Facilitating Workshops Effectively

A 2-day Programme 

Course introductions and outline:  a chance for participants to state their objectives for the course.

Brainstorming session run by one of the participants, with the aim of answering a key question and establishing a benchmark for the training:

·       What makes an effective workshop or meeting?

A plenary discussion, moderated by one of the participants, to extract and agree the typical steps in organising a workshop.

What questions should you ask when planning your workshops or meetings?

·       Who should attend?

What do I know about the attendees, their knowledge, experience and expectations?

·       What are the objectives, both implicit and explicit?

Have I communicated these clearly?  How will the attendees benefit?

·       How can we achieve the best results?

Are the structure, activities and scenarios optimal?

The do's and don'ts of facilitation

Plenary discussion aimed at providing answers to the following:

·       What works?

·       What doesnt?

·       Why?

5 key language skills

·       questioning constructively

·       listening actively

·       clarifying and checking

·       keeping things positive

·       summarising and linking ideas

Asking the 'right' question, listening to the answer     

A pair-work activity designed to encourage participants to ask relevant questions, listen to the answers and summarise effectively.

Designing scenarios

Participants design a scenario in sub-groups and then one or two from the team run the activity.  Focus on:  activity design, clarity and timing .

Overview of the key phases in a workshop / meeting

What are the key behaviours and the role of the facilitator?

Chairman / Facilitator Scale:  an exercise to look at the facilitator's role, attitudes, behaviour and style.

Case study / meeting

A meeting where one of the participants acts as the facilitator.  Focus on atmosphere, process and ensuring participant involvement:

·       defining and checking aims

·       opening the meeting

·       using ice-breakers

·       involving participants - getting opinions

Handling questions and objections

Exercises in overcoming obstacles and handling areas of conflict.  We consider:

·         ensuring active participation and involvement

·         handling silences

·         maintaining momentum in the meeting

·         showing firmness - without antagonising!

·         managing 'disasters'

Case study / meeting

A meeting where one of the participants acts as the facilitator. 

Techniques to encourage participation 

·       asking appropriate questions

·       constructive questioning

·       effective listening

·       packaging ideas effectively

·       selecting the appropriate style and tone for the context

Encouraging creativity / problem-solving

Discussion of a number of well-known techniques to enhance creativity, such as, brainstorming; mind-mapping; provocation. 

A participant will run a debrief of the facilitation skills workshop.  A look at:

·       summarising - verbally and on the flip-chart / laptop

·       wrapping up the meeting

·       agreeing on action post-meeting

What do you need to focus on now?

End of course summary.

 
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