Top 12 Facilitation Techniques And Tactics From An Expert Facilitator

Summary

In this video, D, a full-time workshop facilitator, shares expert tips and tricks for leading successful workshops. From pre-workshop preparation, including participant engagement and introducing tools, to practical facilitation strategies, D explains how to keep participants engaged and manage challenging situations. The key advice includes using clear instructions, balancing active and passive activities, maintaining energy with energizers, and handling disruptions with tact. D also discusses the importance of setting expectations and using simple communication techniques to ensure smooth workshop management. These insights are designed to elevate anyone's facilitation skills, whether you're a freelancer or working with a team.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prepare in advance by sending a welcome email that includes your introduction, schedule, and any pre-activity to help participants get familiar with the tools you'll use during the workshop.
• 😀 A pre-workshop activity is a great way to engage participants early and ensure they are comfortable with the tools, increasing engagement for the session.
• 😀 Start the workshop with a simple icebreaker to help participants become familiar with the tools and get comfortable interacting in the digital space.
• 😀 When explaining an exercise, use the 'what, why, and how' formula to ensure clarity: first state what the exercise is, then explain why it's being done, and finally describe how to do it.
• 😀 To reduce confusion, give only one clear method for completing an exercise rather than offering multiple options, which may overwhelm participants.
• 😀 Use clear examples and visuals during exercises to help participants understand what they're aiming for and to reduce ambiguity.
• 😀 If the exercise is complex, create a short, simple demo video to guide participants through it, making the process easier to follow.
• 😀 Keep energy levels high by using quick energizer activities at the beginning of the session and after breaks to maintain enthusiasm throughout the workshop.
• 😀 Balance active and passive parts of the workshop to avoid burnout or boredom; alternate between when participants are engaging in activities and when they are listening or absorbing information.
• 😀 Set clear expectations at the beginning of the workshop, including your role as the facilitator and how you will manage time, discussions, and move the workshop forward smoothly.
• 😀 Handle difficult participants with empathy by acknowledging their contributions, using a 'parking lot' for off-topic discussions, and giving them a sense of control over when those topics will be addressed later.

Q & A

What is one key aspect of being a great workshop facilitator that goes beyond just learning methods and exercises?

One key aspect is understanding the soft skills and communication techniques that elevate a good facilitator to a great one. This involves preparation, managing energy, and handling different participant behaviors effectively.

Why is it important to send a preparation email before the workshop?

The preparation email helps participants get familiar with the facilitator, the tools, the schedule, and any pre-work that might be required. It sets expectations and encourages engagement before the workshop even starts.

What is the purpose of a pre-activity, and how does it help facilitators during the workshop?

A pre-activity helps participants familiarize themselves with the tools they'll be using during the workshop, such as a digital whiteboard. It also allows facilitators to identify who is engaged and who might need a reminder to participate.

What is the formula for giving clear instructions for an exercise?

The formula is: First, say what you're going to do, then explain why you're doing it, and finally, clearly explain how to do it. This structure helps ensure that participants understand the exercise and its purpose.

Why is it important to give participants one clear way to do an exercise, rather than multiple options?

Providing one clear method reduces confusion, helping participants focus on the task rather than figuring out how to complete it. This approach leads to better engagement and more effective results from the exercise.

How can showing clear examples of an exercise help participants?

Showing clear examples helps participants understand what they are aiming for, reducing uncertainty about the task and ensuring they know the expected outcome.

What is the purpose of energizer activities during a workshop?

Energizer activities are used to refresh and re-engage participants, especially after breaks. They help maintain energy levels and keep participants focused and involved throughout the workshop.

How can balancing active and passive parts of a workshop improve its flow?

Balancing active parts (where participants engage in exercises) with passive parts (where they listen or absorb information) helps maintain a healthy energy flow, preventing burnout and ensuring the workshop doesn't become too boring or overwhelming.

What is a facilitator's role in maintaining control over a discussion?

The facilitator is responsible for keeping the discussion on track and making sure the workshop's objectives are met. This includes cutting off off-topic discussions and keeping the group focused on the task at hand, which can be communicated effectively at the beginning of the session.

How can a facilitator manage difficult participants or skeptics in a workshop?

A facilitator can manage difficult participants by acknowledging their concerns, using a 'parking lot' to save topics for later, and asking the participant to take responsibility for revisiting the topic after the workshop. This approach makes the participant feel seen and heard while maintaining the flow of the session.