Facilitation Skills

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand the Role of a Facilitator – Differentiate facilitation from instruction and identify key competencies. Set Clear Meeting Goals – Manage expectations, address group dysfunctions, and guide discussions effectively. Enhance Communication Skills – Apply active listening, strategic questioning, and non-verbal communication techniques. Facilitate Productive Discussions – Maintain focus, summarize key points, and manage diverse perspectives. Use Practical Facilitation Tools – Plan sessions, apply decision-making techniques, and leverage facilitation models. Manage Group Dynamics & Resistance – Recognize emotional responses, handle resistance, and adapt to group needs. Practice Real-World Facilitation – Apply structured techniques through role-play and receive performance feedback. Develop an Action Plan – Identify key takeaways, create a personal improvement plan, and reflect on learning.

Introduction to Facilitation

Distinguishing facilitation from instruction and management Key skills and competencies of an effective facilitator Understanding the facilitator’s role in meetings

Managing Expectations & Difficult Situations

Setting clear goals for meetings Managing challenging group dynamics Recognizing dysfunction as a symptom, not the root cause

Communication Skills for Facilitators

Active listening techniques Asking the right questions Non-verbal communication cues Encouraging silent members to participate Remaining impartial and fostering collaboration

Facilitating Productive Discussions

Techniques for focusing the group Linking meetings together for continuity Summarizing and clarifying key points Managing divergent perspectives

Facilitator’s Skill Toolkit

Planning a session: agendas, ground rules, and active agreements Decision-making techniques: prioritizing, ownership, and reframing Using the Johari Window for understanding group interactions

Managing Resistance and Group Dynamics

Understanding emotional responses (Kubler-Ross Change Cycle) Techniques for dealing with resistance Taking the emotional temperature of the group Gender considerations in group facilitation

Practical Facilitation & Role-Play Exercise

Participants apply skills in real-world scenarios Facilitating a discussion using structured techniques Feedback and debriefing on performance

Wrap-Up & Action Planning

Key takeaways from the session Developing a personal action plan Q&A and final reflections