Usually when I put on a blazer, a dress and/or heels it is because I’m scheduled to deliver an interactive workshop for a client. Last week I had the rare opportunity to be an attendee at a half day educational program.
In some ways it is really hard for me to just sit, socialize, observe and absorb. But it was also really nice.
I arrived just a few minutes before the scheduled start time.
I didn’t have materials to distribute or a laptop to set up.
I didn’t have my usual adrenaline surge.
I was able to stomach a meal beforehand.
I was able to sip tea freely and not worry about my bladder.
I was able to schmooze and make some nice professional connections at my table.
I had the luxury to just turn off my brain.
But did I?
Not really. Not only was I excited to take in the program content, I was also assessing the quality of the presenters and the facilitation tools that were used.
Slides, of course. Humor. Asking the Audience to raise their hand “if they had ever”. Situational role plays.
I like to gauge what was effective and what could use a revision and how some of the facilitation tools might enhance my own content.
Moving forward, I’m going to challenge myself to attend one educational program each month, ideally in person.
Which upcoming educational program should I attend next?