Ten Steps to Facilitating a Better Learning Experience

Set the tone

• Set a non-threatening environment from the start

• Adopt the mindset that there are no stupid questions; everyone is here to learn

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Connect with the audience

• Use the ‘introductions’ to connect with each individual participant

• Reflect back on introductory statements

• That connection will serve you well throughout the session

Share experiences

• Provide stories and experiences and allow participants to do the same

• A lot of learning comes out of discussing real life examples

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All in!

• Involve everyone – some participants need more encouragement than others to participate

• Find a way to include every participant

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Learn by doing

• Incorporate activities that allow participants to practice concepts, reinforce learning and be exposed to other ideas and points of view

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Mix it up!

• Have participants change seats

• Divide participants differently for each activity to allow interaction between as many as possible to enrich the learning experience

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Create competition

• With the right group a little friendly competition can add a new dimension to any session

• Individuals or groups can compete in activities, answering questions or any other opportunities you can identify

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Be prepared to adapt

• Depending on your audience, you may need to adapt the schedule and/or content

• Prepare in advance to make a smooth transition

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You know what they say about the best laid plans . . .

Remember: a visual aid is only an AID!

• Avoid being a ‘talking head’ reading from a deck of slides

• Talking to the flipchart or whiteboard impacts your vocal strength

• Visuals should enhance your presentation; not be it

• YOU are the main visual

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Enjoy yourself

• Energy is contagious

• If you are having fun, participants will be more relaxed, focused and attentive

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Mary Gill

Learning and Development Consultant

mary@mgillconsulting.com

(617) 838-6674

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