Meet the LISA '12 Lightning Talks Coordinator: Lee Damon

In this interview, Lee Damon, the Lightning Talk Coordinator for LISA '12, offers tips for giving a great, fast-paced little talk.

Rikki: I interviewed you last year about your active role in LISA events and sysadmin organizations. This year you're organizing the LISA '12 Lightning Talks. What types of
ideas would you like to see this year for talks?

Lee: The point of lightning talks is last-minute, late breaking things. That's the reason we're not opening registration until November 19th. We want fresh, interesting, and last-minute ideas.

I'd love to see things that come from conversations at the conference itself. If you're in a session on Wednesday and suddenly realize, "Oh, wow, this...!," that's what we want to hear.

We're not limiting it just to technical things. It can be anything you feel strongly about. Biking to work, eating tofu, biking to work while eating tofu, whatever works for you. The only real requirement is it has to be presented in a reasonable manner consistent with a professional conference.

Rikki: What are some of the memorable lightning talks you've seen at LISA over the years? And why did they stand out?

Lee: That's a loaded question. We've had a lot of great talks but my mind is like a sieve. I think the ones that have hit home the most with me are the, "I changed my mind about X and here's why." Those have been technical and non-technical with equal impact.

Rikki: What is the secret to a killer lightning talk?

Lee: A lot of thinking and prep, a bit of humor, and a desire to bring the audience along with you. It's a very friendly crowd. Respect them and they're yours.

Rikki: And what mistakes do you see in talks that speakers should avoid?

Lee: Don't rely on audio/video aids — we won't even have them available. Don't assume people will know what this-obscure-thing you're talking about is, but don't over-explain. Remember, you have at most 5 minutes. Time management is critical.

Rikki: What else should LISA'12 attendees know about the Lightning Talks?

Lee: If you've been to WiP (Work in Progress) sessions in the past, this will be similar but not exactly the same. The talks are on Thursday. Online signups will open on Monday the 19th of November and close the night before the session so I have time to collect and order them. Anyone who is attending the technical sessions can give a talk, or more than one, if there's time.

The most important thing: Have fun while getting your message across.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and G+ and we'll let you know when Lightning Talk sign-up opens.

If you have tips for giving a great lightning talk, let us know in the comments.