---
name: workshop-presentation-design
description: Design engaging workshops, conference talks, and educational presentations. Covers learning objectives, activity design, slide craft, and facilitation techniques. Triggers on workshop design, presentation prep, talk structure, or training session requests.
license: MIT
governance_phases: [shape, build]
organ_affinity: [organ-vi, organ-v]
triggers: [user-asks-about-workshop, user-asks-about-presentation, user-asks-about-talk]
---

# 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

```
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..."

---

## 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 |

---

## 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

```
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

```
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