How to Lead a Memorable Workshop

I’ve gotten this question from several people, so today we’re going to talk about…

How to Facilitate a Memorable Workshop

Have you ever thought about hosting a group workshop?

If so, this is for you. I’ve done close to 100 workshops over the last 10 years. I’ve learned a lot of “do's and don'ts” that I'd like to share with you today to help you jump ahead in your ability to do this effectively.

First of all…

What is a workshop?

I think it’s best to define it by what it isn’t.

A workshop is not a speaking engagement at a conference, church, or other large audience. This is important to note because many people make the mistake of treating workshops like speaking engagements. They prepare a ton of content, but as I’ll share in a moment, you want to make sure you leave plenty of space for interaction.

Think of a workshop as a hybrid between a speaking engagement and a one-on-one session.

Now that we’ve defined what it is and what it isn’t, let’s dive in.

5 Fundamentals For a Successful Workshop

Fundamental #1:

Create an Amazing Environment

The environment is my highest priority for any workshop.

You might think that content is more important, but the truth is, the setting and atmosphere of your workshop can make or break its success. Consider the room setup, lighting, scents, and overall feel of the room. You want to create a space that feels inviting, safe, and conducive to openness and growth.

Fundamental #2:

Make a Great First Impression

First impressions are incredibly important.

Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This might sound a bit over the top, but when I host a workshop at my house, I don’t let people knock on my door. I make sure to greet each participant at the door before they even have a chance to knock. I want people to feel welcomed, like I’m excited to see them, and like I’ve been waiting for them (because I have). This small gesture sets the tone for the entire experience, making them feel valued.

Fundamental #3:

Cut Your Content in Half

People want to talk and listen, but mostly, they want to talk.

Remember, this is not a speaking engagement. It’s a workshop. Most of us will overprepare on content and forget to involve the participants in the conversation. Instead, aim for a 50/50 balance between your content and group discussion. See yourself as a facilitator and a guide, not a professor. 

Be the person who helps people open up and share.

Fundamental #4:

Bring the Play-Doh

Good workshops have PowerPoint slides. Great workshops have Play-Doh.

Want people to come alive during your workshop? Then make it different. Make it unique. Make it memorable. One of the best ways to make a workshop memorable is to help people get out of their heads and into their bodies. Help them get out of their left brain and into their right brain. Invite them to draw, do crafts, and use Play-Doh.

These interactive elements will take your workshop to the next level.

Fundamental #5:

Don’t Wait Until You’re Ready

Workshops are a laboratory, not a showroom.

Don’t wait until your content is “perfect” to lead a workshop. Embrace the messiness and view each workshop as an opportunity to experiment, iterate, and improve. The most memorable moments often arise from spontaneous interactions and in-the-moment adaptations. If you do a good job involving participants, their questions and comments will refine your content more effectively than you could on your own.

Here's my challenge to you:

If you've been sitting on the idea of leading a workshop, take one small step today to make it a reality. Whether it's jotting down some topic ideas, reaching out to potential venues, or simply setting a date on your calendar, commit to sharing your gifts with a group of people who need your guidance.

Remember, workshops are not only a way to impact more lives but also a fantastic opportunity for business development. By showcasing your coaching skills in a group setting, you'll attract more one-on-one clients, build your reputation, and grow your practice in a sustainable way.

If you found these tips helpful, I'd love to hear from you!

Reply to this email and let me know if you have any workshop experiences to share or questions to ask. 

Thanks for reading,

Mike Foster

Want a shortcut?

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