Workshop & Presentation Design
Teach effectively through structured experiences.
Format Selection
| Format | Duration | Audience Size | Interaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning talk | 5-10 min | Any | Low |
| Conference talk | 20-45 min | Large | Low-Medium |
| Workshop | 1-4 hours | 10-30 | High |
| Tutorial | 2-8 hours | 5-20 | Very High |
| Course | Multi-day | Varies | Structured |
Talk Design
The Arc
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Hook → Context → Core Content → Transformation → Call to Action
│ │ │ │ │
└────────┴───────────┴──────────────┴──────────────┘
One Clear Idea
Talk Structure Template
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0-5% HOOK
- Surprising fact, question, or story
- Why should they care?
5-15% CONTEXT
- Background needed to understand
- Where this fits in larger picture
15-85% CORE CONTENT
- 3-5 key points (rule of three)
- Examples and evidence for each
- Build logically
85-95% TRANSFORMATION
- What changes with this knowledge?
- The "so what?"
95-100% CALL TO ACTION
- What should they do next?
- Memorable closing
The Rule of Three
People remember three things. Structure around:
- •Three main points
- •Three examples
- •Three takeaways
Slide Design
Principles:
- •One idea per slide
- •Minimal text (6 words or less ideal)
- •Large, legible fonts (24pt minimum)
- •High contrast
- •Images > text when possible
Avoid:
- •Bullet point walls
- •Reading slides aloud
- •Clip art
- •Busy backgrounds
- •Tiny text "you probably can't see this but..."
Workshop Design
Learning Objectives
Write objectives using Bloom's Taxonomy verbs:
| Level | Verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Remember | List, define, recall | "List the 5 principles of..." |
| Understand | Explain, describe, summarize | "Explain how X affects Y" |
| Apply | Use, implement, solve | "Apply the framework to..." |
| Analyze | Compare, contrast, examine | "Analyze the trade-offs..." |
| Evaluate | Judge, critique, assess | "Evaluate which approach..." |
| Create | Design, build, produce | "Create a working prototype..." |
Workshop Arc
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OPEN (10-15%) ├── Welcome, housekeeping ├── Learning objectives ├── Icebreaker/activation └── Baseline assessment EXPLORE (30-40%) ├── Core concept introduction ├── Demonstration ├── Guided practice └── Check for understanding PRACTICE (30-40%) ├── Independent/group work ├── Real-world application ├── Troubleshooting └── Peer feedback CLOSE (10-15%) ├── Debrief and discussion ├── Key takeaways ├── Resources for continued learning └── Feedback collection
Time Allocation
| Activity Type | Attention Span | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Low | 10-15 min |
| Discussion | Medium | 15-20 min |
| Hands-on | High | 30-45 min |
| Group work | Medium-High | 20-30 min |
Rule: Change modality every 15-20 minutes.
Activity Types
| Activity | Purpose | Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Think-Pair-Share | Low-risk participation | 2 |
| Gallery Walk | Share work, get feedback | 4-6 stations |
| Jigsaw | Divide & teach | 4-6 per group |
| Fishbowl | Model discussion | Inner: 4-6 |
| Live Coding | Demonstrate process | Any |
| Code Review | Practice critique | 2-4 |
Facilitation Techniques
Opening Strong
- •Start on time (respect early arrivers)
- •State what they'll be able to do by end
- •Create psychological safety
- •Activate prior knowledge
Engagement Techniques
Cold calling alternatives:
- •"Turn to your neighbor and discuss..."
- •"Take 30 seconds to write..."
- •"Show of hands..."
- •"In the chat, share..."
Energy management:
- •Movement breaks every 45-60 min
- •Vary activity types
- •Use music during exercises
- •Energizer activities after breaks
Handling Questions
| Situation | Response |
|---|---|
| Off-topic | "Great question—let's parking lot that" |
| Too advanced | "Let's connect after for that deep dive" |
| You don't know | "I don't know, but I'll find out" |
| Dominating questioner | "Let's hear from someone else" |
Managing Time
- •Build in buffer (plan for 80% of time)
- •Have "skip if needed" sections marked
- •Have extension activities ready
- •Visible timer for activities
Materials Preparation
Slides Checklist
- • Title slide with name/contact
- • Agenda/outline
- • Learning objectives
- • Content slides (one idea each)
- • Activity instruction slides
- • Transition slides
- • Summary/key takeaways
- • Resources/further reading
- • Thank you + contact info
Handouts
Types:
- •Reference: Info to keep (cheat sheets, resources)
- •Worksheet: Fill in during session
- •Exercise: Hands-on practice materials
Tech Prep
- • Test slides on presentation machine
- • Backup slides (USB, cloud, email to self)
- • Test demos/live coding
- • Check internet requirements
- • Prepare offline alternatives
- • Test audio/video
- • Have backup plan for tech failure
Virtual Presentations
Platform Considerations
- •Test platform features beforehand
- •Know how to share screen, use whiteboard
- •Use polls, reactions, breakout rooms
- •Shorter sessions (max 90 min without break)
Engagement Tactics
- •More frequent interaction (every 3-5 min)
- •Use chat actively
- •Call on people by name
- •Breakout rooms for discussion
- •Polls for quick feedback
Technical Setup
- •Hardwired internet if possible
- •Close unnecessary applications
- •Second monitor for notes/chat
- •Good lighting (face the window)
- •Eye-level camera
- •Quality microphone
Evaluation & Iteration
Immediate Feedback
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Quick feedback form: 1. What was most valuable? 2. What was least valuable? 3. What questions remain? 4. Net Promoter Score (1-10)
Post-Session Reflection
- •What went well?
- •What fell flat?
- •What questions came up?
- •What would I change?
- •What resources do I need to add?
Lightning Talk Template
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5-Minute Talk Structure:
0:00 - 0:30 HOOK
Surprising statement or question
0:30 - 1:00 CONTEXT
Why this matters
1:00 - 3:30 THE ONE THING
Your main point with evidence/example
3:30 - 4:30 IMPLICATIONS
What changes because of this
4:30 - 5:00 CALL TO ACTION
What they should do next
References
- •
references/activity-library.md- Workshop activities catalog - •
references/slide-templates.md- Slide design patterns - •
references/facilitation-scripts.md- Opening/closing scripts