Guidelines for Presenters

Presenter’s Guidelines

 
Facilitating Sessions on Practical Stoicism

 

The New Zealand Stoic Society values the shared exploration of Stoic philosophy as a living, practical guide to the art of living well. Presenters play a key role in fostering thoughtful dialogue and reflection within our community. The following guidelines are designed to support presenters in preparing and leading engaging, respectful, and philosophically grounded sessions.

 

1. Purpose and Focus

 

Each session should align with the Society’s aim:

 

To explore and apply Stoic philosophy as a practical way of life in the modern world.

 

Presentations should therefore connect Stoic principles to everyday experience—how we think, act, and relate to others—while drawing on the original Stoic texts for depth and authenticity.

 

Presenters should include a brief disclaimer that the session is educational and not clinical, legal, or financial advice, and disclose any relevant affiliations or commercial interests related to the topic.

 

2. Session Structure and Timing

 

Each session runs for 2 hours and generally follows this structure:

 

I. Welcome and Introductions – 10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief round of introductions.

  • Invite participants to share their name and a short reflection (e.g., what drew them to Stoicism or what they hope to gain from the session).

  • Create a warm and respectful tone that encourages openness and participation.

II. Presentation – 20 to 30 minutes
Your presentation should include the following elements:

  • Topic Introduction: Clearly introduce your chosen topic and explain why you believe it is relevant within the context of practical Stoicism.

  • Philosophical Context: Connect your topic with the core Stoic philosophers—such as Zeno of Citium, Epictetus, Seneca, Musonius Rufus, Marcus Aurelius, or Chrysippus—by including at least three or four references or quotes from their original writings related to your topic.

  • Main Argument or Exploration: Present your main perspective, insight, or question. Focus on how Stoic principles can be applied in daily life—emotion, judgment, virtue, or conduct.

Example sources:

  • Epictetus, Discourses and Enchiridion

  • Seneca, Letters from a Stoic or On the Shortness of Life

  • Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

  • Musonius Rufus, Lectures and Sayings

III. Group Discussion – 1 hour 30 minutes

  • Prepare a few discussion questions to open up the conversation.

  • Encourage participants to share their interpretations, reflections, or personal experiences related to the topic.

  • Facilitate, don’t dominate: Allow ideas to emerge organically and resist the temptation to “give answers.” Your role is to guide the dialogue, ensuring it remains relevant, balanced, and respectful.

  • Pay attention to group dynamics—invite quieter members to contribute and manage those who may dominate the discussion with gentle tact.

  • Maintain a tone of philosophical inquiry rather than debate.

IV. Closing Reflections and Key Stoic Takeaways – 10 minutes

End the session by drawing the discussion back to the heart of Practical Stoicism—how the ideas explored can inform the way we live and act day to day.

Use this final segment to:

  • Summarise the key Stoic principles that emerged during the session.

  • Emphasise application over theory—how participants might bring these insights into their work, relationships, and personal challenges.

  • Invite each participant to share one practical takeaway or resolution inspired by the session.

  • You may want to conclude with a short reflective reading or quote from a Stoic philosopher.

  • Thank participants for their contributions and engagement.

This closing moment helps reinforce Stoicism as a living practical philosophy—one that calls us to continuous reflection and practice in the art of living well.

 
3. Virtual Meeting Guidelines

 

To ensure smooth, inclusive, and respectful online sessions, please follow these recommendations:

  • Send the meeting link and session details (date, time, topic, and presenter’s name) at least 24 hours before the scheduled session.

  • Make it clear which platform (Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams) you will be using.

  • Include any pre-reading material or brief reflection questions in the same message.

  • Begin the meeting 5–10 minutes early to welcome participants and address any technical issues.

  • Use a stable and quiet environment with your camera on to foster connection and engagement.

  • Encourage participants to mute when not speaking, and to use the “raise hand” or chat function to contribute respectfully.

  • Ensure all participants are given a chance to speak.

  • If sessions are recorded, obtain consent before recording begins and clarify how the recording will be used.

 
4. Facilitation and Conduct

 

  • Practice humility: As a presenter, you are a facilitator of shared wisdom, not an authority. Encourage critical thought and self-examination in the Stoic spirit.

  • Respect all viewpoints: Remember that Stoicism encourages reasoned dialogue and the pursuit of truth through rational discussion. Be patient with differing interpretations.

  • Uphold the Code of Conduct: Always model the values of respect, inclusion, and philosophical integrity as outlined in the New Zealand Stoic Society Code of Conduct.

  • Respect Privacy: Open the session by noting if photos/recording may happen and tell participants they have a no-questions-asked right to ask you not to be depicted on photo/video—any such request will be approved—with easy opt-outs like camera-off, a ‘no-camera’ seating zone, or cropping/blurring afterward.

  • Encourage reflection: When discussions become abstract, gently bring the focus back to the practical—“How might this apply in our daily lives?”

  • Design for accessibility: Use clear, plain language, provide slides/handouts in advance on request, and enable captions or transcripts for online sessions, noting any content warnings where helpful.

5. Submission for Review 

 

To ensure that each presentation aligns with the aims and values of the New Zealand Stoic Society, please submit a brief outline of your proposed session at least three weeks before your scheduled presentation date.

Your outline should include:

  • The title and theme of your session

  • A short summary or abstract (100–200 words) describing the focus and relevance to Practical Stoicism

  • Any key Stoic sources or references you plan to draw on

  • Discussion questions

  • Learning outcomes or discussion goals for participants

Once reviewed and approved, your event will be listed on the Events page of the New Zealand Stoic Society website and promoted through our member channels.

 
6. Final Reminder

“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.” — Epictetus, Enchiridion 46

As a presenter, your presence and conduct embody the Stoic ideal: calm, reasoned, compassionate, and open to learning. Each session is not only an exploration of Stoicism but a practice of Stoicism itself.