Formal presentation by one or more experts in which the attendees are encouraged to discuss the subject matter.
A seminar may be defined as a gathering of people for the purpose of discussing a stated topic. Such gatherings are usually interactive sessions where the participants engage in discussions about the delineated topic. The sessions are usually headed or led by one or two presenters who serve to steer the discussion along the desired path.
A seminar means a class or meeting, but it carries with it extra weight. An educational seminar indicates a small, advanced study, while a meeting labeled as such means an intense exchange of ideas.
Why have seminars?
Seminars create opportunities to:
- explore topics in more depth;
- share ideas in a way that will advance your thinking;
- learn from other people’s experiences and background knowledge;
- gain perspectives and points of view that you might not have otherwise considered;
- identify and sort out any misunderstandings.
PURPOSE OF A SEMINAR
A seminar may have several purposes or just one purpose. For instance, a seminar may be for the purpose of education, such as a lecture, where the participants engage in the discussion of an academic subject for the aim of gaining a better insight into the subject. Other forms of educational seminars might be held to impart some skills or knowledge to the participants. Examples of such seminars include personal finance, web marketing, real estate, investing or other types of seminars where the participants gain knowledge or tips about the topic of discussion.
Of course, a seminar can be motivational, in which case the purpose is usually to inspire the attendees to become better people, or to work towards implementing the skills they might have learned from the seminar. For instance, a business seminar with a financial theme could be for the purpose of teaching small business owners how to pitch to investors or to write a solid business plan, and to motivate them to get started right away.
Sometimes, seminars are simply a way for businessmen and women, or other like-minded people, to network and meet other attendees with similar interests. Such seminars provide opportunities for the attendees to make some potentially valuable contacts that can help them move to the next level in their careers or endeavors.
A trade seminar brings a wide cross-section of the community together, such as government officials, businessmen and women and the general public. Such seminars often consist of workshops and the presentation of white papers. They are usually held for the purpose of networking with various vendors and making new connections.
SEMINARS VS. WORKSHOPS
The main difference between seminars and workshops is that seminars are usually more academic and less hands-on than workshops. Seminars are events that are mostly geared towards educational topics and usually feature one or more experts on the subject matter. On the other hand, workshops are generally less formal and require more attendee participation than seminars. The main thrust of workshops is for the participants to gain new skills during the event under the guidance of the instructor.
Listed below are some of the skills – often called transferable skills – that you will be developing:
- Listening
- Negotiation
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Oral communication
- Taking responsibility
- Sharing knowledge
- Time management
- Developing an argument
- Collaborating with people from different backgrounds
- Dealing with conflicting opinions
- Producing and using visual aids
Benefits of Attending Seminars
Attending a seminar has numerous benefits, including improving communication skills, gaining expert knowledge, networking with others and renewing motivation and confidence.
Oral Communication
Seminars can be a comfortable, open environment for practicing professional communication techniques. According to Learning Development with Plymouth University, seminars help you become a better listener, present your arguments and ideas clearly and be open to others’ points of view. Group discussions and activities can also let you practice interpersonal skills, such as dealing with conflicting opinions among group members and working together to accomplish assignments or tasks.
Expert Knowledge
Seminars give you intensive exposure to a topic through presentations and discussions led by multiple experts. Norwood Business Portal states that seminars are an ideal opportunity for people who want to study a topic in depth, but don’t enjoy reading or have the time to take classes. By asking questions, taking detailed notes and being prepared for each day’s events, you can leave a seminar with a wide range of knowledge in a specific field.
Networking
Along with having access to experts, Norwood states that seminars also give you the opportunity to meet other people who share your interests. Seminar discussions offer chances to debate issues related to the field, share experiences and exchange perspectives. Learn Higher also states that meeting new people can offer encouragement, solutions to common problems and advice for how to handle challenges. These relationships can continue into professional connections even after the seminar is over.
Renewed Motivation
It’s easy to get so caught up in the daily grind that you lose motivation or excitement for your job or interests. Web Pro News and Business states that the intensive study of a seminar provides a chance to get away and dedicate yourself to the topic for a few days. As a result, you may return from the seminar with renewed motivation to pursue your goals and find your enthusiasm rekindled. This can lead to higher productivity and fulfillment of professional and academic goals.
Seminar Advantages:
- A wealth of knowledge usually, presented by many speakers at one time in one place. A lot of “learning” at one clip, with most material compressed into two or three days’ worth of time.
- A sense of camaraderie, where individuals can meet others with the same interests/problems/concerns that they may have in their chosen field.
- A sense of renewed hope and inspiration (this is especially true for Internet marketing seminars), as sometimes business concerns are lessened by sharing experiences with others. Being with others that “understand” individual’s problems or concerns, is usually a great morale booster!
- A great way for those that don’t like to read, or attend classes, to improve their knowledge of a specific subject.
- A nice vacation, in usually, a good hotel. Most seminars take place in quality hotels, as this is part of the incentive to attracting attendees.
Seminar Disadvantages:
- Cost, of course, as all attendees must absorb their own costs. The seminars themselves sometimes also have an entry fee that can be quite high. All travel costs, food costs, hotel costs, and other miscellaneous costs must be absorbed by the attendees.
- The chance that the speakers may be sharing incorrect knowledge, or not at all knowledgeable themselves (it pays to make your own assessments of presented topics, not just blindly “follow the pack”). Tips, tricks, and strategies need to be weighed as to “worth” and “accuracy” before using these. Careful thought rules here.
- The time spent away from your actual business, or life, to attend. Time is always a concern when scheduling activities and some individuals simply can’t spare the time away from their lives for activities such as this.
- The chance that the topics may not actively help your business or your concerns, and that the seminar will be a waste of time, where nothing you learn is of any use to you.
- The chance that attendees will expect too much from a seminar and thus be disappointed. Realism must rule here. These are not “instant answers” to anything.