Double the pleasure, double the fun, double the perspectives at the BYU Women's Conference.

Many sessions during the annual conference will have two presenters for a single topic. Presenters will share personal ideas, testimonies and stories from their different backgrounds, providing a broad range of information.

"It's nice presenting with another person because we can go in depth rather than skimming," said Elizabeth Eyring Peters, 22, a student speaker majoring in marriage, family and human development.

Peters, a newlywed, said the only speaking experience she has is in sacrament meetings. Her partner, Teri Astle, adds a different perspective to the presentation because she has children and grandchildren.

The two-presenter format was implemented by the conference committee three years ago and is a new way of presenting for some of the speakers.

"It's pretty unique because [the presenters] are often given a topic and they very often do not know who their speaking partner is," said, BYU Vice President of Student Life and chair of the Women's Conference Committee Janet Scharman.

Scharman said the talks will be very focused and similar to a devotional with each person having 25 minutes to share their message.

"I don't know of any other conference that approaches it like that," said Scharman.

David Whittaker, a curator of Special Collections Western & Mormon Manuscripts and professor of history for BYU, is speaking about seeking knowledge out of the best books.

Whittaker will present with his neighbor Cheryl Lant, a member of the Primary General Board.

"She was on the committee for the conference and one thing led to another, and now we are a pair giving our thoughts in the presentation," Whittaker said.

Whittaker has had experience speaking in an academic setting but has never teamed up with another person.

"There is more planning and thought into two people presenting," said Whittaker. "We have to make sure that we don't repeat anything."

With more than 150 presenters pairing up to present assigned topics, the conference will provide different perspectives and backgrounds.

"Lant's perspective is more practical because of her background with children and books in her daycare," said Whittaker. "My perspective is more academic, so the presentation will be multi-level with something for everybody."

Although the team speaking may allow for colorful presentations, there may also be drawbacks, according to David Lee, an interpersonal communications professor at West Texas A&M University.

"Different is good but if you get too different, it might impair the presentation," Lee said. "Pair presenting may be very effective, but you have to find two people with complimenting speaking styles."

The presenters are chosen by the Women's Conference committee and give their service and time and without pay.

Copyright Brigham Young University 2 May 2002