Wednesday, March 6, 2013

IWSG: Learning to Teach and Teaching to Learn


The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a mouthy bloghop where writers are welcome to relax, sit down, or lay in a chair, and let their feelings out without fear of judgement, and I'd like to thank our host, Alex J. Cavanaugh for keeping this group going for so long. It's been a tremendous help so far, and I'm proud to be a part of IWSG!

I didn't think I had anything to be insecure about this month, to be honest, even with a deal made and all the pre-publishing work going smoothly. However, something is about to happen in the next couple of days that I have never, even ever tried to imagine before - teach a class at a writer's conference.

And not just one - but two!

Now, I've been to quite a lot of conferences and have seen many great classes and panels, but I had always been at the receiving end of them. This time, the pressure is on. Replying on Powerpoint can only take me so far, and I don't have the luxury to think of what I'm going to say, on the spot, like I do sitting at the computer. I've done improve before, but this isn't the same as acting, right? Thankfully, I won't be alone. Maybe we can figure this thing out in the next few days. We want to have fun. We want to give our audience something to think about, and maybe make their writing journey a little easier. Until then, I'd better get a hold of myself and take a deep breath ...

 Brain Filler: 50 Freakout GIFs - Image 26
"Just stay calm. Just stay calm. Just stay calm ..."

How about you? Have you ever taught a class before? What are some of the tips and tricks you picked up for a smooth session?

I'm David, and I really "like" this cartoon ...

37 comments:

  1. You'll do great! Just think of all the stuff you'll lean in the process of putting it together.

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  2. (Cute owl!)

    You will be fine. You've got time to have a think about it and put something together and also I bet you find once you're up there talking away it comes more naturally than you think. Good luck!!

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  3. You will do great. I taught classes and lead workshops for years when I worked in higher ed. It was always a bit outside my comfort zone-- I'm an introvert, for sure. But, for me, good preparation, more than enough material helped ease the fear a bit.

    I would think at a writer's conference you have an audience who truly wants to be there and is eager to hear what you say. And my guess is you'll come across as if you're sharing information, not like you are the guru who has all the answers.And, really, that's all people want. We're in this journey together. Good luck and congratulations- what an honor!

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  4. You're going to be great! Just be yourself--they're gonna love you.

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  5. You're going to do awesome! I have faith in you :)

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  6. Imagine everyone in their underwear. Just kidding...I've never had that advice work. Tell them up front you're nervous and it's your first time...people are nice, they'll take it easy on a newbie!

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  7. Hey you have a picture of me on there! lol

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  8. You'll do an amazing job! Just remember that you're talking to fellow writers - same fears, same humor, same questions as you probably have. I like to create a few exercises ahead of time, and then just engage people and see where it goes. Sometimes good discussion is the best way to teach.

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  9. I'm sure you'll be phantastic! Wish I could be there to hear you. Good luck!

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  10. I'm sure you'll do great. I know that feeling, but after the first 3 minutes your heartbeat will slowdown and you'll start having fun. Good Luck!

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  11. Deep breaths and be yourself. I'm sure you gonna be great. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

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  12. You'll be marvelous, simply marvelous, Dahvid. ;-)

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  13. So glad your book launch is going so well. I have never had the privilege of teaching at a writer's conference. One day I hope too-and I'll be looking to you for advise-what should I do David? I remember that post so long ago...

    Be yourself and don't take that self too seriously and I'm sure you'll go great:D

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  14. That cartoon was great!

    I've never taught a class and just recently learned how to speak in front of a large group. It was tough!

    Best of luck!!

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  15. I've never taught a writing class, but I've taught a number of other things, and I understand the apprehension that precedes it. Just find your groove and you'll do great.

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  16. This is my first time for IWSG. Thanks for posting. :)

    I've not taught a class at a conference before, but I went to speak to a writing class in a middle school. It was very nerve-wracking, but we had a good time. The best advice I can offer is just to have fun. I allowed them to ask questions, more than talked at them, and I think that really helped to get the conversation going. Also, be sure to bring mints or something to pop into your mouth, or you'll start coughing from talking so much; water is good, too.

    Have a great time! I'm sure it will be awesome. :)

    Best,

    Alexandra~

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  17. Good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine. Share your tips after you've done it. That, book signings, and going to schools are the things about being an author that scare me the most.

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  18. Well, yeah, I teach all the time.

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  19. That owl is a hoot! I teach workshops to my writing groups all the time, so I guess I'm used to the nerves.:)
    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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  20. I've served on author panels and really enjoyed it. I surprised myself by being really comfortable in front of a group of people. I bet you do great.

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  21. Teaching is the best way to learn though!

    If I can give you one tip (since I've been a professional speaker for years) - prepare. The better you know the material, the more confident you will feel, and the better you will do.

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  22. I've taught chemistry classes before and had to give presentations at work, but nothing like a writers's conference. The only way I can get through presentations is by practicing over and over again, until I almost have it memorized. Overkill, but I'm always worried what will happen if I begin to improvise.

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  23. For me it's all about breathing deeply!

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  24. Oh yeah, I teach all the time. Just try to remember that there will be people in your audience who believe that you really know it all, and an equal helping of those who are too skeptical for you to help.

    The biggest key to teaching is the illusion that you are in charge. Because you are the one in front, they'll think you know what you're talking about. Go with that, it usually works. Just be who you are; they can sniff out an imposter.

    Good luck, and remember that the quaking fear in your tummy is a very strong reminder that you are alive. Cherish that feeling, even if it is a tad uncomfortable.

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  25. First of all, breathe before you enter there. Honestly. Breathe. It helps because it takes oxygen to the brain and help you clear your ideas and reduce your heart speed. Second, laugh. It is scientifically proved that laughter helps vanish stress, it further helps the oxygen to the brain and better blood pressure. Laugh before and if you can, laugh during the class. (Not out of the blue of course, least you want them to think you're bonkers.) And last but not least, imagine you are not there with complete strangers but with a bunch of friends who have the same interests you have. You don't have to astonish them with your centuries-distilled wisdom. You just share what you know with them, they'll appreciate it.

    Best of lucks!

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  26. Spent a good chunk of my professional life in education, and have taught classes from middle school to graduate level to life-hardened professionals. The biggest piece of advice I can give is this: Be ready to duck.

    Okay, I'm just kidding there. (Mostly.) Here's the real advice: View it like you're trying to teach a room of your best friends how to do something really important to them. Care that they learn it and learn it well--because they're your best friends. But don't get caught up on formality or structure or being perfect--because they're your best friends. If you say something stupid, they'll laugh and give you a hard time about it. If you help them, they'll be very grateful--you got it, because they're your best friends.

    That formula has truly gotten me through some very rough crowds. :) You'll be great David. You've got a good sense of humor, and are a knowledgeable writer who knows how to articulate your knowledge. A winning formula for a teacher if I've ever known one. :)

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  27. You will be incredible! That's very exciting! Just don't picture the audience in their underwear. It's always just awkward.

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  28. LOL -- this is one thing I am comfortable with. Teaching. But my daily audience is a couple dozen 10 year olds. Adults, I'll admit, are a little scarier. But I'm sure you'll do fine!

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  29. I taught for the 1st time at a local conference back in September. It was scary. My advice? Just relax. You know your stuff, if you didn't you wouldn't have been asked to teach it. I have no doubt you'll do awesome! Good Luck!

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  30. Hopefully by now you're calmer than that owl. Never taught but my mom's a science teacher to high schoolers. All I can say is know your stuff and don't let your nerves take over. Best of luck.

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  31. LOL! You kill me. And that owl is a HOOT! hehehe. (Oh man, I must be getting delirious!)
    Dave - I've been around you enough to know how epically amazing you are, and you will continue to rock the writing, blogging... whatever world no matter what!

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  32. That owl is freaky!
    I used to teach dance classes. I always prepared well and had some kind of ordered plan. I'm sure you know exactly what you're talking about and will be awesome! Loved the cartoon, btw! :-)

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  33. You will do super fine David. We all have full faith and confidence in you.

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  34. I think you'll do great. I'm guessing you'll be in Ephraim. *jealous*

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  35. Good luck! I'm sure you'll do fine :)

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  36. Good luck! I'm sure it'll be great :) Just don't imagine people naked--whoever came up with that concept was seriously mistaken!

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  37. And you did GREAT!! Thanks for all your help. I look forward to your book.

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