Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@jamesgary
Last active February 27, 2017 12:46
Show Gist options
  • Save jamesgary/5504200 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save jamesgary/5504200 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
How to Talk to Developers - Ben Orenstein (@r00k) - RailsConf 2013

How to Talk to Developers

Ben Orenstein (@r00k)

Obey Law of Demeter

  • Reduces coupling
  • Enables refactoring

Throw something weird at people to keep their attention. Bored people don't learn anything, so focus on entertainment over being informative.

Write like a newspaper

  • Each paragraph depends on the previous one
  • So you can end it at any time
  • Start with the thesis

Vim Tip

  • Relative line numbers
  • :help, then find the 'Editing Effectively' section

Slides are like photographs, live coding is like video

Body language

  • Don't cross arms or fold hands together (back nor front)
  • Bend elbows, be neutral and open

People like stories

  • Developers especially like embarassing stories about programmers worse than them
  • The Daily WTF is popular for a reason

Nervousness

  • Being nervous is inevitable, so accept it
  • Beta blockers will lower your physical response to fight/flight
  • Power posing
    • When you act confident, your brain adjusts and you believe it
    • Fake it 'til you make it
    • Do a power pose (arms up) for 2 minutes before a talk
  • Look for the 'nodders' in your crowd for a confidence boost

Antipatterns in Talks

  • Not being crazy in talks
    • Be super passionate
  • Double check your slides to make sure people in the back can read it
  • Pre-apologizing
    • Hard to avoid
    • Don't set low expectations
  • Not leaving any empty space
    • Say "Let's ask some questions"
    • Wait 5 seconds (even though it feels forever)
    • Put hands behind back and lean forward (listening pose)
  • Talking first on the last day
  • Giving talks in large rooms
    • Request for small rooms so it looks more packed

And then... singing!

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment