# Validate your workshop topic

Written by Geeta Thakker
Updated 2026-09-19

A useful workshop connects your expertise to a problem learners need to solve. Test that connection before writing a full curriculum.

## Define the problem

Write one sentence naming the learner, the task, and the result: “Help operations leads turn a recurring report into a reviewed AI-assisted workflow.” List what learners must already know and what the workshop will not cover.

## Gather evidence

Speak with several people who do that work. Ask about a recent attempt, the time or effort involved, and where they got stuck. Look for repeated examples rather than general enthusiasm for AI.

## Run a small test

Prepare one exercise and observe whether someone can complete it. Use their questions to adjust scope. Bring the problem statement, prerequisites, and sample output to the explainx team when proposing the workshop. Treat interest, waitlist signups, and confirmed enrollment as different signals.