Docents are guides at museums, art galleries or zoos.There are tours for children and adults at the museum.A willingness to educate others and an enthusiasm for the museum's subject matter are advised.Docent work is typically done on a voluntary basis, but this experience in study and public speaking can serve as an excellent resumé or curriculum vitae builder for paid museum jobs in the future.
Step 1: Do you want to lead tours at the type of museum you are interested in?
Is it an art museum, a science museum or a natural history museum?The right location will allow you to enjoy yourself more and perform better as a docent.Consider your interests.Did you ever play with dinosaurs?You can share your enthusiasm with guests by choosing a natural history museum with dinosaur bones.Consider your studies as well.If you choose to explore an entirely new interest, this can be helpful in learning more about your field.It is volunteer work, so it is an opportunity beyond the confines of school and work.Do you want to be a docent?It may not matter what you choose if it is to practice speaking or volunteering.You can find an opportunity with people in a place you love, no matter how big or small, if you research local museums.
Step 2: There are museums in your area.
There are different requirements for a museum's program.Take note of when training classes are offered and if there are any vacancies.Everyone knows that museums are associated with large cities.You may want to search locally.Information on docent programs can be found online, but you can also visit in person or call to express your interest.
Step 3: Request information about the museum docent program.
You should call the program's coordinators after you've read the basics.This person can provide more details and guidance, which will serve as a personal and memorable introduction.Many museums have large requests, including commitment periods of a year or more.Before you start, make sure you understand what you are getting into.
Step 4: There are topics of permanent exhibits to research.
The museum has a reputation on docents who interact with the public.Knowledge can help you impress an interviewer.Knowing about the piece's medium, era, influences, and effects prompt more of a discussion with patrons than just listing off the artist and the subject.If you want to find out more about the subject matter, spend some time at the museum.Listen to the docents and take tours.Ask about the history of the museum.What is its purpose?You will most likely find it on the museum's website.If you're interested in this area, you can take classes at a local college.Check for displays and discussion groups that will allow you to discuss your interests.
Step 5: Interview with a museum you like.
Docents are required to lead tours at most museums, and some may wish you to prepare exhibits, facilitate activities, or even represent them in the outside world.Prepare your speaking skills for an interview.The interviewer will be interested in your ability to speak to large groups.You have to speak in a way that everyone can hear while moving through an open area.You can ask questions during the interview.This shows your interest and allows you to fill in the gaps in your knowledge in a way that leaves a good impression.Body language should be displayed.Stand tall, make eye contact, and smile.You are representing the museum and no guest or interviewer will appreciate someone who is unfriendly.
Step 6: You can take a tour with a docent.
You will get a chance to see first-hand the tasks you have to perform, but you will also get useful tips and museum information from an experienced docent.You should listen to the most important exhibits.The ones the museum keeps have meaning to that location and are often unique.Docents hold themselves in a certain way.Is it possible to hear them from the back?Are they friendly?You can use clues to refine your behavior.A docent has to make a simple answer out of a lot of information.Don't be afraid to ask what you want to know about the museum or the work, but still observe the tricks they use to speak effectively.Lead a trial tour with an experienced docent.They can give you constructive criticism as well as strategies to improve your speeches.
Step 7: Begin functional training.
Docents need to know about the museum, its policies, and how to interact with guests and staff.The training may be similar to the actual education.Training begins with an understanding of the museum's mission.You will be able to answer questions that go beyond the exhibits with this and gallery sessions.Lessons on touring techniques will be offered.You will need to succeed with the verbalization.Study groups and docent trips are included in some programs.You must know how to talk to your fellow docents if you want to interact with guests.Understand the policies of the museum.Food, beverages, and photography are not allowed in many museums.If a display is not allowed, you will have to enforce it.
Step 8: Begin training.
There are many different programs in the museums.By the end, your diligence and attentiveness will have an effect on your ability to educate.The Arizona-Sonoma Desert Museum requires a minimum of two years of commitment.You will get a chance to learn from the museum staff if you have no experience.seminars, written and oral tests are required for some programs.This school-like atmosphere is designed to ensure you understand the subject material of the museum, which is a significant time investment.
Step 9: Put your material to practice.
It's best to put it in a mirror, around exhibits, and with friends.Practice and familiarity can help you grow comfortable in public speaking.
Step 10: It is your first tour.
It can be difficult to take care of a group of people in a large space.You have to figure out ways to stay calm.Don't sweat the mistakes, this is a learning experience for you as well.Talk to your group to get comfortable.Make eye contact.Pause between sentences if you speak too quickly.You should treat every guest with respect, even as a volunteer, because you represent the museum.Stop to make sure everyone is with you before moving onto the next topic.It is difficult for people behind you to hear you speak.Silence is necessary from time to time for you to collect your thoughts and others to digest your knowledge, and you should consider the tour to be a conversation.At the end of the tour, ask your group if they have any questions.
Step 11: Schedule it with the museum.
Many museums ask for certain shift lengths and hours over a period of time.The museum has a tour schedule.The Museum of Modern Art in New York City requires three hour shifts once per week or twice per month.Museums require long-term commitments, which you would have seen in training and research.Don't forget to keep up with it!
Step 12: You should study for new exhibits.
You have to repeat previous steps to make sure you have appropriate information to give, because art galleries may change their exhibits every two to three months.Regular training sessions will teach you more about what you need to provide guests and keep you informed of any changes.
Step 13: Do other requirements.
The main job of a docent is to lead tours, but many museums provide other opportunities.This can include everything from preparing exhibits to visiting classrooms.You might have to do research on the job.An art museum that acquires a new piece will need to find out the background material and prepare it for public consumption.You may be asked to visit the community as a representative of the museum.Your work is to educate the public and interest them in what the museum has to offer, so this can include presenting at a community center or school.The activities you see at the museum don't run on their own.You will be asked to look after some of them.Docents can be asked to answer phones or perform other clerical tasks.Knowledge and social skills are valuable because of this.You will be expected to work with information and guests at the same time.