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Facilitator Club

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19 contributions to Facilitator Club
Let's talk about Icebreakers
Sometimes when people hear the word 'icebreaker' they cringe or might feel super anxious about taking part in one. Yes, icebreakers can make you feel a bit awkward initially, but they are proven to help enhance relationships and encourage creativity. 'Icebreakers can help increase team bonds, boost performance and creativity'—Harvard Business School study Integrating icebreakers into your workshops or meetings is a great way to get everyone relaxed and ready to participate. But how do you choose the right ones so that you avoid those dreaded awkward silences? Here are my Top 2 Icebreakers that are easy to implement (in-person or online): 1. My First Job Ask everyone in the group to write down their name, their first job, and what they learned from that job. Then go round the group and have everybody read theirs out. 2. Pointless Questions Prepare a few fun questions ahead of the workshop, then go round the room and have everybody take turns answering the questions. It’s as simple as that—you don’t even need to write anything down! Here are some question suggestions to get you started: - If you could invite a celebrity over for dinner, who would it be and why? - What is your most prized possession and why? - You can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life. What do you choose? Here are some more icebreakers for you to explore! What's another great icebreaker that I can add to my list?
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New comment Jan 9
1 like • Mar '23
@Shannon Wagers i live in Hungary and I think many of my friends here would cringe at this question as the culture here is somewhat shy and many of them dislike talking about themselves. So I think that Icebreakers need to take account of mixed nations and cultures.
3 likes • Jun '23
We have to be careful that the Icebreaker doesn't turn into an Icebraker 😂
Workshop Gamification?
I was thinking today about how everyone loves gamification! Everything from hotel and airline points/miles, to micro-credentialing. So, I am curious if anyone has tried this sort of thing with their workshops? I know it would require a lot of upfront work, but I can see real value in it! Thoughts?
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New comment May '23
2 likes • Apr '23
@Damien Gauthier absolutely. And I have seen this happen in workshops.
2 likes • May '23
@Jacquee deJesus That is interesting as I also have felt like that. I feel it puts me under too much pressure so I just give up. Thx for sharing!
The Secret Sauce of Exceptional Facilitators: Mastering the Art of Active Listening 🔥
Hello, Facilitators 🌟 Today, we're diving into the heart of effective facilitation - the most important skill you need to master to become an exceptional facilitator: Active Listening. 🎧 As facilitators, our primary role is to create an environment where participants feel heard, respected, and encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas. That's where active listening comes in! Let's explore WHY it's so crucial and HOW to hone this vital skill. 👂 🌟 The Importance of Active Listening in Facilitation 1. Building trust and rapport: Active listening demonstrates genuine interest in participants' perspectives, fostering a sense of trust and connection within the group. 2. Encouraging open dialogue: When people feel heard, they're more likely to share their thoughts and ideas openly, leading to richer discussions and more innovative solutions. 3. Identifying underlying issues: Active listening helps facilitators detect subtle cues that may signal hidden concerns, enabling them to address potential roadblocks before they escalate. 4. Clarifying and summarizing: By actively listening, facilitators can rephrase and summarize key points, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and promoting mutual understanding. 5. Empowering participants: Active listening empowers group members by validating their contributions and demonstrating that their input is valued. 🚀 5 Tips to Master the Art of Active Listening 1. Be fully present: Give your undivided attention to the speaker, putting aside any distractions or preconceived notions. 2. Maintain eye contact: Establish eye contact with the speaker, signaling that you're focused on what they have to say. 3. Use non-verbal cues: Nod, smile, and use appropriate facial expressions to show your engagement and encourage the speaker to continue. 4. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage deeper exploration by asking open-ended questions that prompt reflection and elaboration. 5. Reflect and summarize: Periodically paraphrase the speaker's points to ensure you've accurately understood their message and give them an opportunity to clarify if needed.
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New comment Apr '23
1 like • Apr '23
This is something that is really close to my heart and that I have been working on diligently. It is SO important. We all want to be heard, acknowledged and understood whether in life, partnerships or in workshops!
1 like • Apr '23
We also have to be careful when timing segments of workshops that we don't say: Oh time's up....and then cut the other person off mid-sentence. I have actually seen this happen! My approach is to time the segments but to then leave a few minutes "grace period" at the end to ensure everyone feels heard and is not pissed off! Because once people feel "pissed off", it is hard to re-engage them (at least that is my experience!)
Warm up exercises for people with dissabilities.
Hi Everyone. I am doing a design thinking workshop with a bunch of 20 individuals next week. It is with a group that have various disabilities. Some are blind, deaf, use wheelchairs and have various mental and physical disabilities. I am looking for ideas for a warm up exercise I can do with them. Would anyone have any ideas?
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New comment May '23
1 like • Mar '23
@Pedro Lima de Oliveira What a nice idea - very inspiring. Thank you!
Freelance facilitation as an introvert?
For quiet some time I’ve asked myself now if freelance facilitation is only something for extroverts. Especially because of the additional marketing aspect that comes with it which requires additional human contact. Am I right or are there any freelance introverts in this community who are happy with it?
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New comment Jun '23
4 likes • Feb '23
Something Jonathan said last week resonates: it is worth paying for some stuff that you may not enjoy doing so marketing may be something you could outsource? Just a thought! Don't give up! Also, I think LOTS of your workshop attendees will relish that you are an introvert and this will resonate with them. Maybe turn this into a marketing opportunity for you: "The Introverted Facilitator" ? 🚀Dare to be different!
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Jackie Das
3
2points to level up
@jackie-das-3980
I train teams to excel at conducting 'high stakes' meetings and presentations

Active 237d ago
Joined Jan 19, 2023
USA and Hungary
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