Experts on all kinds of subjects, at some point in their careers, often try to run seminars or workshops. There are lots of reasons why they do it, but
main one is money. These can be very lucrative money- spinners if done correctly.An awful lot are not done correctly. Far too many 'experts' think that all they have to do to captivate an audience is to stand at front with an overhead projector and drone on for a few hours.
The first thing to correct about this way of thinking is that people who have paid good money to attend are not an audience.
Plays have audiences. Movies do. Even lecturers talk to an audience.
Seminars and workshops have participants. And if they don't get to participate, they might as well have stayed at home.
Here are my ten pointers for a successful seminar or workshop. There is a lot more to it, but get these right and you will be halfway there.
1. Write a very full outline of everything you need to cover. It is vital that you are totally prepared. Nothing looks worse than a seminar presenter who is not 100% on top of flow of events.
2. Do a lot of market research before you start to write your outline. Ask people what they want/need to know. You will probably be surprised. I have found many times that things people find most fascinating or useful are things that I would have skipped over or assumed they already knew. Never assume possession of knowledge simply because it is second nature to you.
3. Remember that people learn in different ways. Some people are visual, some are audible and some have to experience things. Bearing that in mind, ensure that you provide educational stimulus for each type of person - visual charts, memorable commentary and interactive exercises.
4. Don't plan a 2-day seminar around a subject that can be covered in 2 hours.
5. Don't try to cover in 2 hours a subject that needs 2 days.
6. Learn to present. This little step is so often forgotten by people who think they can teach. Presentation is so important. You not only have to be seen and heard, but you also have to persuade. Think of it as selling your ideas.
