In this blog post, we will discuss a type of session that works really well for guest speakers and participants. This format involves reviewing the work of the participants beforehand. We will explore how guest speakers can prepare for this type of session, provide feedback to the participants, and offer additional advice to enhance the quality of their work.

Preparing for the Session:

When guest speakers are asked to review participants' work, it is essential for them to know what to expect and set parameters with the facilitator beforehand. For example, if the participants are writing a cover letter, the guest speaker should be aware of the specific requirements, such as the length and the target jobs they are applying for. Additionally, guest speakers should consider what they would say if no information was provided to them, as it can serve as a go-to method for providing focused feedback.

Providing Feedback:

Guest speakers play a crucial role in offering personalised feedback to the participants. By pointing out specific areas of improvement or mistakes in the participants' work, guest speakers can help them learn best practices. For instance, during a cover letter review, the guest speaker could highlight instances where the use of "I" was excessive and suggest rewriting those sections using the word "you" to focus more on the employer's needs. This way, everyone participating can learn from each other's experiences and improve collectively.

Enhancing Participants' Work:

To enhance the quality of the participants' work, guest speakers can emphasise the importance of focusing on the basics. Some fundamental tips include having a strong value proposition, avoiding overload of text in pitch decks, and incorporating real market research based on conversations with actual or potential customers. Additionally, storytelling can be a powerful technique to captivate the audience and make their work stand out. Sharing stories of both successes and failures in relevant contexts can engage participants and highlight the importance of certain strategies.

Reviewing participants' work can be a highly effective session format for guest speakers and participants alike. By preparing beforehand, providing personalised feedback, and emphasising essential tips and techniques, guest speakers can contribute to enhancing the quality of the participants' work. This type of session fosters accountability and rapport while providing valuable learning experiences. Overall, it offers a unique opportunity for participants to receive direct feedback from experienced professionals in their field.