I just finished a four-day digital storytelling working. These workshops take a lot out of me because it’s short days (six hours) but it seems like i’m consistently being pulled in every direction. I’ve been slowly coming up with a couple of guidelines to help me keep things under control.
Set a maximum number of participants.
This is very important. After several workshops, I think the maximum number of participants I can handle is 7-8. Anymore than that and I can’t help everyone create a quality product / experience. With any additional volunteers/facilitators, I can easily add more people, even if the other facilitators only work one or two people.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare (then be ready to scrap it all)
So even after doing this several times, I’m always finding myself taking time before I start to revise the schedule, re-write presentations and handouts, and visualize the best possible program. Some times these changes work well, other times I return to the old ways. Several times this week I changed my plans midstream. I hadn’t counted on starting the week being sick or that additional time would be necessary during the script writing process. Both of these things put us a half day behind schedule, but the participants were eager so we were able to finish the stories on time.
Reflection
I’m trying to get better at accepting outside advice, but it’s difficult mid-session. After I’m done, however, I spend some time writing up a reflection of the workshop; what worked and what didn’t. It lets me refine my style and schedule. It also lets me see what skills/knowledge I need to upgrade.