The course focused on practical skills, with lectures alternating with hands-on field sessions. During these sessions, students from the European Heritage, History, and Cultural Heritage Development programs had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and demonstrate their unique approaches to presenting cultural heritage sites.
During the first lecture, students introduced their hometowns, selecting key sites they wanted to present as guides. Some spoke about historical monuments, while others highlighted places that brought their cities to life in unique ways. This task became a stepping stone in understanding that a guide is not just someone who delivers information but someone who helps the audience feel the spirit of a place.
In the second lecture, participants developed voice techniques and learned how to hold the audience’s attention. They practiced tongue twisters, diaphragm exercises, and even experimented with intonations. The lecturer emphasized that a guide’s voice is not only a tool but also a part of their personality: “Respecting your voice is respecting your listeners.”
The third lecture delved deeply into storytelling. Margarita explained how to craft compelling stories, using Pixar’s structures as examples. Together with the students, she analyzed the social media profiles of real guides from cities like London, Budapest, and Amsterdam. These professionals not only masterfully convey knowledge about their cities but also create unique personal brands that captivate audiences. “Storytelling isn’t just about tours; it’s about any kind of communication, whether it’s a public speech or your social media feed,” Margarita said, encouraging students to find their own voices.
The course culminated in a final guided tour as a practical examination. To prepare, students held several sessions in Vilnius’s historic center. Each participant chose a site, researched its history, and presented it to the group. The final tour included key landmarks such as the Užupis Bridge, Literatų Street, St. Casimir’s Church, and the Church Heritage Museum. This was a team effort where each student showcased their strengths. Some even created in-depth reports on their chosen sites.
For students of the European Heritage, History, and Cultural Heritage Development programs, the Guide Workshop became more than just a series of lectures – it was a gateway into the world of professional mastery. Participants learned not only how to share the past but also how to engage their audience, keep their attention, and uncover fresh perspectives on familiar things. After all, a guide is not just someone who leads tours but a storyteller who brings history to life.
