Communication Skills Mentoring Program

For Mentors

Tips on Teaching a Workshop

Here is a list of ideas and other considerations for planning a communications workshop:

1. The ideal number of participants is 20 -24. If it is likely the workshop will be larger, about 30, consider teaming up with another mentor. At minimum, a workshop should have at least 6 participants.

2. If you get a low turn out with a group, consider another program for the next year. A positive experience in a communications workshop will create word of mouth marketing and lead to greater participation at a future workshop!

3. Stick to morning time slots when people are fresh.

4. Catering plans are important to workshop success. Consider a modest breakfast meal but avoid the continental breakfast heavy in pastries. Light refreshments served at breaks might include coffee, tea and water, along with cookies.

5. Ask the workshop host, either a residency program director or a meeting chairman, to provide you with a local meeting planner. This person will help organize the meeting room, catering, and audio-visual equipment needed for the workshop.

6. It is not advisable to adjust or alter the workshop outline or schedule; e.g. dividing the program into two sessions. The program has been developed as a result of rigorous testing and evaluation. It works, time and again.

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