It can be very daunting the first time you either run an event at your practice or do a presentation. However, both are excellent ways of informing the public of what Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN’s) do on a daily basis and the progression we go through during our careers. In this short blog, we’re going to recommend a few hints and tips for running a successful event.

• Decide how you want to run your event

Do you want to run a practice open day with short conversations with clients, or do you want to run a client information evening which is likely to be a more formal event with a designed presentation? The latter will require either a large meeting type area within your practice or hiring a venue, which obviously would carry a cost. Access to a projector and screen is also advisable, although not necessary. Whichever type of event you decide to run, be clear on your aims for the information you want to pass on to your clients, and write yourself some bullet point notes to keep you on track.

• PowerPoint Presentations

For the client information events, we would recommend utilising a PowerPoint presentation to help keep you on track and engage your audience. However, keep the actual information on the slides minimal so you don’t overload the slide and make it difficult for clients to take in information. Use pictures, such as photographs of you as an SVN, or performing the tasks the SVNs and RVNs can undertake (obviously with permission from your practice and clients whose pets you are photographed with). Use these alongside bullet points to note the points you wish to make. This will also allow your clients to ask questions as they come up, if you are happy for them to do so (if you would rather they waited until the end, then mention this at the start)

• Introduce yourself

Even if you think everyone knows you, include how long you have been nursing for, how you qualified, how long you have been at the practice and where your interests lie.

• Move your line of sight around the room

Pick someone on the left hand side, middle and right hand side of the room and move your gaze around these people. This will keep your audience engaged with what you are saying.

• Remember to BREATHE!

This is where using a PowerPoint can be really helpful – It reminds you to breathe as you move from one slide to the next.

If you are preparing a presentation educating clients on what RVN’s do, think about including a section on protecting the title and the fact at the moment anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse. You may find that your clients aren’t aware of this.

One final comment – prepare for it, but most of all enjoy it!