FACILITATION SKILLS

Questions to ask yourself when preparing for a session:

In one sentence, how would you describe the purpose of an upcoming session you will conduct?

What are the objectives for this session?What are two strategies you can use to

ensure that participants are aware of the objectives throughout the session?

Six Basic Facilitation Principles

1. Direct your instruction at more than once sense at a time.

2. Limit the amount of information you provide to participants. Focus on the critical content to facilitate the information processing.

3. Create messages that capture participants’ attention and are relevant to their needs. Use examples and analogies that relate to the participants’ previous experiences.

Principles contd..

4. Organize information you present into meaningful “bits”. Use strategies which require participants to link new information with prior knowledge. Use metaphors, graphs, tables and images to encourage this process.

5. Provide plenty of opportunities for your participants to “practice” using new information.

Principles contd..

6. Assess the knowledge, ability and motivation of your audience. If your audience has limited prior knowledge, organize it into usable “chunks” and explain concepts using easily understood analogies and examples. Motivate participants by showing them the relevance of the information you are sharing and explain how it will benefit them.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF FACILITATORS

Facilitators are the standard-setters for the discussion.

Facilitators make the workshop environment a priority.

Facilitators are mindful of timing issues.Facilitators are responsible for articulating

the purpose of the discussion and its significance to the group.

Responsibilities contd..

Facilitators make use of various techniques/tools to keep the discussion moving.

Facilitators are responsible for paying attention to group behaviors.

Facilitators should be relaxed and have a sense of humor that makes sure discussions are enjoyable as well as educational.

“ “Not to DO” list for facilitators

Facilitators should not: Impose a solution on the group. They clarify issues, focus

discussions, bring out viewpoints, synthesize differences, and look for underlying agreements. However, this does not mean they impose a solution on the group.

Downplay people’s ideas. Push personal agendas and opinions as the “right” answer. Dominate the group. Say umm, aahh repeatedly. Read from a manuscript. Tell inappropriate or offensive stories. Make up an answer-you never know who is in the room. Allow people to bully others in the group. Talk a stance with one section of the group. Tell too much about your personal experience and life. Assume the demographics of your group (based on appearance).

“To Do” list for facilitators

Facilitators should:Know the material before doing the workshop.Exude confidence-be clear, enthusiastic, breath!Use humor, stories, and examples that directly relate

to their work.Select an appropriate activity that will meet the needs

of your group and have lots of fun energizers/icebreakers on hand.

Have lots of visually appealing handouts and flip charts

Determine needed supplies, room requirements, and chair setup.

Think through the exercise and visualize potential problems and pitfalls- one of the biggest is not allotting enough time for activities.

“To Do” list contd…

Clearly explain activity directions and be prepared for questions.

Observe individual participation and involvement during exercises.

Be aware of individuals that may be experiencing discomfort or who are not participating.

Follow up the exercise with discussion. Processing will reveal the thoughts and feelings never

expressed previously. Be available to talk/debrief with participants during break

times and before/after the session. Evaluate needs of the group, especially at the end of the

day to see what you can change for the next day. Evaluate the experience and write down notes for future

sessions.

ASANTEH!!