Debugging Your Conference: Talk Practical Tips to Resonate with your Audience
A presentation at ContainerDays London in in London, UK by Marcus Noble
Debugging Your Conference Talk Practical Tips to Resonate with your Audience ContainerDays London February 11th 2026 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Hi 👋 , I’m Marcus Noble! I’m a platform engineer at I run a monthly newsletter - CloudNative.Now I’m a CNCF Ambassador 7+ years experience giving technical talks 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Talking about Talking It’s about to get pretty meta 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
The cloud native community thrives on collaboration. By sharing our insights and expanding our knowledge we all improve and grow. Me, just now 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
⚠ Disclaimer • I’m not a professional speaker. You don’t need to be to give talks! • I can’t help you come up with what to talk about. 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
- Planning 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Coming up with the talk 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Talk about what you’re interested in & what you enjoy If you don’t enjoy it, neither will your audience 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Just because someone else has given a similar talk before doesn’t mean you shouldn’t! We each bring a unique perspective. 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Finding an audience 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Finding an audience • Internal company presentations 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Finding an audience • Internal company presentations • Local meet-ups • They are always on the lookout for speakers 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Finding an audience • Internal company presentations • Local meet-ups • They are always on the lookout for speakers • Conference CFPs (Call for Proposals / Papers) • KCD Open CFPs - https://sessionize.com/2026-kcd-open-call-forproposals?opencfs=true • developers.events - https://developers.events/#/2026/cfp • CloudNative.Now Newsletter - https://cloudnative.now • Follow various conferences on Socials 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Writing the talk 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
The language used • Make sure the language you use is inclusive and doesn’t trivialise • Avoid things like “guys” and phrases such as “basically” or “simply” 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
The language used • Make sure the language you use is inclusive and doesn’t trivialise • • Avoid things like “guys” and phrases such as “basically” or “simply” Don’t perpetuate stereotypes! • None of this “so simple even my mum can do it” stuff! 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
The language used • Make sure the language you use is inclusive and doesn’t trivialise • • Don’t perpetuate stereotypes! • • Avoid things like “guys” and phrases such as “basically” or “simply” None of this “so simple even my mum can do it” stuff! Avoid jokes • Unless you’re sure everyone is going to understand it otherwise you will end up alienating some of your audience 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
The language used • Make sure the language you use is inclusive and doesn’t trivialise • • Don’t perpetuate stereotypes! • • None of this “so simple even my mum can do it” stuff! Avoid jokes • • Avoid things like “guys” and phrases such as “basically” or “simply” Unless you’re sure everyone is going to understand it otherwise you will end up alienating some of your audience It’s ok to “um” and “err” • I even recommend making use of pauses while speaking to add emphasis and break up sections 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Images • Keep them simple • Images that are too complex can distract from what you are saying 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Images • Keep them simple • • Images that are too complex can distract from what you are saying Minimise the use of memes • Similar to jokes, these have the chance of alienating some of your audience 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Images • Keep them simple • • Minimise the use of memes • • Images that are too complex can distract from what you are saying Similar to jokes, these have the chance of alienating some of your audience I recommend against using AI images • For similar reasons, these can be distracting and off-putting for some of your audience 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Images • Keep them simple • • Minimise the use of memes • • Similar to jokes, these have the chance of alienating some of your audience I recommend against using AI images • • Images that are too complex can distract from what you are saying For similar reasons, these can be distracting and off-putting for some of your audience There’s very few in this talk You don’t need to use images! • People are there to listen to you speak, not look at pictures 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Slide Design • Design is not my strong suit so I recommend Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte and Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Slide Design • Design is not my strong suit so I recommend Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte and Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds • Make your font size BIG & avoid paragraphs Bullet points work well 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Slide Design • Design is not my strong suit so I recommend Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte and Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds • Make your font size BIG & avoid paragraphs • Limit the amount of fonts and variations you use • Pick 1 or 2 fonts and use bold and italic for emphasis where appropriate (I’m using Atkinson Hyperlegible) 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Slide Design • Design is not my strong suit so I recommend Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte and Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds • Make your font size BIG & avoid paragraphs • Limit the amount of fonts and variations you use • Pick 1 or 2 fonts and use bold and italic for emphasis where appropriate (I’m using Atkinson Hyperlegible) • I find it useful to include social media handles on all slides You can see these below 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Code Examples • Use a monospace font for any code example 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Code Examples • Use a monospace font for any code example • Limit your code examples to just what is important • I like to “fade” context that isn’t the focus apiVersion: v1 kind: Pod metadata: name: “demo-pod” spec: containers: - name: demo image: nginx env: - name: NAME value: “World” - name: GREETING value: “Hello, $(NAME)” 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Code Examples • Use a monospace font for any code example • Limit your code examples to just what is important • I like to “fade” context that isn’t the focus • Slides will always look “washed out” on a projector • Use strong contrasting colours for syntax highlighting • Think big, bold and vibrant • If worried, do a test run on stage before your talk • (Also worth disabling true tone if you use it) 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Demos • You don’t need a live demo! 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Demos • You don’t need a live demo! • No, really, you don’t need a live demo!!! 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Demos • You don’t need a live demo! • No, really, you don’t need a live demo!!! • Ok, so you really want to? Then… • have a backup recording • automate as many steps as possible • assume no internet, even if provided expect it to not work 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Demos • You don’t need a live demo! • No, really, you don’t need a live demo!!! • Ok, so you really want to? Then… • have a backup recording • automate as many steps as possible • assume no internet, even if provided expect it to not work • But really, you don’t need a live demo! 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Final Slide • Add links to any resources mentioned Sneak peek 😉 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Final Slide • Add links to any resources mentioned • Including a QR code is useful Sneak peek 😉 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Final Slide • Add links to any resources mentioned • Including a QR code is useful • Make sure your socials are shown here Sneak peek 😉 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Final Slide • Add links to any resources mentioned • Including a QR code is useful • Make sure your socials are shown here • End with a “Thank You” and not “Questions?” (More on this shortly) Sneak peek 😉 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
- Runtime 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
On the day • Arrive prepared and at least 10 minutes early 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
On the day • Arrive prepared and at least 10 minutes early • Make sure you have: • Any adapters you need • A presentation clicker if you plan to use one • At least 50% battery in your laptop • An offline copy of your slides 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
On the day • Arrive prepared and at least 10 minutes early • Make sure you have: • • Any adapters you need • A presentation clicker if you plan to use one • At least 50% battery in your laptop • An offline copy of your slides Set your laptop, phone and watch to Do Not Disturb 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
On the day • Arrive prepared and at least 10 minutes early • Make sure you have: • Any adapters you need • A presentation clicker if you plan to use one • At least 50% battery in your laptop • An offline copy of your slides • Set your laptop, phone and watch to Do Not Disturb • Clear your laptop of clutter • Close unrelated windows & remove distracting desktop wallpaper 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Taking the stage • Remove your conference badge 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Taking the stage • Remove your conference badge • Empty your pockets 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Taking the stage • Remove your conference badge • Empty your pockets • Make sure you’ve been to the toilet 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Taking the stage • • • • Remove your conference badge Especially with Empty your pockets staying hydrated Make sure you’ve been to the toilet Keep hydrated (hot spotlights + talking nonstop dries you out quickly) 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Giving the talk • I like to use a presentation remote I use this one 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Giving the talk • I like to use a presentation remote • Don’t bother with a laser pointer 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Giving the talk • I like to use a presentation remote • Don’t bother with a laser pointer • Be familiar with the different microphones • Podium • Handheld • Lapel • “Britney” style 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Giving the talk • • • • I like to use a presentation remote Don’t bother with a laser pointer Be familiar with the different microphones Avoid playing audio from your laptop • If required, speak with A/V team ahead of time 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Giving the talk • • • • • I like to use a presentation remote Don’t bother with a laser pointer Be familiar with the different microphones Avoid playing audio from your laptop Look at the audience, focus on the friendly faces! 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
At the end of the talk • Don’t ask for questions, leave this for the track host 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
At the end of the talk • Don’t ask for questions, leave this for the track host • Instead end with a polite “Thank you” 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
At the end of the talk • Don’t ask for questions, leave this for the track host • Instead end with a polite “Thank you” • If there is time for questions: Especially if the talk is being recorded • Repeat back the question before answering • It’s totally ok to answer “I don’t know” 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
- Successful deployment 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Congratulations! You did it! Now what? 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
After the talk • Make yourself available for questions and feedback • Either hang around the stage if possible or be available during the next break 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
After the talk • Make yourself available for questions and feedback • • Either hang around the stage if possible or be available during the next break Listen to what people have to say, take note of the things they enjoyed or found interesting • This gives you a strong indication of what worked so you can do more of it the next time Yes, there will be a next time 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
After the talk • Make yourself available for questions and feedback • • Listen to what people have to say, take note of the things they enjoyed or found interesting • • Either hang around the stage if possible or be available during the next break This gives you a strong indication of what worked so you can do more of it the next time Make sure you take some time to unwind and reflect on how you think it went 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
But, my most important bit of advice… 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
🎉 Celebrate every 🎉 talk! I like a sweet treat 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Slides and resources available at: https://go-get.link/cdl-talk-2026 Blog Post https://go-get.link/technical-talking-blog-post Thoughts, comments and feedback: https://go-get.link/cdl-talk-2026-feedback Thank You! 🐘 @Marcus@k8s.social | 🌐 MarcusNoble.com | 🦋 @averagemarcus.bsky.social
Turning technical expertise into a captivating conference talk can feel daunting but I believe we all have the ability given the confidence.
This session provides practical and proven tips and advice to help you perfect your next presentation. Drawing on real-world experience, we’ll walk through the three critical stages of delivering impactful tech talks:
- Planning - Preparing slides that reinforce rather than repeat your message, using language that your audience can connect with, and set yourself up for success before even stepping on stage.
- Runtime - Handle the technical and practical aspects of presenting with confidence, troubleshoot common issues, and engage your audience with your story.
- Successful deployment - celebrating your success, gathering useful feedback, and improving for the next one.
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or new to the stage, you’ll walk away with a toolkit of tips and techniques to transform your technical knowledge into a memorable and impactful presentation.
Resources
The following resources were mentioned during the presentation or are useful additional information.
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Atkinson Hyperlegible
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Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery by Garr Reynolds
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Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte
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Presentation Remote I use
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My tips on giving technical talks
A blog post that this talk was based on. Includes more tips and a whole bunch of extra resources.
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CloudNative.Now Newsletter
My monthly cloud native based newsletter that also features open conference Call for Proposals.
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KCD Open CFPs
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developers.events
