Facilitation plays a crucial role in planning and is a skill closely tied to the success of teams and organizations. This workshop aims to enhance the facilitation skills of those conducting meetings, problem-solving sessions, and community consultations. It covers various aspects, from crafting effective group processes to guiding discussions and documenting outcomes.
This workshop offers hands-on and interactive exercises to improve facilitation skills by tackling common and difficult group dynamics that arise in meetings and public consultations. Skilled actors will simulate these scenarios, allowing participants to experiment with different approaches in a supportive environment.
Workshop Content
• Clarify the role and skills of a facilitator (versus trainer, presenter or manager)
• Design an effective agenda for meetings or organizational and public consultations
• Help groups develop a broad range of ideas or solutions to the issues they may struggle with
• Create an effective transcript that captures a group's conversation and clarify your understanding of what needs to be recorded and what does not
• Help group members develop an important listening skill: content neutrality • Help group members understand diverse and conflicting points of view
• Help groups make decisions that are inclusive Intervene diplomatically in group work and observe group dynamics
• Practice a variety of facilitation techniques Who Should Attend Planners who facilitate meetings, group problem-solving sessions and/or community engagement sessions. Note: Workshop materials will be provided in electronic format.
Instructor: Alison McEachern
For 30 years, Alison has been teaching educators, trainers, and corporate professionals how to teach and facilitate engaging workshops and group collaborations. Her courses have been held at Dalhousie University, Saint Francis Xavier University, and Saint Mary's University. Alison has shared her expertise across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Joining her are skilled actors and journalists: Rhys BevanJohn, Lindsay Kyte, and Gil Anderson. At least one of them will join Alison and, together, they'll help participants enhance their facilitation skills.
Sponsored by the Government of Nova Scotia
