Chrysanthe's TIW Reflection

Chrysanthe’s TIW Reflection

Workshop: “Walking in the Shoe’s of Another”

Keep It Up:

Overall I was pleased with how my workshop went! I was nervous beforehand, and a bit tired from teaching during the week (which I believe added to my nerves). I thought it was valuable to “keep” physical props, and if I were to do this workshop again (or a similar one), I would want to utilize physical objects in my workshop. I was originally debating using images of the shoes, but now I see that by providing the audience with actual shoes, they were able to better grasp a feel of the type of character wearing those shoes. I also think it was beneficial that I took some notes while people were sharing their feedback and ideas. I believe this shows the individuals that their perspective matters, and that I am taking the time and making the effort to show that. At the same time, I feel that on a personal level it helps me to be able to remember what was said. I learn through reading and writing so the physical act of writing helps me to cognitively record the valuable insight that was given. I would also keep the “breathing” that was done at the beginning of class. I start my classes at school with breathing and my students have said it is helpful. I am hoping that by starting the workshop with a moment to breathe, that perhaps another educator will feel inspired to do so for their class as well. We all can benefit by connecting with our breath (aka: life force)!

Change It:

If I were to do this workshop again I might change the placement of the tables. I think I would like to place the table with the shoes in the center of the classroom. I would also arrange my stance/seating so that I can be closer to the audience. I think by having the table with the shoes in the center, the audience would not only have a clearer view of the shoes, (they may be hesitant to come up and view a shoe while the table is all the way in the front), but they would also feel more connected to the TIW. I would also make changes to how I distribute the handouts. I think I might leave the handouts in the front of the room, and encourage people to take one upon entering. Then when everyone is seated I can distribute any handouts if there are a few people that missed any. I was feeling nervous during the beginning of my TIW. When I feel nervous I become even more structured and hesitant to be my true self. I can recall that when Terri and I were distributing the handouts, I was very quiet (except for a meager hello here and there). As it was getting closer to “go” time, the room became increasingly quiet and I felt myself become increasingly “awkward”. Normally I would be bubbly and cracking jokes while distributing the handouts, but because I was being so judgmental to myself I stayed quiet. I would most definitely change this in the future, and allow my true self to come through. If I were to do this workshop again I would also include children’s shoes and shoes that a senior citizen might wear. This would give the audience a wider and diverse assortment of characters to create.

Cut It:

I am trying to recall something that I would take out completely, and I am having a difficult time doing so in terms of the actual format of my workshop. On a personal level, I would “cut out” my nervousness and voice trembling at the beginning of the workshop. Even though I knew there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about (and I truly LOVE to talk and to talk in front of groups). I still felt my voice speed up and my breath speed up as well.  There are also more changes and adjustments I would make. These changes include changing the type of music that was played. My intentions were to use a different type of guitar music and I accidentally clicked on another soundtrack. I didn’t want to risk the three seconds of potential “awkward silence” as I fumble to find the right track, so I left it on that one. It was a bit too somber for my liking, and so I would change the type of music utilized to something lighter!:)