Episode 16: How to Build a Masterclass

This week Karen dives into how to successfully build a master class. From making it interactive to utilizing your platform, Karen discusses how to leave your audience with the tools they need to succeed.

Over the past five years of Cubides Artist Services, Karen has participated in several events in which she has presented material useful to various groups. Recently she was asked to present a four-hour master class to a group of military bands. While she has never given such a lengthy presentation she used her crafted techniques and years of experience to give yet another successful master class.

Pick a Topic You Are Passionate About

In today’s world, it is common for trending ideas to become the center or topic for master classes. Buzz words such as “mentality” and “health” are currently popular and because of that, many people are focussing on presenting material subject to those words. But instead, find a topic that you love- a topic that YOU find interesting. You want to make sure that you are talking from experience. If you have the experience, hands-on experience, you will be able to better explain your topic. Even more important, you will be able to better reach people in the way that you want to.

What is Your Why

Questions that you need to ask yourself before giving your master class: Why are you picking this topic? What is the impact and intention of this topic? Who is benefiting from this? Who is the target audience? Did you pick this topic to gain credibility, practice, or serve other people? Regardless, the answers to the questions must be clear to both you and the audience.

Time of Presentation & Practice

Determine how long your presentation will be based on the subject matter. How long will you give this class for? Classes will often be 60 or 90 minutes, but that is not always the case. Practice is a vital part of truly knowing the length of your presentation. Stress and anxiety can factor into the timing if you do not prepare adequately. “Worrying and practicing are two separate things”. Practice in front of the mirror, do a mock audition and present to others who will give friendly criticism. Prepare for mistakes and things out of your control by creating a class that can be both condensed and expanded.

Make it Interactive

It is important to make your class as interactive as possible. Powerpoints, books, videos, and auditory elements are all heavily encouraged as no one wants to be lectured. If you have trouble with this, find a mentor to help find effective techniques to co

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