| Technique | Description | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Prepare** | Prepare the necessary materials and supplies. Check all equipment. Review all materials and the desired outcome. Prepare the room or space if necessary. Approach the participants with a positive gesture or attitude. | | **Establsih principles and ground rules** | Determine which rules will be necessary. These could include, for example, limiting speaking time (to prevent individual turns from becoming too long), setting respectful communication guidelines, and establishing other principles that will help create a fair and comfortable environment for all participants. | | **Allocate time for introductions** | Create an opportunity for group members to get to know each other using a structured format, so that introductions do not take too long. Skip this stage if you are already familiar with the group. You can ask for their first and last name along with one question, such as: "Name one thing you would like to learn today."<br><br>If you will be working with this group for a longer period, dedicate more time to introductions. If you have the opportunity to get to know the group before the start of the presentation, that would be the preferred option. | | **Present the agenda and goals** | Ensure that all participants clearly understand why they are attending this presentation and what they will gain from it. Present the agenda, the schedule, and the outcomes to be achieved. | | **Ask questions to encourage discussions** | Ask open-ended questions to encourage discussion. If you only want "yes" or "no" answers, or if you want to close the discussion, ask closed-ended questions. | | **Manage the discussions** | Regardless of how much discussions are encouraged, you are responsible for the process and can move forward by saying: "Alright, let's take one more opinion or comment, and then we will move on to the next topic." | | **Maintain a neutral stance** | If participants enter into a debate, remain neutral. Summarize the viewpoints of both sides. Ensure that the discussion takes place in a fair and professional environment. Support the group in reaching a consensus and moving forward. | | **Maintain structure and monitor progress** | For each task, ensure that every participant knows their role. During the task, circulate around the room, answer participants' questions, and encourage participation. As the time for the task draws to a close, give participants a warning so they can begin wrapping up. | | **Divide groups effectively** | During the presentation, change how groups are formed, thus giving participants the opportunity to work with new people. Participants will gain new ideas and participate in different discussions. If the discussion topic is controversial or uncomfortable, form small groups. If there are many participants, walk around the room, ensuring everyone's participation. | | **Summarize exercises and tasks** | At the end of the task, ask questions and summarize through discussion, ensuring that participants understand the important points and the purpose of the task. If necessary, show the connections to other discussed topics. | | **Be flexible** | If the group moves on to a discussion that is not on your agenda, understand whether the topic is useful. If yes, allow the discussion to take place and adapt the agenda. In this case, you can see which tasks on the agenda can be conducted in a shorter version. | | **Find the positive** | Look for positive points in participants' comments. If you treat participants with respect, they feel more at ease. This also encourages the participation of others and the effectiveness of discussions. | | **Pay attention and respond to body language and non-verbal flow** | Say, "I notice some confusion. Is there anything we need to discuss?" | | **Use appropriate humor** | If you notice tension, you can make a quote with humor or express a thought with humor, but never mock anyone. Never make inappropriate jokes or humor. | | **Use vocabulary that encourages teamwork** | If possible, ask: "What can we do in this case? Why is this important for us? How can we improve this?" The use of the words "we", "for us" creates a team spirit among all those present. | | **Finish the program by developing an action plan** | The most important sentence at the end of the presentation should be: "Who will do this or that action, when will they do it?" If you do not ask this question, do not take notes, and do not distribute the notes to all participants, then your presentation has been in vain. | | **Feedback** | When appropriate, ask for feedback from participants and clarify what went well and what needs improvement in order to make future presentations more effective. | | **Use phrases intended for facilitation** | Create your own list of phrases that you can use during your presentations to manage frequently encountered situations. For example, phrases for situations when a participant continues to talk, is negatively disposed, is arguing, etc. |