I got the PASS speaking results today on the new speaker portal. They posted the top sessions as well, overall and in each track. I did two sessions, and here are my summarized results:
Branding Yourself for a Dream Job
67 attendees, 39 surveys.
Overall, I was mid 4’s (4.59, 4.72, 4.74, 4.56, 4.56) for the various questions. Anything over a 4 means that I was doing a good job overall. I got some great comments, many of them in caps. I hope that means people were excited, but in any case, here are a few:
Nice comments, and I enjoyed the session. Got some great questions during this presentation.
In the PD track, I was third, and I regret not going to see Plamen’s talk on great presentations. The slides look good.
The Top Ten SQL Server Skills You Need
188 attendees, 80 surveys.
I was worried about this session a bit because it was near the end of Friday, the last day, and it’s a basic 100 level session. Also, I was in a huge room, the one that Adam Machanic filled up with 500+ people that morning.
However I was pleasantly surprised to see similar scores here in the mid 4s (4.43, 4.66, 4.6, 4.45, 4.34). I guess that means I do a decent job presenting, even when I’m not at my best. One comment caught my eye:
- Voice was more monotone than yesterday. Sounded tired.
Very, very true. I was wiped out, and after this session I left immediately for the airport for a flight. I dislike speaking late in the day, and after being in Seattle for a week, I was definitely tired.
This is a tough session since it’s basic, and I suspect some people come to see me, expecting something more. I was actually surprised this session was picked by the program committee, though clearly wanted. I was more surprised it was scheduled so late in the week. I had some nice feedback:
- several of the tips were useful and possibly the links to more information is most helpful
- go home and use what I learned
- finally someone at this conference who teaches people new to sql server the basics and not something over my head Thanks Steve!
- how to train my entry level dba’s
Glad I met the need. Some not to great feedback, though I’m not sure how I can fix some of these. It’s listed as a 100 level session.
- Could have said for beginners. This was a very low level presentation of many basics that most dbas do every day.
- I expected sql server dba function more advanced than types of joins and how to create basic indexes
- Could use a little more just like most sessions
I’m not sure what “more” I could do, especially with 10 things. I suppose I could cut it down, but my aim was to point people in a direction, not teach them deep skills.
I think I’ll retire this one, unless I get a call for it. I don’t love it, and with a mixed skill level audience, I always find people complaining that it’s too basic.
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