a-organvm/workshop-presentation-design

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 |

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Talk Design

The Arc

Hook → Context → Core Content → Transformation → Call to Action

  │        │           │              │              │
  └────────┴───────────┴──────────────┴──────────────┘
                    One Clear Idea

Talk Structure Template

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..."

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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

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 |

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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

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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

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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

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Evaluation & Iteration

Immediate Feedback

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?

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Lightning Talk Template

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

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References

• references/activity-library.md - Workshop activities catalog
• references/slide-templates.md - Slide design patterns
• references/facilitation-scripts.md - Opening/closing scripts