
Welcome to the highlight!
As we kick off Half 3 of our sequence, “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 together with your viewers, and depart an enduring impression.
This text will information you thru the important steps to arrange in your CLE like a professional, from training with PowerPoint instruments to making sure your bio and picture mirror the professional you’re.
Setting the Stage: Training for the Huge 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 totally training 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 your presentation a number of instances, specializing in:
• Timing: Guarantee your presentation flows easily and matches throughout the allotted time.
• Transitions: Follow 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 guaranteeing that the CLE board or group internet hosting your session has all the things they want, out of your slides to any handouts or supplementary supplies.
That is your behind-the-scenes crew, guaranteeing the present goes on and not using a hitch. Make certain to:
• Submit Supplies Early: Give the CLE board ample time to assessment and approve your content material.
• Double-Examine 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: Training for the Huge 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’re as an expert.
Earlier than your CLE, take the time to assessment and replace your bio to make sure it highlights your experience and aligns with the subject you’ll be presenting. Think about the following tips:
• Deal with Experience: Emphasize your expertise and data within the space associated to your CLE.
• Inject Persona: Whereas sustaining professionalism, let your character shine by to make you extra relatable.
• Replace Recurrently: Make certain your bio displays your newest achievements and roles.
Selecting an Approachable Picture
Your picture is usually the primary impression attendees can have of you—be certain that it’s one. Choose a headshot that’s skilled but approachable, conveying confidence and heat. Right here’s what to think about:
• Skilled High quality: Use a high-resolution picture with good lighting and readability.
• Costume the Half: Select apparel that’s acceptable in your area and the viewers you’ll be addressing.
• Specific Approachability: A real smile and relaxed posture can go a great distance in making you appear accessible to your viewers.
Last Costume Rehearsal: Final-Minute Checks
Last Pre-Presentation Checks
Because the curtain name approaches, it’s time for a closing costume rehearsal. That is your alternative to catch any last-minute points and guarantee all the things is in place for a flawless efficiency. Key areas to give attention to embody:
• 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 Overview: Go over your slides, handouts, and notes one final time to make sure all the things is so as.
• Psychological Preparation: Take a number of moments to heart your self. Visualization methods may help you image a profitable presentation, calming any pre-show jitters.
Prepared for Motion
As you’re taking the stage in your CLE, do not forget that preparation is essential to delivering a presentation that’s not simply informative, however unforgettable. By rehearsing together with your PowerPoint instruments, guaranteeing your supplies are top-notch, and presenting your self because the educated and approachable professional you’re, you’re setting your self up for fulfillment.
Now, it’s time to let your experience shine and take advantage of your second within the highlight.
Within the subsequent article, we’ll give attention to methods to have interaction your viewers throughout your presentation. From interactive components to storytelling, we’ll discover methods that may maintain your attendees captivated from begin to end.
Rehearsing with PowerPoint Instruments
✔️ Follow Timing: Guarantee your presentation matches throughout the allotted time.
✔️ Easy 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 obligatory content material nicely earlier than the deadline.
✔️ Examine 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 Picture Prep
✔️ Replace Your Bio: Guarantee it displays your experience and character.
✔️ Select an Approachable Picture: Choose an expert, inviting headshot.
Last Pre-Presentation Checks
✔️ Technical Run-By means of: Take a look at all tools on-site.
✔️ Materials Overview: 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 an enduring impression in your viewers and elevate your skilled standing.

Sejal Bhasker Patel is a Rainmaking Guide and Writer 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 companies 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