1

Facilitation

FacilitationFacilitation is the process of making something easier or less difficult…

2

Facilitator’s Approach• Be sure of the workshop session objectives -

‘desired outcomes’• Introduce yourself• Set out structure/agenda

– 2 main questions– Round table discussion– Give feedback as a group

• Explain the ground rules and process– Respect different views and let everyone have their say– Reflect; Share; Discuss– Summary for feedback

• Ask for round table introductions• Ensure the group knows its task.

Facilitation

3

Facilitation Skills• Direct, guide and control discussion• Involve everyone (actively)• Periodically summarise & signpost• Use questions, especially open questions

and probing questions • Actively listen• Let it flow, but intervene when off track or

running out of time.

Facilitation Skills

4

General Guidance• Allocate time per agenda item and for

summarising• Try not to preclude anything…everything is

valid…you can screen contributions later• Build on suggestions and probe• Get a spread of views: make sure everyone has

a chance to contribute• Look to individuals and the interest they

represent: get a range of views• Don’t let individuals dominate: keep the

discussion moving “We’ve got that point, has anyone else anything to add…”

Facilitation

5

General Guidance• Restrain the urge to offer ideas and direction on

content (your job is to direct the process)• Keep discussion moving: have some general

points ready or build on previous contributions e.g. “You said earlier…” • ‘Play back’ or summarise: repeat points to

validate them and get consensus “Are we saying that…”• List summary points for feedback as you go

along• Enjoy! You are making things happen.

Facilitation

6

Facilitator’s Feedback• “Rehearse” your final summary with the group

to practice and validate the feedback• Don’t forget to thank people• Include feedback on points of disagreement but

DO NOT refer to individuals/comments by name• When giving feedback, speak to the whole

audience, not just to your group • Make sure to collect individual worksheets and

hand these in along with the “master copy”.

Facilitation