Being Real

Workshops are serious business. Businesses love hosting workshops just to be able to say they provide continuing education. Speakers across the nation have jumped on the workshop bandwagon trying to become the next great guru.

Anyone with valuable information or notable skills should run a successful workshop. You should because, even though workshops are sprouting up all over the place, there still aren't enough to accommodate everyone. But in order for you to conduct a successful workshop that means something to you, you have to avoid a few mistakes others make.

Avoid Mixed Signals

If you conduct a certain workshop, it should fit your profile. You can't tell men about being loyal to women if you cheat. You can't conduct inspiring workshops if you are depressed. You shouldn't lead people to believe that you are a millionaire and you can help them make that much money if you're leaving the workshop in your rusty van.

You have to believe what you are conducting the workshop about. My art workshops are about my ability to do art and to teach art. Anyone can learn how to do art and I instill that lesson into everyone I meet. I don't parade to know something I don't. I believe in my workshop and it is very much a part of my life.

Either Know It All or Don't Be A Know-It-All

There is so much to know about any topic that it would literally be impossible to know everything about it. But, some speakers try to come across as if they know all the answers. Some speakers like Anthony Robbins or Dr. Phil might have all the answers about their topic. But, most of us won't. And it's ok.

If you don't know something about your topic, don't be afraid to let your audience know. That moment would normally come at the question and answer time. One of your audience members might ask a question that even you don't know. For my art workshops, I have the opportunity to have my audience members back. So, I normally address a question I can't answer with a statement that I don't know, I'll look it up and get back to them about it the next time I see them.