How do you conduct a seminar?

StEPS IN A SEMINAR

• STEP #1 - Know Your Content
• STEP #2 - Teach Your Topic
• STEP #3 - Generate A Discussion

Step #1

For most English seminars, we start with a major text, like a novel or a play.

gather evidence

conduct research

Step #2

YOU ARE THE EXPERT
-explain your topic in depth
-use evidence to explain ideas
-cite all sources explicitly

Connect to the text

Step #3

Ask clearly-worded questions.
Be prepared for silence.
Use wait time.

Strategies: Restate. Rephrase. Provide
related examples.
Choose a respondent.

OPEN-ENDED
QUESTIONS DON'T

-require yes/no responses
-ask for simple content
-have only one
correct answer

OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

-have multiple answers
-can be debated
-incite thinking

YES/No Questions

open-ended questions

What is the purpose of life?

ARE YOU a Boy?

IN A SEMINAR, THE PRESENTER

-manages the discussion
-chooses who answers
(vary who it is)
-answers last to close the question

OTHER NOTES
Be flexible. Explore related tangents.
Sprinkle evidence, including quotations,
and questions, throughout the seminar.
Use specific evidence in your answers.
Respect and thank your audience for contributing.

IN CONCLUSION

• Seminars require preparation
• Slides (multimedia) are for the audience
• Don't read extensively
• Face your audience and connect to them
• Conclude by restating key points