: Unleashed — a pointy, strategic playbook for attorneys who don’t match the standard mildew. She’s the founding father of Sage Ivy, a consulting agency that works straight with legislation corporations and attorneys to show relationships into income — with out promoting their soul. Her work is blunt, tailor-made, and constructed on one core perception: Authenticity isn’t a legal responsibility — it’s your strongest aggressive edge.
www.sageivyconsulting.com