Note: This is an online workshop geared to interpreters.
If you click on the image, it will open a PDF file that you can then print and send in.
Workshop: Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter on November 19
September 29, 2014
Workshop: Think of a Word, Quick! on Sept. 6
August 19, 2014
If you’re in the Washington, D.C. area, sign up for the always fun THINK OF A WORD, QUICK! workshop. It’s on Sept. 6, and is a great way to hone your interpreting skills while having a good time.
Workshop: June 29, 2013 | Think of a Word, Quick! (New Jersey RID)
July 29, 2013
Think of a Word, Quick!
New Jersey Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Eatontown, NJ
Trudy’s thoughts:
This workshop was filled to capacity, much to my happiness. It’s is one I have taught since 2000 in at least 25 locations around the nation.
Although the workshop has evolved over the years, the basic premise is always the same: use it or lose it. What I emphasize in this workshop is that one must use language in order to expand it. This seems like a no-brainer, but too many approach this from an academic standpoint rather than an everyday, basic perspective. To help drive this point home, I provide hands-on activities that help expand interpreters’ ASL and English vocabularies. They’re activities that can be done anywhere, whether it be at home, on the train going somewhere, or even waiting at an appointment. They are such basic activities that I do all the time for my language development and expansion, because they really do work.
It’s also fascinated me to see how the very same reactions to the activities I present take place every time I do this workshop. It’s a wonderful sociological observation for me, and I always learn so much from those responses and coping strategies (because people who have attended my workshops know I never make the activities too easy–that’d completely defeat the point, right?).
This workshop is my all-time favorite workshop, and I hope to present it for many years to come. Many thanks to the NJRID participants who made it so much fun, and especially for their kind words, openness, and willingness to discuss stumbling blocks in their interpreting work.
Evaluation comments:
Enjoyable. A combination of education and fun.
Excellent, and enjoyed the safe, fun environment.
Would love to have her back for a full workshop.
Hands down, one of the best workshops I’ve attended in a long time. Helped expand my thought process, made me think outside my habitual box, and made me laugh!
Great! So funny! Love your humor! Thanks.
Great workshop and practice I can use at home.
Good activities. They were fun!
Loved this workshop!! Would love an all-day version!!!
Workshop: June 29, 2013 | Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter (New Jersey RID)
July 29, 2013
Deaf Disempowerment and Today’s Interpreter
New Jersey Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Eatontown, NJ
Trudy’s thoughts:
This group was one of the most attentive, open-minded and supportive groups I’ve ever worked with. I felt so welcomed, and that really helped set the tone for me. And the group was incredibly gracious about my shameful vice: Real Housewives of New Jersey. Such kind people, indeed.
This was a bit different from previous Deaf Disempowerment presentations I had done. Usually, I do a 30-minute presentation, then the participants choose whether to attend the follow-up workshop (which takes on a think-tank format) or the other workshops the conference offers. This time, I was asked to incorporate both the presentation and workshop into a two-hour format, with all conference participants present.
An interesting challenge was that the room was a good size, but not in the right direction. The room was more wide than long, so people were on either side of me–which made for some challenging sight lines at times. My neck actually hurt from having to swivel from left to right so much. Even so, the overall experience was very positive, and I credit the audience for this. A lot of great questions were asked, and they will be used to tweak future combined presentation-and-workshop events.
Evaluation comments:
Very excellent! Great workshop! The presenters were wonderful, knowledgeable, and professional. Thank you!
Her presentation style was excellent. Truly enjoyed her explanation and teaching style.
Excellent examples. Extremely important topic!
This would be great as an all-day workshop, open and great discussion on topics, would be great to have her back to NJ for an all-day workshop.
Gave me great tools to use to keep evaluating myself, my role and my work. Thank you for highlighting areas for me to watch out…always better to do that than regret in hindsight!
Very open feelings to presentation, not judgmental but mature perspective.
Real-life examples make our own work relevant. Sometimes I ask myself, “Could this situation ever come up in a workshop?”
Fabulous – really got to the meat of the “little indignities” that Deaf people face everyday.
Fantastic! Truly will inspire more thought and discussion on topic. Thank you!!
Workshop: June 8, 2013 | In Search of Interpreter Heart (Minnesota RID)
July 9, 2013
In Search of Interpreter Heart
(co-presented with Doug Bowen-Bailey and Paula Gajewski-Mickelson)
Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, St. Paul, MN
Trudy’s thoughts:
This was a last-minute request that turned out wonderfully, especially with us co-presenting together for the first time. With nearly 40 people in attendance at the MRID spring conference, Doug, Paula and I were thrilled with the overall atmosphere, participants’ open minds and everybody’s honest exploration of different topics within the Deaf and interpreter communities. What I especially liked was the opportunity to interact with participants and listening to their experiences and perspectives. One of the best parts for me was when we went into the ethical decision-making circles, which consisted of anywhere from five to ten people per circle. The first thing Paula had us do was write down our top three values–not work values, but overall values in our professional and personal lives. We had to then choose the top one out of our list. It was harder than I anticipated, because I had so many that I couldn’t figure out which ones to choose. We then shared our top value with each other, and that provided me with such a major insight into each circle participant’s perspectives and even life experiences. That was a great activity.
We three are already refining our presentation and are eager to present this again. I was, and am, honored to work with Doug and Paula especially because they are two of the most sincere, committed and fun allies I know.
Evaluation comments:
Thank you! One of the best workshops I’ve ever been to! Please offer it again for those who missed it today.
Great workshop! The presenters were wonderful, knowledgeable, and professional. Thank you!
Workshop: May 30, 2013 | Making Your Case: An Online Course in Advocacy (ADARA)
July 9, 2013
Making Your Case: An Online Course in Advocacy (presented on behalf of Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans)
American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, Bloomington, MN
Trudy’s thoughts
This online course, Making Your Case, is such a crucial resource. It is so useful for so many things, especially legislative advocacy. Best of all, the course, available in American Sign Language, text and open captions, is available to anyone at no charge. It includes inspiring stories from grassroots leaders and real-life case studies.
Typically, this workshop is anywhere from an hour to three hours and filled with activities, but ADARA had a lightning-round format for this year’s conference. This meant I had only 30 minutes to present a chunk of key information. The interpreters were fabulous, and so were the 100-plus participants. Hopefully they will bring this course back to their communities and encourage people to participate.
Evaluation comments
- …good presentation!
- Very energetic. Great interaction. Very valuable learning. Thank you.
- Great stuff…loads of good info quickly
- …overall great presentation
- Trudy was great!
- Nicely developed training.
In Search of Interpreter Heart: Exploring Our Core Values
May 20, 2013
Come to a workshop on June 8! This is open to all, especially interpreters, allies and Deaf people.
{Click on the flyer for a larger image, or e-mail me for the original file.}
Make it easy to remember the water: 10 tips for presenters
April 25, 2013
I’ve written two articles for workshop coordinators and organizers, and I thought it only fair to have tips for presenters. The below is a collection of tips for presenters from experienced workshop and conference planners.
Not only is coordinating a workshop, event or conference a lot of work—it’s also hard work, especially when working with a variety of personalities, preferences and requirements. Below are 10 tips for presenters to make event organizers’ lives just a bit easier.
1. Be prepared. This goes without saying, but always be prepared in advance. This means coming to the workshop knowledgeable on your subject, and also asking for what you need upfront. Want your workshop seating to be arranged in a circle? Need LCD equipment or Internet access? Want a flipchart? Ask in advance, and don’t be unhappy if you ask for something at the last minute and are not provided with it. With all things, of course, expect the unexpected—and have a back-up plan in place.
2. Have someone proofread your work. Even if you’re an experienced presenter who has done a workshop many times, be sure to have someone—such as T.S. Writing Services—review your PowerPoint for clarity, brevity and typos. There is nothing more embarrassing than having audience members look away in boredom or silently correct your PowerPoint slides because it has a typo somewhere or isn’t clear. Besides, numerous mistakes, even if they’re minor typos, can undermine a presenter’s credibility.
3. Dress appropriately. Wear appropriate clothes; business casual is a good balance between participants who are dressed up and those who aren’t. Have back-up clothing such as a dark-colored (depending on your skin tone) pull-over or cardigan in case you have people in the audience who can’t see you clearly. Remember to dress for extreme room temperatures and conditions. Keep in mind that you might get warm from moving around, but the participants might be cold because they are sitting still. Organizers and planners, too, should dress appropriately, even if everyone else is in jeans.
4. Ensure that you submit the necessary information according to guidelines. Oftentimes organizers will ask for your biography and other details for the event program book, website and so forth. Please adhere to their word limit, and abide by their deadlines. They have deadlines in place for a reason—so that things get done in a timely manner. Do not wait until the last minute. This will delay other planning and implementation tasks. Mark on your calendar when the handouts, abstract, workshop information, and so forth, are due. Keep in mind that organizers often are dealing with multiple presenters, so submit all your information at once, and with easy-to-identify file names (such as suggsbio.pdf, suggsabstract.docx, etc.). The last thing you want to do is have the organizer chase you for your information.
5. Have clearly stated expectations. Whether you’re doing a workshop or presentation, make sure you have a contract in place, even if you’re not getting paid. Usually, the organizer should have this paperwork available—but if not, have your own contract available. This contract should include:
- Workshop title
- Workshop date, time and location
- Payment information (including lodging, travel, per diem/meals, handouts, etc.)
- Cancellation policy and terms
- Billing information (such as who to send the invoice to)
- Signatures of both parties
6. Respect budgetary constraints. If you are being paid for your travel, don’t get the most costly and best seats available. Rather, plan ahead and look for a reasonable fare that fits both parties’ needs. Be sure to keep all receipts in case the organizer needs it to reimburse, and send your invoice promptly after the event.
7. Communicate well. Be responsive. Respond to the organizer’s e-mails as soon as you can, and if you’re unable to provide the needed information, simply respond with, “I got your e-mail and will get back to you by Friday.” A reasonable turnaround time is three business days. About a week before, and again on the day of your event, check in with the organizer to make sure everything is going according to plan, and confirm that any requests you made in advance will be met. Provide the organizer with your immediate contact information such as your text number, and request the organizer’s information as well.
8. Know who you’re presenting to. Check the organization’s website, request information on the audience, and learn about the event, such as why it is being held and its theme. Learn who you’ll be talking to, and tailor your presentation or workshop to them. If applicable, find out what the organization’s history and issues are.
9. Check in as time nears. Make sure you have transportation to and from the airport. If the organizer is unavailable to pick you up, ask for other options. If you need to take a taxi or call the hotel for a shuttle, make arrangements in advance since many airports do not have accessible phones for hotel shuttles. The organizer should have transportation in place, but again, expect the unexpected.
10. Expect the unexpected. Remember that many events take months of planning behind the scenes, and organizers can’t anticipate everything. When organizers are faced with circumstances beyond their control, working together can help make the best of the situation. For example, if the Internet connection isn’t working, or if your laptop won’t connect to the LCD projector—have a PDF version of the files as a back-up.
Special thanks go to Socorro Moore, John Pirone, Rosa Ramirez and others who provided input for this article.
I still need some water, please.
April 7, 2013
Back in 2007, I suggested 10 tips for those who organize workshops and conferences, specifically in regards to working with presenters. Six years and countless workshops later, I have some more tips.
1. Ask in advance if the presenter is willing to be videotaped and/or photographed. I often do not like to be videotaped because of proprietary issues. I’ve had my content blatantly stolen in the past, even though workshops are generally the presenter’s intellectual property. Ask in advance if the presenter is willing to be videotaped or photographed during the workshop. On the other hand, make sure you have photographers available, especially in today’s social media. Presenters—including me—often post photographs on their social media accounts, like Twitter and Facebook, so be sure to e-mail the photos to the presenter. In fact, it may be a good idea to e-mail the photos prior to publishing them. Having a professional photographer is a great way to publicize your event and organization.
2. Don’t ask the presenter if s/he is willing to share a hotel room with someone. Oftentimes, I’m asked to share my hotel room, or stay at someone’s house, to keep costs down. This is an incredibly awkward position to put me in. [Read more…]
Some water with that, please?
April 5, 2013
This article originally appeared at i711.com in October 2007, and was updated April 5, 2013. Click here to see the second part of this article.
As someone who has traveled the nation presenting on a variety of topics, I figured I’d share some words of wisdom and list the top ten things to do when working with presenters. A quick disclaimer: These tips are written for those who coordinate presenters. I also have a list of tips for the actual presenters, but that’s a different article.
1. Have bottled water ready. Have bottled water ready for presenters. This should be a no-brainer, but it apparently isn’t. I arrived at an out-of-state presentation only to find that there was no water, nor a vending machine. The annoyed coordinator went to the sink and got tap water that was muddy in a smeared glass. I didn’t drink it. (After the presentation, he also gave me a crumpled up check that he dug out from his disgustingly tight jeans.) I’ve learned to bring my own water, but when traveling, that isn’t always possible. If you provide the presenter with a reusable water bottle, make sure the water is fresh. [Read more…]