Workshop Facilitation. Top Tips

 I regularly teach people how to facilitate creative workshops. Here are what I reckon are my top tips on how to run fabulous sessions

1. Manage the Energy

Over the phase of a meeting energy levels will invariably dip. Boredom and distraction can easily kick. There are lots of ways to maintain good energy levels over the course of a workshop. Here's some suggestions

- move people around: get people to work in different teams, change seats, work on the floor

- be aware of your own energy: the more you give, the more you will get back

- undertake some some energisers: simple stretches, games, quizzes to distract people and physically revive them

- provide chocolate and sweeties, especially in the afternoons. Its amazing how much the sight of a Malteser or a Pear Drop can lift the mood

2. Simple and Clear Instructions

People don't listen very well and find it hard to take it too much information at once. Therefore, ensure that you:

- speak slowly and clearly

- only give out one instruction at a time. Wait until they've completed this before you give out another one

- if necessary write them down on a flipchart to ensure you're crystal clear

- act like a traffic cop and use hand signals to direct people

3. Remember You're The Boss

There may be occasions when you're facilitating sessions where there are more senior people present - including your boss. However, during the session, stay in control and don't abdicate this responsibility to others. Stay at the centre of the room and don't be afraid to exert your authority.

4. Listen and Summarise

Whilst people are working in groups or in long discussions, its easy to tune out. Try to avoid this. Stay focused. At some point someone will say 'so...where are we?' and look to you to sum up the status of the meeting.  Responding by saying 'I wasn't listening' isn't good enough. Be prepared to summarise where necessary. Signal to people where you are in the process and explain what's happening next.

5. It Helps If You're Funny

If everyone is in a good mood, the meeting will be more productive. If you're relaxed and confident, you'll give a good performance. You don't have to be a comedian, but its important that you:

- keep the tone informal and friendly

- plan a few light hearted faces - games, quizzes, energisers

6. Keep Your Distance

Remember, as a facilitator, your role is to manage the process of the moment, giving others the freedom to contribute fully to the content. If you want to add new ideas, do so as a build. Don't feel its your duty to the be the idea generator or the person with all the answers.

7. Stick Close to the Core Team

There's always an inner sanctum at any meeting. This is usually the problem owner, the most senior person in the room, the agency account handler. Chat to them during breaks. Check their comfort levels. Reassure if necessary. Respond to their suggestions.

8. Practice Makes Perfect

Keep expanding your repertoire. Keep trying out new things: a new energiser, a new warm-up exercise a new creative exercise. Expose yourself to as many different kinds as sessions as possible. This way your expertise will grow and will you cope with the unexpected.

9. Manage the Paper

The boring bit. Ensure that after the workshop the output is easy to process. Head the flipcharts. Write in sub-headings. Number them. Ensure everything is legible. If you can't make sense of the output, then its been a waste of time.

10. Plan, Plan, Plan

Great facilitation is all about great planning. Getting clarity on the task of the session and desired output. Getting the right people to attend. Thinking through all the details, whilst being prepared to improvise where necessary. Do this well and the session itself will be a piece of cake.