Lessons learned — Hosting a virtual workshop
I got a cool opportunity to host a dream board workshop for 8 coaches. Yes, one of the things I am learning lately is to be a coach, a life coach, since April / May this year.
I have always love hosting workshops at work. However this is my first attempt to host a virtual workshop and on a topic I recently learned.
My master coach had very generously gave me guidance when I was building my own dream board. Last Saturday, I was hosting to show ow that framework could help the coaches as well as coachees.
📝 Break up the exercises
Before the workshop, I wrote some notes to all the coaches on what to include in their dream boards. Explaining the three components help reduce choice paralysis. That way, everyone have less chance of being overwhelmed and allow ones’ imagination soar!
This preparation before the workshop also allow private and alone time to think through. This time is helpful when it comes to life choices and set the behaviour course of actions for the future.
👩❤️💋👩 There is no right and wrong dreams
Hey, dreams are personal, they inspire and move you. Go with it! It is most supportive to remind everyone to let go of the two axis of right and wrong. All dreams are allowed, all dreams are great! Giving permission & giving oneself the permission to go with the dreams, sets one free.
🙅🏽♀️ Note down the naysayers then carry on
You know what I mean, the voice that says, “That ain’t gonna happen!”, “Who are you kidding?” and my all time favourite, “Don’t you dare!”
I requested everyone to write those naysayers down, we all know they come when one are having fun dreaming way. And yes, write those naysayers on the list. Bringing them to the workshop helps everyone to see we are never alone when dealing with those voices in my head. During the workshop, we also tweak out how to handle those naysayers.
In addition, I quickly realise, as a host, I have those voices too! The perfectionism, a.k.a the armour, to protect ourselves also affect our behaviour and stops us achieving our goals.
🎦 Use a TV show director
Ok, I did not literally have a TV show director who helped me to remember all my scripts & todos but I got some help from a “written” teleprompter. It is a a pretty basic and raw form made with pen and paper 📝
A useful tool to get some details in that may increase engagement from the participants.
🙋🏽♀️ Ask for help to facilitate
Before long into planning the workshop, I realise I needed some help. On the ground to give me some IRL feedback on the practical stuff. Luckily I don’t have 1 but 3 helpers!
Among the help I needed was testing the equipments, tracking time, sound quality and arranging chairs. I was the host at a remote set up while all participants (but one) are on-site in a big room.
It is vital getting help on such setup! I let down my shield of “the hero syndrome”, wrote a list and went on to request for them.
Being clear on what I want help on is kind to myself and to all participants too.
Not only I nee help on this, I also requested help for a sanity check on the workshop program. Hey, what the best way to catch my blind spots!
👋 Consistently getting feedback during the workshop
I inserted a few group activities for the workshop and right from the start of the workshop, I realise I can’t really read the participants’ facial expression clearly enough. I could not really “feel the room”.
I realise I like a way to confirm the guidance I was giving was sufficient enough for both the messages I was giving and also the instructions of the workshop was useful. I whipped up a request, “May I get a thumbs up to show how to work with X?”
I find this useful as it is a more obvious body gesture and I get a “feel” who is engaged and who/how I can give help. No real point to make wild guesses when I can get this kind of confirmation 😆
Needless to say, my 3 IRL facilitators are the best in the world when I also in conversations with them via the chat functions! We fully taking advantage of the sync and async mode!
⛹🏾♀️Feel your body
I heard combating fatigue and thirst is a real thing during hosting a 4 hour workshop. Inserting breaks for every hour (or so) not only help everyone to stay engaged and also helps me to feel my body. Satisfying your bodily needs (yes, I needed bathroom breaks) & staying hydrated are crucial to manage my energy well.
😆 Have fun!
Extremely important! I cracked (silly) jokes and make fun of myself during the workshop. Oh, feel free to insert a song or two during your workshop. Somehow 👢 These Boots Are Made for Walkin' came to my mind when I was preparing the slides and I totally loved it! Everyone got the beat and move their bodies around 45min before the end of the workshop. Getting a boost of energy!
Sharing this helps me to close the cycle of my learnings💛 Now I’m so looking forward to whip up more workshops!
