Survival Pack Module

What is Facilitation??? In small groups come up with a quick definition of what you believe facilitation is all about.

It can be SCARY up there! Facilitating a course, session or workshop can be fairly nerve racking especially if you are presenting to your peers. Imagine you are about to facilitate your first workshop to your peers. What would concern you most as you got ready to present?

How to keep things flowing? In small groups, choose some examples of possible difficult situations and come up with some tools or simple ways to help deal with the situations. You should come up with at least 3 situations and at least one useable tool or strategy for each (tools can be very simple).

 Vary style (tone of voice, movement, volume)  Slow down……..Take a breather  Read group body language to avoid potential issues (awareness)  Stories, examples (make sure they are practised and less than 2 min)  Create group involvement (ask a question etc)  Have an exercise up your sleeve to loosen things up (make sure they have been practised and are appropriate to group)  Re-capture the group with pre-arranged media etc  Take a break ‘Tips to maintaining flow and interest’

Keys to success Under the headings below list down simple key points or actions that help make for a successful presentation; Remove distractions (sunlight, cell phones, people outside) Temperature of room Set up of desks etc Position of presentation equipment Personal position Toilets etc location Are you the focal point? Room for movement? Appropriate dress Know equipment Turn up early Understand culture of group Well fed and watered Been to toilet Adequate rest Breathe, relax techniques Know content Awareness of group Know your audience Attention getter Stories practised Predict possible questions Plan timeline of workshop Aim of workshop Contact facility manager Check resources Perform administration requirements

From the above list, still in groups, pick 2 significant points and give an example for each of how your group thinks they might manage the point to ensure success. Get someone to present your groups thoughts to the whole group.

Self Health Facilitating can be mentally straining and physically tiring. 1. What impact does your health or energy make on the impact of the course/presentation? 2. As a group, brainstorm some simple ways to protect yourself from fatigue. Scenario; (adjust to suit potential audience circumstances) You are running a 3 day course You have arrived via 3 hours of travel Daily times are from 9.30am to 4pm. Your and participants stay on the site overnight.

Self Health Brainstorm

Coach Development Facilitator Cards Vary voice Movement Slow down – breathe Read group body language Involve group (question etc) Story (under 2 min) Activity or exercise Take a break Know audience Know content Familiar with equipment Practise stories & activities Turn up early Room preparation Identify possible distractions Appropriate dress Timing Aim of workshop Well rested Water for dry throat Food Take time out at breaks Vitamins Plan thinking/clarity time

Looking back at what concerned you most about presenting or facilitating, discuss what tools or skills may help you manage those areas? Are there any concerns that have not been addressed??