Trying something new is always an adventure, with plenty of risk. In Toastmasters, it’s also a fun way to learn! Facilitating workshops is a great way to do that while also getting the word out about Toastmasters.
If you’ve never organized something like this, it’s far from a quick and easy proposition. From finding venues and caterers to organizing the agenda and who-does-what and when with the participants, there is plenty of room for me to grow.
Once the venue date is finalized, the next challenge is promoting the event. Participating in local business events (such as “Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week”) allows workshops to benefit from the event’s marketing. Publicity can also be created through local media calendars and the various Toastmasters platforms: Facebook, Eventbrite, Meetup, and the District 60 calendar. Finally, reach out to personal contacts with a marketing poster and invitation.
Check for cut-off dates well in advance for any public promotional initiatives, and plan around them. Getting free exposure in local mediums creates a greater presence in front of a very large and significant audience locally. Double-check the who’s-doing-what side of things immediately before the event to ensure that important tasks are completed.
Organizing and co-presenting workshops provides an incredible opportunity for learning and growth, that facilitators often look forward to enjoying again. An added bonus: Facilitators are typically able to use the experience of organizing a workshop as a Pathways or legacy DTM.
Attendees are recruited and enjoy a fantastic day of learning, some refreshments and definitely a practical application of new skills in TM interactive workshops. How are you learning in Toastmasters today?
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