Facilitation Skills 

Overview

Developing strong facilitation skills helps individuals to confidently guide discussions, encourage meaningful participation, and support groups in achieving clear, shared outcomes, all without relying on formal authority. By strengthening these capabilities, team members become more effective collaborators, support stronger inclusion, and contribute to more productive interactions across the workplace.

This workshop will include group discussions and participants will have an opportunity to practise facilitating a session.

Target Audience

Team members who lead collaborative sessions, group discussions or workshops.

How will this help me?

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Plan and structure a facilitated session, including defining objectives and creating agendas.
• Use techniques to encourage balanced participation and maintain focus.
• Manage common group dynamics, including dominant voices, quieter contributors, and disagreements.
• Use effective communication skills to guide discussions without taking over.
• Apply simple tools and methods to support collaboration.
• Summarise discussions and close sessions effectively to ensure shared understanding and next steps.

Content

• The Role of a Facilitator
• Putting Effective Facilitation Skills into Practice:
• • Active Listening
  • Asking Great Questions
  • Being Adaptable
  • Confidence without authority
  • Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
  • Impartial Communication
  • Time Management
  • Preparing for a Facilitated Session
  • What to include when opening the session
  • How to encourage contributions
  • Keeping the group focused
  • Managing Group Dynamics
  • Decision-Making Tools
  • Closing the session