What makes a great Moot session? Tips from past presenters

May 14, 2025 By Barnana Sarkar

Thinking about submitting a session proposal for MoodleMoot Global 2025? Maybe you have a great project to share, a clever way of doing things, or an epic tale of edtech triumph. But how can you ensure your Moot presentation stands out?

We asked a few seasoned Moodle HQ speakers for their top tips—things they’ve learned from being on stage, in the audience, and everywhere in between. Here are some tips from them.

Spoiler: it’s not about being flashy. It’s about being clear, relevant, and human.

Brett Dalton – Product Director, Industry Solutions

Everyone loves a shiny new feature, but Brett reminds us that great presentations go beyond features and functionality.

“The best presentations aren’t just about a shiny new piece of functionality or an interesting installation, though those things can be great, too. What really stands out is when a speaker reminds every person in the room why we’re here. A powerful talk speaks to the impact we’re making together: on students, teachers, and entire communities. It reconnects us with the purpose behind the platform. And if attendees walk away with even one new insight to apply in their own work? That’s a win.”

Put simply: Go beyond the what and talk about the why.

Take a look at Brett’s talk about designing Moodle for accessibility

 

Jessica Gramp – Moodle Community Manager

Jessica knows what it takes to keep a global audience engaged (and awake, depending on their time zone). Her advice? Keep it simple, structured, and don’t try to wing a live demo at the last second.

“Keep your presentation relevant to a global audience and use simple language. Not everyone will have the same context or first language, so be clear. Cover the what, why, and how of your topic—and make sure to summarise your key takeaway points.

If you’re planning on doing a live demo, have a backup plan—just in case the Wi-Fi doesn’t play nice. Zoom in on screenshots when necessary and keep slides light on text. And whatever you do, stick to your time limit!

And remember: we’re all on your side. People come to Moots to learn, connect, and celebrate the community. You’ve got a room full of supporters.”

Pro tip: Sometimes, less is more. 

Catch up on the Moodle Community’s activity and plans in Jessica’s presentation, with Anna Krassa, Education & Qualifications Coordinator in Sales Enablement.

 

Lauren Goodman – Product Marketing Manager

For Lauren, a great Moot talk moves people, not just emotionally, but practically.

“A great Moot session gets people moving—thinking, doing, solving. It should tackle real challenges and invite the audience in, not just talk at them. I love when sessions are practical: when people walk away with resources they can use the next day, ideas they can share with their team, and maybe even a new connection or two. Theory’s important, but give me something I can put into practice.”

Think: less lecture, more launchpad.

Watch Lauren’s session about tips and tricks on using Moodle Workplace

 

Emilio Lozano – Product Director, Premium Solutions

Emilio’s secret? Tell a good story—and don’t be afraid to show the messy bits.

“The most engaging talks are the ones that take people on a journey—but storytelling is difficult. I like to start with an icebreaker that connects me with the audience. It doesn’t have to be something funny—unless you’re great at stand-up comedy. Just add a personal touch that people can remember. Once, I shared that I was getting married in two days, and at the last MoodleMoot Global, I showed a drawing from my son.

Then, tell the story using plain language—this is especially important if you and the audience don’t share the same native language—and keep things simple. Don’t jump straight to the end result; share the journey that got you there. Talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised you. People love honesty and practical insights. Add a dash of personality, and your talk will stick.”

Good to remember: People come for the tech, but they stay for the real-life stories.

Check out Emilio’s presentation on self-directed learning for Moodle.

 

Ready to share your session with us?

Keep these tips in mind:

  • Focus on impact, not features
  • Keep it simple and globally relevant
  • Share a story, not just a slide deck
  • Leave people with something they can use (or be inspired by!)

And heyone more thing! 

This year, we’re expanding our reach beyond the Moodleverse. We’re making space for perspectives that go beyond tools—ideas that speak to the bigger picture of teaching, learning, and creating change in education. Sessions should spark something meaningful, even for those who don’t use Moodle (yet!). So, as you craft your proposal, think about how it might resonate with a wider edtech crowd.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on.

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