HOW TO

CONDUCT A
SEMINAR

SEMINAR
A seminar is a form of academic instruction, either at an
academic institution or offered by a commercial or
professional organization.
It has the function of bringing together small groups for
recurring meetings, focusing each time on some
particular subject, in which everyone present is
requested to actively participate.
This is often accomplished through an ongoing Socratic
dialogue with a seminar leader or instructor, or through a
more formal presentation of research. It is essentially a
place where assigned readings are discussed, questions
can be raised and debates can be conducted.

SEMINAR
Is a lecture or presentation delivered to an
audience on a particular topic or set of topics that
are educational in nature. It is usually held for
groups of 10-50 individuals.
Seminars are capable of keeping the students
updated with the technologies. Seminars provide
latest information about the things which are
happening in science and technology.

Purpose of seminar
To provide a forum for students to ask questions
To encourage attendees to partake in a discussion and
express their own points of view
To engage in a more formal debate
To inspire the attendees to become better people
To work towards implementing the skills they might have
learned from the seminar
To 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

How to
conduct a
Seminar ?

I. Preparing your presentation

A successful seminar is the result of careful preparation

of your speech and your presentation material.
* Research your subject

If you are called to speak on a topic, probably that is

because you are already having some knowledge of it.
Even so, you need to reference from at least 3 different
books. This helps you include points you have not
thought about. It also helps you determine a flow for the
seminar.

II. Handouts
Handouts will contain all main points of the
seminar as well as those detailed points which
cannot be included in the seminar slides but
are useful for reference later. Include within
the handout, a list of any reference books
used to prepare for the seminar. This helps the
audience to read or follow-up on the same
topic later.

III. Listen to your voice

The speaker should listen to his seminar using
a Dictaphone (or tape recorder) and play it
back. It is possible to immediately detect the
parts of the seminar that could be corrected or
which dont sound right.

IV. List out your seminar itinerary

The speaker should make sure that the
audience knows how long the seminar is going
to take. Give a brief idea on the important
aspects of your speech so that the audience is
aware where they are during the seminar.
Then start the introduction.

V. Conclusion
Finally, ensure that seminars are always
conducted in an organization. Besides
drastically improving knowledge levels, it
brings about an understanding of the
immensity of the vast unknowns in our
profession or for that matter, any profession.

VI. After the Seminar

Analyze the outcome of the seminar, including
the response of the attendees and their
feedback in order to discover whether the
aims of the seminar were met. You can also
send out thank you notes to the attendees
through emails and any other follow up, such
as upcoming seminars

How to conduct a seminar

Find speakers for the seminar through an analysis of the

subject matter and the speakers who can best fit the occasion.
Such speakers may be professional speakers, or just people
with the requisite knowledge and authority to effectively
convey the desired message.

You also have to find a proper venue for the seminar. Some of
the things to consider when choosing an event venue include
the availability of the necessary technical infrastructure to
support the event.

Confirm the number of attendees to the seminar since this

information is necessary for logistics like accommodations,
seating arrangements, car pick-ups

Importance of seminar

You gain Expert Knowledge about the subject.

Seminars give you intensive exposure to a topic
through presentations and discussions led by
multiple experts

Networking. Along with having access to experts,

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.These relationships can continue into
professional connections even after the seminar is
over.

Importance of seminar
It gives you

Renewed Motivation and

Confidence. 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.
It improves your Oral Communication skills.
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.