Going for a session set to be held shortly, whether a motivational speech session or a professional development or self-improvement seminar, is an excellent chance to learn and interact. However, as we all know, there is no harm in preparing for the worst because the adage ‘the better prepared you are the better you are going to get’ holds more truth than fiction. With just a little pre-planning, anyone can maximize what they are likely to gain from any session to be fully gainful. So how exactly, then, do you plan or prepare for an upcoming session? Well, you are in for a treat since this is a complete guide to help you out.

1. You should, therefore, gather information about the Speaker or the Facilitator.

Knowing who is facilitating the session may also be helpful. It is essential to do some homework regarding the speaker or the facilitator to know about their background and how they will address the topic. Having a clue of what they’ve done before or any work or some ideas that you might have heard about, then there is a base upon which you can gauge what to expect during the session. Also, it enables a person who has it to ask better questions during the event, as a result, of understanding the distinct categories involved.

Fun Tip: So, the best thing to do is to search the internet, go to their social media accounts, to their YouTube channel, whichever you can find; just try and watch some of the videos so that you can get a gauge of what they consider as essential to preach. It's nice to have this sneak peek so that you are more involved during the session.

2. Set Personal Goals

What are the expectations of the attendees of this particular session? When you are searching for some inspiration, tips, or good opportunities to get acquainted with people who could help you in your business, the first thing you need to do is to determine your goals. Outwrite goals mean that you have a chance to concentrate on the facet of the session most helpful to your life. For instance, if your objective revolves around increasing your self-confidence while speaking in public, ensure that you give particular focus on anything that can spur that manner, be it tips or exercises.

Fun Tip: On the sticky note, list down three objectives that you want to achieve in the session and bring the note with you as a constant reminder. This will assist you in avoiding distractions and enable you to ensure that you benefit from the experience.

3. Prepare Questions in Advance

Most of the sessions allow questions to be asked, or the facilitator will occasionally engage the students in a question-and-answer session. These questions, when well prepared, will help one get the most out of such moments. When preparing for an interview, one should prepare a list of questions to ask when such moments arise. Each person may be interested in different topics being a reader; thus, it is essential to consider what one expects to learn and what kinds of specific problems one encounters in one’s personal or professional life. Make questions which belong to all these areas so that you can come out with solutions that suit your case as you desire.

Fun Tip: It is quite acceptable to ask a daring, daring or parabolic question. Unique inquiries on specific subjects can often be of the most value from all experiences.

4. Bring the Right Tools

This might sound like stating the obvious, but it is surprising how many people attend meetings or sessions without recording what is discussed. So do not forget to take a notebook, pen, or device with the note-taking application. Note-taking is essential, or instead note taking is much more than just jotting down everything the speaker says. It is crucial to concentrate on finding the main ideas, good advice and working tips that will prompt you to work towards achieving individual goals.

Fun Tip: Also, always use different colors or symbols in your notes if it is easy to remember to take out the notebook during the session. When making notes, prioritize action items, quotes, and questions for follow-ups.

5. Network and Make Connections

I want to share that even though sessions are informative, and you listen to the speaker most of the time, it is also an excellent chance to find friends. It is interesting to note the networking part of a session could be one of the most significant benefits, do not forget to engage in it. Exchange business cards (yes, they are still helpful!) or share contacts via LinkedIn with other event participants. Being close to like-minded persons will help you discover other opportunities to help you achieve your goals and offer you the support you need.

Fun Tip: Come up with a brief introduction of oneself and what is required in the social network regarding contacts. It will also be convenient to approach others during breaks or at a meeting during a coffee break to discuss or share some ideas.

6. The follow-up after the session will involve;

There’s no ‘shutting up shop’ whilst during a session! However, to realize the full potential of attendance, it is crucial to follow up. Look at the notes you have taken, think about the points that have provided you with the most value and consider what you can do about it. If you interact with other attendees, ensure you follow up with them after a few days to cement those relations. Another option is to contact the speaker directly if you have more questions or simply want to share your feelings about the speech with him.

Fun Tip: Make a small action plan regarding what you have learned in this lesson. Did your goals seem unachievable? If yes, try to divide your goals into smaller ones that you can achieve in shorter periods, and set time limits to your goals.

Conclusion

The essence of preparing for an upcoming session is as much enhanced through a bit of research. Find out more about the speaker, know what you want to achieve, prepare intelligent questions, and take your notepads. Interact with the session and other participants and do something after the session to keep the ideas and knowledge gained from the session a reality.

Are you feeling up to the challenge of a handy preparation quiz? You can find motivational sessions, company workshops or seminars in Lahore, all this and much more in the Bookkaru catalogue! Get in touch with Bookkaru today to book your next session and pave the way for a new career transformation.