Using a handy acronym, various elements should be considered to ensure you set the stage for, design and lead a workshop that is memorable, engaging and truly creative. In the following blog post, we explain the five staging elements to help you harness the power of facilitation at your workshop.<\/p>\n
Space<\/h3>\n
The space you hold and the atmosphere you maintain shouldn\u2019t just be a room. It should be a vehicle for change. Your space should provide a comfortable and creativity-inducing environment that allows teams to have the conversations they need to have and establish the social connections they long to create.<\/p>\n
The arrangement of the seating, d\u00e9cor, placement of equipment, lighting and even the room temperature all make a difference. As facilitators, we choose not to use tables as part of our seating arrangements. As well as getting in the way, tables minimise the space groups can collaborate within.<\/p>\n
In addition, tables also pre-determine the front of the room and in turn, direct attention to specific speakers. This can have productivity-inhibiting effects on speakers and listeners situated towards the back of the room. In addition to this, the lack of tables scraps the seating psychology<\/a> that can create stress and anxiety before a workshop even begins.<\/p>\n Distractions, including ambient noise from traffic and machinery, should be limited to enhance the area as a personal performance space too.<\/p>\n Making time for what really matters is a mantra that many people live by in their personal and professional lives. Whilst we believe in the advantages of facilitating unhurried conversations<\/a>, rather than sticking to a script, it\u2019s important to acknowledge that the workshop will have to start and finish at specific times. Getting your timings right regarding your workshop\u2019s length, pace and breaks will ensure all the time you have is spent wisely.<\/p>\n A good facilitated workshop is about enhancing human interaction and experiences. Making your event memorable and engaging however comes down to more than providing the right space and structure. Adding an element of surprise or delight can help team members spark the ideas that lead to significant innovation.<\/p>\n Many facilitated workshops revolve around a particular product, an artefact that delivers a basis for action or represents a group achievement. Using a tangible product to your advantage, rather than allowing it to stem creativity will bring the event to life, even for participants who couldn\u2019t be there in person.<\/p>\n Every facilitator has their own style. You must adapt this style to the needs of each group to deliver an appropriate and effective workshop that suits their requirements and the workshop\u2019s purpose. Understanding your current style is the best starting point as The Open University<\/a> explains:<\/p>\n \u201cThose who have a directing style will tend to want to tell the group what to do. This style can be closely associated with training, as a trainer will tend to structure the group and what it does. Cooperation involves a partnership between the facilitator and the group, where decisions on how the group operates are made on an equal basis. A suggesting style leaves the group to decide how they work together. The facilitator makes inputs to the group only at the group\u2019s suggestion.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Before you design your workshop ask yourself \u201cWho am I going to be to this group?\u201d The answer should differ every time.<\/p>\nTiming<\/h3>\n
Eventfulness<\/h3>\n
Product<\/h3>\n
Style<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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