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Frequently
Asked Questions:
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What
does a typical Original Seminar day look like?
You will attend plenary (main) sessions during which you
will be taught how to be a confident and dynamic speaker
in fun and creative ways. A notebook (which is provided
for each pre-registered guest) will allow you to fill in
the blanks for future reference. You have opportunity to
put into practice what you are learning and gain experience
speaking during the three break out times. In a very small
group you will be giving & listening to 3-minute mini-speeches.
The first one will be to introduce yourself to your small
group. The second day you will deliver the other two talks.
Periodic breaks will occur, including a lunch break on the
second day.
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What’s
the difference between the Original Seminar and the Mini-Advanced?
The Original Seminar has more plenary sessions and has good,
basic information, whereas the Mini-Advanced has multiple
workshops that you get to choose from (about six total)
that will enable you to learn more about your particular
areas of interest. Both seminars are intended to equip you
for a speaking in ministry, however their content is different.
Each enhances the other. Both have three opportunities to
gain experience speaking in small groups.
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Will
there be another opportunity to attend Heart Talk?
Heart Talk conferences are offered each year. However, we
alternate our speaker's conferences (even years) with a
writer’s conference (odd years). We have been richly
blessed to have Carol and Speak Up join us for a number
of years now. However, it is always subject to their availability
and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
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Who
do I speak in front of and to how many people?
The small groups that you will speak to consist of five
to eight other women participants. Usually groups meet in
a small private room. When you register, you will indicate
how much speaking experience you have. You will be grouped
with other women who have similar levels of experience.
Women have found the groups to be safe places to gain experience
with other women like themselves.
- Do
I have to speak in front of people?
You can choose just to be a listener in the small group sessions.
However, we strongly encourage you to take this opportunity
to increase your confidence through participation. You will
gain valuable feedback and encouragement. I don't know any
who have stretched themselves in this way who wouldn't do
it again if they had the opportunity. We want it to be a good
experience for each participant.
- How
long has Heart Talk been going?
Heart Talk began in 1998, so the conferences have been taking
place for ten years.
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Who
should attend?
Do you ever talk to others? Then this conference has something
for you. Whether you just want to share you faith more effectively,
enhance your communication skills for one-on-one relationships
or small groups, or your desire to speak to larger crowds,
you will gain much from these seminars. Any woman is welcome
who would like to become more confident in speaking. It
is for all women, not just those in full time ministry.
It is for those who feel sick to their stomach at the thought
of speaking in front of people and for those who have been
keynote speakers. Women of a variety of ages, denominations,
and nationalities are welcome. Some women fly in from across
the country to attend.
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If
I have attended the conference before, should I consider
coming again?
Yes, some women choose to come each year. Each time you
attend you will gain more skill and experience speaking.
The Mini-Advanced provides many workshop choices. Returning
participants can attend workshops they previously missed.
As the small groups change each year, you will also receive
new feedback and opportunities to hear other peers. If you
have attended before, you may want to volunteer as a small
group facilitator and gain additional experience as the
primary evaluator and a facilitator. If you check alumni
on your registration form and bring your previous notebook
the cost of the conference is reduced.
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Will
I get to interact with the Carol Kent and Speak Up with
Confidence Team?
They will be teaching the plenary sessions and workshops.
There will be opportunities to interact with them in the
workshops, small groups, between sessions, and at the book
table. It is our aim that each small group will be facilitated
by a Speak Up with Confidence Team member and each conference
participant evaluated by one of them at least once.
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What
is included in my registration fee?
Excellent training, a notebook (with great fill-in-the-blank
notes), experience speaking, personal evaluations,
plus snacks and beverages are all included in your registration
fee.
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Where
is the conference held?
The conference is held on the Western
Seminary campus located in a quiet, well-established residential
neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. The plenary sessions are
held in the chapel at the center of campus. The small group
sessions are held in various classrooms and meeting rooms
on campus. Lunch is held in the student center, in the basement
of the chapel.
- Are
scholarships available?
There are partial scholarships given based on need and availability.
Indicate your need for a scholarship or your desire to give
a scholarship on your registration form. You may want to consider
asking your home church for a partial scholarship.
- What
are the pre-conference assignments?
The pre-conference assignments involve
preparing three mini-speeches that you will share with your
small group. For the Original Conference you will prepare
three 3-minute speeches including: a personal introduction,
an illustration with a spiritual application, and a mini Bible
study. For the Mini-Advanced you will present an illustration
with a spiritual application , an introduction or conclusion,
and your choice of a mini-devotional or Bible character study
or topical study (5 min.). Detailed instructions are mailed
to you after you register.
- Will
I be able to attend all of the topics listed in the brochure?
The topics listed under the Original Seminar are all included
in the sessions. For the Mini-Advanced you will be able to
select six of the workshops listed.
- What
Is the Videotaping/Critiquing?
The Videotaping/Critiquing is an opportunity
to receive additional one-on-one critiquing from Speak Up
With Confidence Team Members. You will get to take the DVD
home so you will be able to observe yourself speaking and
understand how to sharpen your speaking even more. The DVD
also provides a sample for sending to churches or other leaders
looking for a potential speaker. You must pre-register for
an appointment (on your registration form.) The cost of this
extra service and expert critiquing is $30.
- When
do I need to be present for the videotaping?
The videotaping/critiquing are set up as individual appointments.
The videotaping and critiquing does not interfere with the
conference as it takes place following the conference. The
times available are Friday March 14th from 4:30-5:30pm and
Saturday March 15th from 9:00am-1:00pm. Participants attending
from out of the region will be given priority for Friday time
slots. It is also on a first-come first-serve basis.
- If
I have already registered, can I make a change to my registration
form?
Contact the Women’s Center for Ministry at 503-51-1931
or 877-517-1800 ext. 1931 or wcm@westernseminary.edu to see
if there is still time to make changes. The sooner you contact
the more likely the change will be possible.
- How
do I select workshops for the Mini-Advanced Seminar? You
will have opportunity to choose your workshops at the conference.
Pre-select which workshops you are most interested in. When
you receive the schedule you will be able to choose and attend
the workshops of your choice. Most workshops will be repeated.
- What
should I wear?
Dressy casual is appropriate. Wear what you will feel comfortable
speaking in.
- What
do I need to bring?
Three mini-speeches prepared ahead of
time for each conference. A lunch, if a box lunch was not
purchased. You may want to bring money to purchase recommended
books for sale at the book table and/or the campus bookstore.
A pen to take notes is also needed.
- If
I have additional questions who can I contact?
Contact the Women’s Center for Ministry at 503-517-1931
or 877-517-1800 ext. 1931 or wcm@westernseminary.edu.
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