text: Couch to Conference: Member Interview with Bisi Josh-Falade
  Updated: May 23, 2023
  In this Q&A, Bisi Josh-Falade, a recent participant in the Couch to Conference program, shares her experiences with the program and how it has helped her with her public speaking. She discusses recent and upcoming public speaking engagements, her thoughts on the workshops, buddy work, and mentoring sessions, as well as other aspects of the program.
  Q: Could you tell us about any recent and / or upcoming public speaking events that you’ve taken part in / are taking part in since starting the Couch to Conference?
  A: Since I started this cohort I have given a number of Lightning Talks in AWS and I have also given a short talk at Women TechMakers (WTM, Scotland) Virtual IWD '23. Two of my talk proposals were accepted by Microsoft so I will also be speaking at the Microsoft New Speakers Community Day this May.
  Q: Has the Couch to Conference programme helped you with your public speaking? What were your experiences prior to partaking in this course?
  A: Definitely, yes! Before taking this course, I would usually shiver at the thought of speaking at conferences though I secretly admired the poise and professionalism of women who speak at TED Conferences. Since I started this course I have learnt to accept and manage my nerves. Through the workshops and discussions I have learnt how to logically structure a talk with specific takeaways. The course made me realise that every speaker has their fair share of Imposter Syndrome, which is very comforting to know.
  Q: The course had 5 workshops which gradually led you from lightning talks, through to building longer talks, building slide decks and submitting CFP’s. How were these workshops for you?
  A: The workshops were fantastic! Though I got distracted in about 2 of the sessions, I was still able to catch-up using the cheat-sheet that Barry shared. The sheets made it easy for me to give my first Lightning Talk, and I've been stuck to it ever since! I hope to create extended talks by adopting the long talk sheets Barry shared and apply for more extended talks. The workshops with Barry were great!
  Q: During the programme you were given a buddy, could you tell us what your buddy experience was like?
  A: Abbi, Jade and the Cohort Buddy were great! I like the community, warmth and acceptance and support. Abbi is such a great supporter, she's got an encouraging smile that does not fade.
  Q: As part of the course you participated in 4 mentoring sessions. What did you think of these sessions?
  A: The Mentoring sessions were fantastic! The mentors were down-to-earth, shared their real-life experiences and gave tips and tricks.
  Overall, Bisi Josh-Falade found the Couch to Conference program to be incredibly helpful in boosting her confidence and providing her with practical tools to improve her public speaking. She credits the program with helping her manage her nerves, structure her talks, and overcome imposter syndrome. She enjoyed the workshops and found the cheat sheets provided to be very useful. She appreciated the warmth and support of the community and found the mentoring sessions to be fantastic. The program has enabled her to sign up and speak at conferences and has helped her to network with other speakers.