We always HOPE our retreats and trainings will be engaging and interactive... but it can be a lot harder than it looks!

Yesterday I spent some time working with a law firm client customizing my "How to Talk About Your Practice and Yourself Comfortably" workshop for their partner retreat.

70% of our time was spent tweaking the interactive exercise to get the most interactivity and learning - knowing how hard it is to get lawyers to really engage in exercises.

It reminded me how many engagement and timing challenges there are with interactive exercises with a large number of participants.

These details that can make all the difference:

1- Make the exercise about a skill the lawyers REALLY want to learn
(not just what the business or professional development folks want for them)

-> Something practical
-> That they can use right away

2- Have them do the exercise by filling out a worksheet

-> This is huge. Really works. Many lawyers hate a blank form.
-> Easier to manage a large number of people and stay on time.
-> Be sure: directions are clear, deliverable is clear.
-> Print worksheet out and provide pens AND pencils. 🤓 ✏️

3- Require them to speak or report out about the worksheet

-> This will make them realize they actually need to do it.
-> Talking about what they wrote brings another level of learning.

I have more best practices for delivering engaging and interactive exercises with lawyers - but this should get you going!
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If your firm is keen for lawyers at any level to learn how to speak or present better - or talk about their practices - at a retreat or academy feel free to message me or visit my website to see my workshops.