Facilitation Skills
Learn How to Be a Great Facilitator
What you will learn
Learn specific skills for facilitating meetings and workshops – the mechanics, as well as facilitation strategies that build community.
Practice using these skills in a supportive environment with feedback from experienced NVC trainers.
Know about some common challenges and how to engage positive problem-solving when they come up.
Be introduced to NVC concepts that support group process.
Come away with a better understanding of NVC and with a network of friends and colleagues in the NVC community.
Why take this course?
Course Description: This interactive and comprehensive course focuses on developing essential facilitation skills for trainers and professionals in various contexts. The course will provide participants with a strong foundation in understanding group dynamics, fostering open communication, and managing group decision-making processes. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, participants will gain the confidence and expertise to effectively facilitate meetings, workshops, and other group interactions in diverse settings.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Define the role and key competencies of a facilitator in different contexts.
Apply various facilitation techniques and tools to effectively manage group dynamics, promote engagement, and encourage active participation.
Demonstrate active listening and questioning skills to foster open communication and create an inclusive environment.
Utilize problem-solving and decision-making strategies to support group consensus and manage conflict effectively.
Design and implement interactive sessions, workshops, and meetings that address the specific needs and goals of a group.
Evaluate and reflect on their facilitation practice to continuously improve and adapt to different situations.
Recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity, diversity, and inclusion in facilitation and apply strategies to ensure an equitable and respectful environment.
Implement techniques for virtual facilitation to effectively engage and manage remote participants.
This course teaches strategies for facilitation of discussion and decision-making in meetings, workshops or any other sort of community dialogue. It gives techniques for developing the vision and values that will guide the group's work. It offers guidance on how to ensure that everyone with input contributes their ideas and suggestions; how to keep track of what has been decided and what is still under discussion; and how to allow time for creative thinking, planning and problem-solving.
The course uses principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a way of communicating that focuses on what we are observing, feeling, needing and requesting rather than on judgement or blame. It offers specific techniques for building group rapport and momentum, and for overcoming challenges such as conflict, boredom and lack of participation.
This course will be of interest to people who would like to contribute more effectively in community meetings and events, whether as a volunteer or a committee member. It will enable you to support a vision for a group's future and help the group agree practical next steps.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Facilitation Skills
Defining facilitation and its importance
The role of a facilitator
Key characteristics of an effective facilitator
Common facilitation challenges and how to address them
Module 2: Preparation and Planning for Successful Facilitation
Setting clear objectives and goals
Selecting appropriate facilitation techniques
Preparing an effective agenda
Identifying and managing stakeholder expectations
Logistics and resource planning
Module 3: Establishing an Inclusive and Collaborative Environment
Building trust and rapport with participants
Encouraging open communication and active listening
Fostering diversity and inclusion
Facilitating virtual and hybrid meetings
Module 4: Facilitation Techniques and Tools
Brainstorming and idea generation
Problem-solving and decision-making techniques
Group dynamics and team-building activities
Consensus-building and conflict resolution strategies
Utilizing technology and digital tools for effective facilitation
Module 5: Managing Group Dynamics and Handling Difficult Situations
Recognizing and addressing groupthink
Navigating power dynamics and hidden agendas
Managing disruptive behaviors and challenging personalities
Adapting to unexpected changes and maintaining focus
Module 6: Evaluating and Improving Facilitation Skills
Gathering feedback and conducting self-assessment
Identifying areas for growth and improvement
Developing a personal action plan for ongoing skill development
Staying updated on industry trends and best practices