Yesterday, we had the first barcamp Shanghai in Tudou. For a brief rundown of the event, read my post on China Web2.0 Review.

As a barcamper, one of your most important objectives is to make a successful session. Besides doing homework on your topic, there’re other things you should know to make a successful barcamp talk.

Barcamp is like digg, traditional conference is like slashdot. In barcamp, you are not guaranteed to have a session by persuading a small group of organizers. Rather you should persuade the audiences.

Following is my suggestions if you would like to prepare for the next barcamp early.

  • Think of a short and sound name for your topic. If you want to include your topic and your name on a yellow sticker, you had better summarize your topic in 5 or 6 words.
  • Come early to register your topic. People are tired after listening to two sessions. If you missed the scheduling session in the morning, you are not likely to raise enough interests.
  • Actively explain your topic to people before they vote. People don’t have to know the topic. They vote for things they have heard of and supposed to be useful.
  • Prepare you session in a simple way. Keep in mind, this is a grassroots’ conference. Your session will probably be arranged in a room without projector, Internet access or even tables.
  • Repeat your main topic during the talk now and then. In a multi-session conference, people switch between sessions quickly. Help people join in the middle of your talk to be synchronized.
  • Look for help from other barcampers. Even you haven’t prepared your topic enough for a whole session, you can still make it a success by inviting other barcampers with professional background to join your session. In fact, it’s very easy to turn an active participant into a co-speaker.

Barcamp Shanghai II is purposed to happen in six months. Wish you to be a more successful barcamper next time.