Working individually, you will select a topic or issue that you would like to facilitate, then do a plan to facilitate a one-day workshop to make an effective difference in that topic or issue. In this activity you will be working individually, so you can choose a topic or area and a group that is meaningful to you. Select an area or topic that you can get excited about, and even brag about. If you do this right, it could be something that you talk about in job interviews. You might also consider actually facilitating it on your own, such as in your work or in a club.

Facilitation Steps Success Factors Before the Session Planning the Session e Understanding the context of your session, including relevant stakeholder interests. opportunities, issues, risks, intended outcomes, requirements, and constraints e Understanding your participants and their interests, styles, and preferences Creating the Objectives and session Design/Agenda Organizing the session logistics Providing Resources e Creating presentation aids: presentations, media, visuals, surveys, props e Creating and providing supporting materials: handouts, external resources (eg, podcasts) Setting Up the e Arriving early to ensure setup before participants Environment arrive Getting familiar with room and technology Handing issues and technology problems Preparing yourself, getting in the zone Welcoming Participants e Communicating with participants before the session e Greeting participants when they come in Introducing the Session Setting the Direction e Explaining the Objectives and Agenda Confirming Objectives, Agenda, and expectations with participants e Creating the culture Facilitation Steps Preparing & Connecting Conducting the Session Encouraging Participation Presenting & Discussing Conducting Activities Coordinating the Process Managing Time & Constraints Concluding the Session Wrapping Up Following Up Success Factors Meeting participants where they are Enabling participants to be present Resonating, gaining attention, and building engagement Conducting discussions Asking questions and followup questions. Allowing time and silence for answers Inviting and allowing time for input and interaction Reading the audience Maintaining inclusion and energy Presenting content and engaging attention Exploring content and cultivating discovery Conducting plenary discussions Conducting small group discussions and report outs Presenting clear instructions Monitoring group progress and providing guidance Debriefing discussions Managing flow. pacing. and energy to ensure everyone is moving together Monitoring and adapting to participant needs. group dynamics. and situations that arise Welcome and orienting participants who arrive late Progress checks with participants and agenda Providing transitions Managing co-facilitators to ensure everyone is contributing adequately Fitting into the allotted time (not too long or short, not rushed or fluffy) Monitoring and managing presentation, discussion, and activity time Helping participants stay within time constraints Dealing with issues the arise Providing a summary and integrate learnings Discussing next steps and action plans Providing closure Checking in with participants after the session Following up on action plans