Workshop formats

1. In the Virtue Without Terror (Cambridge Univ student group) format, copies are passed around. When everyone's had time to read, someone volunteers to read out. The poet may also read the poem out. Each person in turn makes an initial comment. Then there's discussion. Finally the poet is invited to join in the discussion.
2. The Liverpool Writers format is like the Cambridge Writers format except that copies weren't passed around and not everyone need comment.
3. The Nottingham Workshop format is like the Liverpool Writers format except that chairperson guides the discussion back and into the poem.
4. At an informal group I went to once, each person was given 15 minutes to use as they want - talk about their favourite (or least favorite) poet - rehearse a performance - have a poem of their own criticised, etc.
   • The advantage of the poet not being allowed to speak is that the poem has to speak for itself.
   • The advantage of an active chairperson/focaliser is that attention is focussed on the poem.
   • It helps to start the session with an outsider's poem, to get people in the mood.