Leading a writers workshop is a great way to meet people and pay forward the writing help we’ve received.

These tips will help you feel comfortable presenting to a group.

5 Tips in Leading a Writers Workshop – Presenting

 

1. Arrive early to set up so you can fix problems with projectors and computers, chair and table configurations, and your book-table setup. No matter how well I prepare, half the workshops I’ve led had a setup glitch. The calmer I was the faster it was rectified.

 

For example, at a workshop I led at a library, the tables needed rearranging, I required a lectern to hold my binder, and the projector worked but my slides weren’t showing. My calmness allowed me to take care of my needs and see the lens door wasn’t completely opened.

At home before the workshop, close all unnecessary apps on your laptop, except your slide presentation. Set it on the first slide. I use my own projector. I carry batteries for the remote and an extension cord.

 

2. As participants arrive, wander to their seat, introduce yourself, and talk to them.

Fellow introverts, it’s easy. Simply ask them what they’re writing, then put aside everything and listen to them. You’ll accomplish two things. As you listen carefully, you’ll think of something that adds to the conversation, and you’ll find out what kind of audience you have.

For example, at the library workshop, I discovered one person wrote nonfiction and songs, another wrote short stories, and two wrote memoirs. My workshop was mainly for novel writers. But during the workshop, I mentioned how the techniques could be used in short stories, memoirs, and non-fiction. This helped make my workshop a success.

3. Don’t allow outside events to rattle you. Do what you can to protect your class, such as shut a door, close a blind, or ask your host to take care of a problem. Other than that, ignore the goings-on. At the library workshop, during the entire session, two photographers snapped shots of the class and me for a library related article. My host warned me they might be there, but I’d forgotten.

The photographers tried to be unobtrusive. I smiled at them and then ignored they were there. My job was to present my material to the class. Two benefits: I will be in an article. Free promotion. When the photographers took extra photos of me later, one said she learned much from the class.

 

4. Participants will share perfect responses to exercises. Compliment them. Sometimes others’ responses don’t apply, aren’t quite what you’re looking for, or need more to become workable. Expect this. They’re learning, and you’ve given them only minutes to prepare a piece. Never criticize. Look for anything that remotely applies, mention it, and build on that morsel.

If you’re listening, it’s not as hard as it sounds. This method allows them to hear what you say and become excited about how they can better their writing.

5. At the end, receive questions. Be available afterward for those who want to ask something privately. Thank your host, and send a thank-you note.

Part 1 – tips for leading a writers workshop – presenting. Click to tweet.

What questions or workshop stories do you have?

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Amanda Larrowe’s lack of trust sabotages her relationships. The English teacher and award-winning author of middle-grade adventure books for boys has shut off communication with friends and family to meet her January 2 book deadline. Now, in the deepest snow accumulation Richmond, Virginia has experienced in years, Camden Lancaster moves in across the street. After ten years, her heart still smarts from the humiliating aftermath of their perfect high school Valentine’s Day date. He may have transformed into a handsome, amiable man, but his likeability doesn’t instill trust in Amanda’s heart. When Cam doesn’t recognize her on their first two encounters, she thinks it’s safe to be his fair-weather neighbor. Boy is she wrong.