Public Speaking
This Friday night, I’m giving a workshop at Christopher Newport University called “So You Want to Write a Romance.” I’m excited about it, but in a way, I almost feel like I have too much information to present. It’s a bit like teaching middle school before you’ve actually taught a lesson over several years. You usually “overplan” because you don’t know how the kids will respond to the material. Some topics just lend themselves to discussion and I’ve learned to just let the kids talk it out. Other topics…well, you can hear crickets chirping.
My plan is to come prepared for crickets and hope for lots of fun discussions.
Some of the best workshops I’ve ever attended were very hands-on, and very active. I think part of it was because the presenter had such good energy and rapport with the audience. Michael Hauge is a fantastic speaker, and I’ve also learned a great deal from Jolie Kramer’s workshops. One of my favorite publisher spotlights had a game show where the prizes were editors volunteering to read proposals and so on.
I’ll admit, I’m a wee bit nervous about speaking to adults, even though I’ve taught middle-schoolers for eleven years. For one, adults are less chatty than middle-schoolers. 12-year-olds LOVE to hear themselves talk, and they are known for inserting random bits of information that they are convinced is totally on topic. Adults rarely share things about what they’re thinking, nor do they ask questions until they feel that the atmosphere is comfortable.
So I’ll be speaking both Friday night and Saturday morning. I’d love your help on something. Think back on the best workshop or training session you’ve ever attended. What made it so good? (Thanks in advance for any answers you may have to share!)
Michelle posted in Writing @ 9:50 pm | Viewed 2072 times
Courtney Says:
Hi Michelle,
The best workshops I’ve ever attended have been interactive. A bit of lecture and then exercises. I also think “take-away” exercises are really helpful–like a plan to take the workshop ideas further on your own.
Best of luck! I’m sure you’ll be great.
Courtney
Robyn Says:
Our library system had a 4-author panel last Valentine’s Weekend. The authors played off each other well, and had a lot of information, and we could submit questions. It really turned out to be more about publishing than the craft of writing.
I appreciated most how honest they were, perfectly willing to talk about the hard or controversial subjects. I didn’t feel that anything was sugar-coated. It opened my eyes.
beth Says:
I think you’re going to be surprised how much today’s young adults (I’m assuming you’re going to be talking with mostly 20somethings?) like to chatter. In my experience with teaching this age (both online and in person) they really like interactive chattering too. So it may not be all that different from middle school.
Regardless, I know you’re going to be great!
Tori Lennox Says:
You’ll be great, hon!
Kim A. Says:
Humour. And a relaxed atmosphere.
I *hate* exercises, especially group exercises. Loathe having to participate like that. LOL.
So for everyone, what makes a great workshop will be different.
But definitely humour for me!
Good luck; I’m sure you’ll be terrific and it will be a blast.
-Kim
Kelly Boyce Says:
I’m with you - I always enjoy the interactive ones. You not only get information but usually the germ of an idea to work on later.
kacey Says:
Dry humor. Wit. Examples.
A break to get coffee
you’ll do great!