So, you’ve decided to teach a workshop! Now what?  Where do you begin?  In this post, I will share my experience and strategies for developing, planning, and teaching workshops. You may assume since I have not been teaching yoga for very long that I don’t have much experience in this area but in a former life (prior to beginning my yoga teacher journey) I had two other careers.  Both former careers involved teaching and training people as a major part of my job.  The more recent position in higher education, included developing, planning, and executing orientations and workshops both on-site (in person) and online (webinars).  Naturally, I’ve built on all of my previous experience to implement the workshops I’ve developed and taught since becoming a yoga instructor!  

First, a few questions to get you thinking about what topic you might like to share:

• What is your passion?
• What experience do you have that you are most comfortable speaking about?   
• What information or credentials do you have that could benefit others?
• Have you identified a gap in your community that needs to be filled?
• Are you an athlete in a specific sport? 
• Do you have a specific interest in a topic that can relate to yoga? 

The list of questions could go on in order to generate ideas… and it will!  Read on for a list of potential workshop ideas. 

For me, horses have been my lifelong passion; therefore, I developed and have taught “on the mat” yoga for equestrians workshops.  I know that yoga can benefit riders (and their relationship with horses) in many ways and I want to share this knowledge with riders in my community.

Most of the same principles will apply to whatever topic you choose to deliver.  Again, choose something you have a specific interest or passion in that can relate to yoga.

WRITE A WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Summarize your workshop in a few paragraphs. You’ll need this in order to promote the workshop through social media, websites, print flyers, and other means. If you’re targeting a specific audience, indicate who should attend (e.g., runners).  Let people know what benefits they will receive by attending and what to expect at the workshop. Let them know how they will benefit by attending the workshop (example: Attendees will learn a gentle yoga sequence that may improve flexibility and increase circulation in the spine). Will you be providing any type of refreshments?  Include your credentials so they know you’re legit.  (see sample workshop description here)

CREATE AN AWESOME AGENDA

Brainstorm in order to create a rough workshop agenda – an “outline” if you will (I’ve shared a sample here).  Remember to estimate to the best of your ability how much time each section will take.  If the bulk of your workshop will be a related sequence, how much time will that take?  Then decide how much time is left over for any lecture, discussion, questions, etc.  Think about what makes sense logically. 

Start with a foundation and build on it.  Will your attendees have any knowledge of yoga or might there be some beginners?   If they are completely new to yoga then perhaps you need to start by defining yoga. Next, explain how yoga relates to your specific topic.  How can yoga enhance (your specific topic) or the other way around – how can [your topic] enhance your yoga practice. In other words, why does it make sense to be joining yoga with your specific topic (example: Yoga can improve low back pain by increasing circulation and flexibility in the spine – from your workshop description).  During the workshop you’ll go into detail about the benefits of practicing yoga not only for your topic but in other areas as well.

There should be some type of centering or intention setting opening as part of your program. Will pranayama or meditation by part of your workshop?  This will help to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere conducive to learning.  It will set the stage to bring students into the present moment and help them focus on the information they’ll be receiving.

When it makes sense on your agenda, lead students through a yoga sequence (the “meat” of the workshop – for lack of a better word).  Students will be attending your workshop to learn more about your topic, but the term “workshop” implies they will be involved in an activity.  Meaning – they’ll be expecting to participate, not to be sitting and listening to you lecture the entire time. So get them involved in:  breathing, meditating, visualizing, moving through a sequence, becoming aware of the alignment of their bodies, learning how to observe their thoughts, creating space for themselves, and being present!  Include all of the above and more – as it relates to your topic! 

Next, identify a final relaxation (savasana) exercise on your agenda.  This is said to be the most important part of any practice.  The time that students take in all of the benefits of their yoga practice – so don’t skimp here.  Bring it all home with a mind-blowing savasana that will leave them feeling amazing for the rest of their day.  Advice I received from one of my mentors long ago was to always make sure to set the tone in the beginning of class with a centering or intention setting activity and to close giving students a memorable savasana.  “Bookends” to your sequence that will leave an imprint on students’ minds.

Build in some time for questions, either at the end of the workshop or after your topic discussion, where you feel it makes sense on the agenda.

Lastly, list any final takeaways you may be providing to your attendees.  Will they be receiving any type of handout or gift?  You might consider providing them with some information to take home that lists some of the key information they learned from the workshop.  For example, a list of asanas to practice or places to find further resources on your topic. Any takeaways should look professional and remember to provide your contact information so attendees can reach out to your for further information (or to attend your regular classes!).

Now that you have drafted a rough workshop agenda, you can edit and finalize your copy.  If you plan to provide a professional looking printed agenda to your attendees, you may wish to pare it down even more.  Your copy will have much more detail as a reminder to yourself to cover all essential points.

Conduct Your Workshop!

The day has come!  No doubt you’ll be a little nervous – it’s completely normal.  Rest assured however that your workshop will be amazing!  Remember, you are the SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT here.  Your attendees will come with little knowledge of your topic if any – that’s why their attending – to learn more.  They will probably be more nervous than you not really knowing what to expect.  They may have never been to your studio or know anyone else at the workshop. You will show them the way and help them to feel relaxed! 

First, you need to be relaxed. 

Take a five minute meditation, or pranayama of your own before your students arrive.  Set your intention for your workshop.

Before attendees arrive, have all materials, props (blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps) set-up for students to minimize time.

Begin with introductions and housekeeping items (where the rest rooms are located, water or refreshments if provided, etc. if and when you’ll take breaks).  Introductions should be kept brief and mainly be YOUR introduction.  Decide if you will have time to allow the students to introduce themselves.  There are pros and cons to this. 

Pros: it creates a sense of community and belonging and may make students feel more comfortable. 

Cons:  it can eat up ALL of your time.  People like to talk about themselves – a lot.  As much as we love to hear what they have to say, it can steal time away (think Yamas and Asteya- non-stealing) from others who have come to your workshop to learn about your topic.  Saving the lengthy getting-to-know-you conversations for another time is more appropriate.

Follow Your Agenda!

The rest is easy.  You’ve done all of the hard work and preparation and now is the time to deliver your content!  Stick to your agenda and all will go as planned.  Stay on task and keep with your time. 

At the end of the workshop, make sure to thank attendees for coming and stick around for at least 15 minutes for one-on-one questions. Some students are too self-conscious to ask in a group. 

Congratulations!!! You have successfully delivered your first workshop! It’s a totally satisfying experience isn’t it? Time to be proud of yourself! You have shared even more of your knowledge with your community – and they are better off because of you. Yay!!

List of Workshop Ideas as Promised

• Anything anatomy related – yoga for the knees, shoulders, low back, core
• Yoga for Athletes (in any specific sport)
• Essential Oils and Yoga
• Yoga 101 (for beginners)
• Yoga for Retirees (sustainability)
• Yoga and Mudras
• Exploring the Chakras and Yoga
• Yoga for Equestrians (my fave…be sure to specify that you’ll be in the studio) I once had someone show up with their horse!
• Yoga for Artists (Creativity)
• Yoga for Anxiety
• Yoga and Self-Care

The list goes on.  Do a google search.  See what is offered in your area and what is lacking.  Go back to your passion and deliver a workshop that makes you feel good about the information you’re sharing.