1. C.J. Hill – FA ‘18
WORKSHOP RULES AND DECORUM
To begin, a look back at our class’s etiquette policy, which is of particular importance
during the workshop unit:
• Confidentiality. We want to create an atmosphere for open, honest exchange. BY
AGREEING TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CLASS, YOU ARE AGREEING
NOT TO SHARE THE CONTENT OF YOUR PEERS’ PERSONAL WRITING
OUTSIDE OF THIS CLASSROOM. PERIOD.
• Our primary commitment is to learn from each other. We will listen to each other, not
talk at each other. We acknowledge differences amongst us in backgrounds, skills,
interests, and values.
• We will not demean, devalue, or“put down” people for their experiences, lack of
experiences, or difference in interpretation of those experiences.
• We will trust that people arealways doing the best they can.
• Challenge the idea and not the person. If we wish to challenge something that has
been said, we will challenge the idea or the practice referred to, not the individual
sharing this idea or practice.
• Speak your discomfort. If something is bothering you, please share this with the
group. Often our emotional reactions to this process offer the most valuable learning
opportunities.
• Recognizepersonal responsibility. Be aware of how much space you are taking up
and avoid taking up much more space than others. Also, be willing to speak up when
others are dominating the conversation. The more voices, the better.
Refer to Chapter 6 in Writing True for a rundown of all things workshop. Decorum, rules, a
breakdown of the whole process. However, to highlight:
1) As the writer being workshopped, be prepared to read a little aloud from your draft
(around a page). Hearing your writing through your own voice is beneficial for the
group (and for you!).
2) Always begin workshop with a discussion of what you take away. What is this piece?
What do you take away as what it is working to say? Practice active listening and
active reading (WT p. 76-78). Then move into a discussion of what works well, then
what still needs more work, in this order.
3) Workshop is both a discussion of craft as well as a sounding board for ideas and
suggestions. Be as helpful as possible in your vocalization of suggestions (i.e., giving
an actual suggestion for revision versus merely a note of criticism).
4) The writer being workshopped is to remain quite during their workshop, taking
plenty of notes of the discussion. Participants should refer the writer with their
name and pronouns (he, she) rather than speaking to the writer directly (you).
a. If the workshop veers off wildly point and the writer wishes to get everyone
back on track, the writer is allowed to speak up to make a
clarification/redirect. But for the most part, the writer should see their
silence as an opportunity to see how their piece lands with a general
audience without any direction by the writer.
2. C.J. Hill – FA ‘18
5) As a golden rule, workshop as you would like to be workshopped. If getting general,
unspecific comments like “I like this piece, she’s doing great” or “This piece is an
utter disaster and it simply makes no sense” is not helpful for you, odds are it isn’t
helpful for anyone else.
6) Absolutely all laptops and cell phones should be put away. All essays and critiques
will be brought to class as hardcopies, so there is simply no use for electronics. Use
of these devices and/or personal conversations that are distracting to the group will
result in a student’s excusal from class for the day.
7) AVOID SILENCE. There’s nothing worse. Keep conversation rolling and bouncing.
