Session Abstract

Many aspiring speakers tell me the same thing: “I want to present… but what do I actually do once I’m on stage?” After delivering technical sessions for more than 20 years across global conferences, I’ve collected a set of practical, field‑tested techniques that help presenters move from surviving the stage to owning it. In this session, we’ll break down the core elements of effective stagecraft—specifically: - Intentional movement & blocking: how to use the stage to amplify, not distract from, your message - Audience engagement without clichés: yes, including why you should definitely not picture the audience “naked” - Mastering tone, pace, and vocal presence: tools to help you project confidence even when you don’t feel it - Real‑world tips and tricks: lessons learned from two decades of wins, missteps, and surprising discoveries Whether you’re preparing for your first talk or looking to level up your presentation skills, this session gives you practical guidance you can apply immediately to become a more engaging and confident speaker. Join me for this experiment in levelling up your on‑stage presence.

Pierre Roman

As a Principal Cloud Advocate, Pierre Roman engages with the operations and Operations and infrastructure communities on behalf of Microsoft. He is part of a team that drives growth and adoptions of the Azure platform by providing upskilling guidance and bringing community feedback to the product groups. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, he brings a well-rounded view of all facets of the Ops/infra lifecycle. His skills enable him to relate to his audiences and cultivate relationships at all levels (from the nuts and bolts guy/gal to management.) He’s a husband, a dad, a hockey fan, a gadget freak and a geek. Pierre is always ready for a conversation (in English or français - naturellement).