Workshop Presenters

I attend a lot of workshops. I enjoy watching presenters work. Upon occasion I’m a presenter both at kink events and at work related events.

My first dose of reality about presenters occurred quite a few years back. I went to a workshop about some topic I was interested in at the time. The presenter had been billed as an authority on the subject, with years of knowledge, years of presenting, a lengthy list of credits and associations with half a dozen kink organizations throughout the country. Attendees were supposed to be impressed.

I entered the room and took a seat. The presenter sat alone behind a long empty table. I studied her a moment. She looked rather lonely there, sitting by herself, no reference papers, no tools in front of her, just her, checking her watch, scanning the crowd. In time she cleared her throat. Quiet talk ceased and the presenter began. I was on the edge of my seat, willing to absorb and use every tiny detail so as to be better informed. That eagerness died quickly.

She never rose from her chair, never stepped away from her safety zone and delivered a monologue that was mind numbingly boring as though she was reading from a teleprompter. If she was knowledgeable it wasn’t apparent. If she was interested in engaging her group, she failed.

I wasn’t thrilled; in fact I was downright pissed off. I’d paid my money and while I realize no one can guarantee that the subject matter would appeal to everyone, I’d expected much more. After all, this person had something of an esteemed position in the kink world. And yes, I did talk to the people putting on the event and told them exactly what I thought (shocking I know, but true).

The best way to learn about presenters is by word of mouth. One of the best presentations I ever attended I’d heard about via word of mouth. Likewise this is also a great way to hear about horrible or just average presenters.

Recently I attended a workshop where the presenter took a good portion of their time talking about various kink organizations throughout the mainland and Vancouver Island. The presenter gave full credit to most other organizations but gave Sagacity a passing glance at best. I was grateful to be listening and knowing more than the presenter did.

Presenters come from all walks of life. Often, the billing information is written by the presenter themselves and who is going to portray themselves as a dull presenter with no useful information, skilled in being cocky and arrogant and who can teach you to become the same as the presenter?

Keep in mind while you are listening that not everything the presenter says – no matter what the topic – is nessarily accurate. In the meantime- do your own research - think for yourself.

Most sincerely yours,

Isabelle Channing