Practice run-through (timing and feedback)
The ideal practice run
Before any workshop, you should practice the full workshop presentation and, at the very least, review any interactive components with your collaborators. At best, you can invite a few colleagues who haven’t heard much about the workshop to listen in on the presentation and test the efficacy of the interactive components.
Tips for a useful practice run
Present the workshop as if you were giving it to your real target audience Don’t skip over sections that you think your mock “attendees” already understand because you need to actually hear how they sound when you present them.
Test any software and hardware systems you plan on using during the actual workshop You want to get as close to the actual conditions of the workshop as possible. If you’re planning on live-streaming the workshop, set up the live stream equipment. If you’re planning on using a specific presentation software, use that software. Even if you’ve tested these various systems separately, be sure to practice using them all at once to discover any unforeseen problems.
Time the workshop Don’t just look at the clock before and after you’ve run through your practice, actually set up a timer. After getting an accurate depiction of how long the practice run takes, assume the real workshop will take longer.
Always include a mock “attendee” in your practice run This “attendee” should participate in your practice run as if they were actually at the event and should be encouraged to ask questions or point out anything that’s unclear. You or a third party should write down these questions (making sure to reference when the question was asked and in reference to what workshop material), even if you answer them easily during the presentation. The “attendee” should be further encouraged to ask any additional questions or provide general commentary at the end of the talk. Even though some people are more comfortable getting a chance to run through their whole presentation before getting any questions, this doesn’t accurately depict what will happen at a real workshop and some questions may be forgotten by the end. Let the questions and comments simmer for some time (preferably time when you’re not thinking about the workshop) then come back to them and alter your workshop as necessary.
Use the notes section of your presentation software to help you remember key points of criticism
If you have to make drastic changes to a presentation or workshop activity, attempt to practice them again. At the very least, run through the workshop or workshop section again on your own.
Resources for a better practice run
10 Steps to a Perfect Science Talk - Joanne Kamens, Addgene
The Strength of Story Telling - Jack Leeming, Naturejobs
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