What to tell people

[Sue M]

I have been asked to show my photos of the Camino and to give a talk to members of a local church women's group next month and would like to know what Forum members think the most important thing is that I should tell them about the Camino. Apparently they have never heard of the camino before, so obviously I will give them the basic facts, but would like to go beyond that if I can.

 

[fortview]

Hi Sue,
You walked as far as Burgos I think, from your recent posts . You did really well. Just tell it like it was for you... You must have lots of stories and I'm sure they'll love it, from your own experience

 

[Pieces]

just make it personal

and remember that what ever you tell them it will be the right things..

 

[methodist.pilgrim.98]

I frequently give talks to church groups who also are in blissful ignorance.

Rule 1. You know your audience and that helps. Put yourself on an imaginary chair and think, what will Mrs Smith be interested in? and so on.

Rule 2. How long do you have? The shorter the time the more necessary it is to prepare your notes.

Rule 3. People know you and they want to hear your experiences, especially why did you go and did your motivation change?

Rule 4. The funny stories go down well.

Rule 5. People are interested in where you stay, how you find your way, what you eat, what it costs, the pilgrim passport. All of this can be done briefly if you have prepared.

Rule 6. Church groups are interested in prayer, spirituality and faith. They like to see churches.

Rule 7. If you know how to prepare a slide show do a quick 6 minute landscape journey from where you started to finished. I put music to mine and people enjoy being able to look without a voice continually speaking to them. Change the slide every 4 seconds. It gives a flavour.

If there is anything here you would like clarification on please ask.

Some of the above may well be of no use whatsoever. Pick and choose and ignore as required.

I'm sure it will be brilliant.

 

[supersullivan]

WHAT is the Camino

HOW did you hear about it

WHY did you undertake it yourself

WHAT did you do to prepare for your Camino

WHAT were you most looking forward to before you departed

WHAT did you most enjoy during your Camino

WOULD you go on the Camino again and

WHAT would you do differently next time.

Cover these and join the gaps between and you will cover most bases.

The previously mentioned slideshow idea would form a great visual linking for some of these too.

Regards

Seamus

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I think the advice to make it personal is best. People can get more of the 'facts' from a book/website if they are interested after your talk, but you are the only one who can convey your passion and enthusiasm for your Camino experience.
Margaret

 

[fraluchi]

I frequently give talks to church groups who also are in blissful ignorance. Pick and choose and ignore as required.

Good advice! Add a time limit to the session(s): KISS = keep it short and simple.

 

[Kitsambler]

Depending on the length of time available (and how flexible that might be):
1) I generally allocate 2/3 of allotted time to presentation, and 1/3 to Q&A (rule of thumb for any presentation).

2) If finding yourself at a loss for words, one could usefully include a packing exercise. Take your pack, with all of the things you originally put in it. and the packing list with the weight of each item. And let them go through the "what do I leave behind/what can I live without?" exercise. It gives them a taste of the camino experience.

 

[newfydog]

This forum helped me through a similar situation.

I started with a rather irreverent history of St J and the miracles, showed the you tube from the Camino documentary as a lead in to the modern pilgrimage, and finished with my own story. It went great. I can send you a link to the photos I used.

miscellaneous-topics/topic12081.html

 

[Dubbydub]

Hi, the advice you have received so far is excellent. Be yourself, prepare, and tell people about it.

If I were in the audience, I would like to know how your personal experience went. In other words, all the practicalities can be found here on this site, and elsewhere no doubt. But what most people want to know is the reality! The good and the bad, and how you coped. They will be putting themselves in your shoes.

The one thing I would think might be invaluable is a Question and Answer segment. That is where you will shine, and the questioners will be delighted!

As they say to those going on stage.....Break a Leg!

Best of luck.

 

[billbennettoz]

If you do have a Q & A, probably the one question they'll ask you is: Why did you do it?

I'd suggest you have your answer ready...

 

[tyrrek]

All good advice.

I'd take Seamus's approach while planning the talk and think of all the what, where, why, when, who etc questions. Then see if common themes emerge around which you can structure the talk.

If you don't have a projector it could be tricky. Any kind of props would be good. Do the presentation dressed in your pilgrim gear. Show them your scallop shell and backpack and print out relevant photos to support your anecdotes - it's nice to be able to picture the people/things you're talking about.

Buen Camino!

 

[Sue M]

Thanks for the replies everyone!