Ultimate Training Workshop Handbook - Continued

In chapter six we are introduced to how to prepare for a training workshop. One quote I really loved from this chapter is as follows, "In the final analysis, you are accountable for the success of your workshop or training-program design." (p. 179). This is so TRUE! I am one of those over-prepared presenters (it gives an example of one of those in chapter seven), but I really do try to cover all my basis. I do this because it is up to me to make sure the workshop is successful. I want to make sure everyone gets something out of it, and people don't feel as if they have wasted their time. I have been to many classes, workshops and training sessions where I literally counted the seconds go by. I don't want to be one of those instructors. I want to lead with organization, precision and entertainment. And I believe that's what this chapter was talking about - you need to be able to set an agenda for your workshop so people don't feel as if you are flying by the seat of your pants. Also, you need to make sure you think of everything you want to be in 'control' of, including the room arrangement. This section intrigued me because I can feel when I am not engaged as a listener if I am not in a proper spot in the room, and I can also tell as a presenter if people aren't paying attention because they are not placed appropriately in the room. I don't think there is a right way for every training workshop or classroom because different students need different environments. I am thinking of Life's Kitchen, the non-profit Kristine and I will presenting in, I think they need to have more a circle atmosphere. If we were to put them into rows it would feel stuffy and too traditional for the type of learning we want them to be involved in. Also, I think with this group if we were to place them in rows or behind tables we would have physical barriers between us and them, and I don't want that type of impression for our presentation.

Obviously, the book is correct - you must be prepared. Like I said earlier I want to be organized, precise and entertaining. And truly, I don't think I could be precise or entertaining if I weren't organized.