What do you do if your large group facilitation session needs a creative boost?

1 Energize Attendees

When you notice the energy dropping in a large group, it's crucial to intervene with activities that recharge the room. Consider implementing quick, physical exercises that get people on their feet and moving. This could be a simple stretch, a brief dance-off, or even a quick game that requires physical participation. The key is to make it fun and light-hearted, which can break down barriers and refresh the group's focus. The burst of physical activity increases blood flow and can lead to a surge in energy levels, helping participants to re-engage with the session's content.

2 Brainstorming Sessions

Brainstorming is a powerful tool in large group facilitation to spark creativity. Initiate a structured brainstorming session where everyone can contribute ideas without judgment. This can be done through round-robin sharing, where each person offers an idea in turn, or by breaking the group into smaller clusters to discuss and then present back to the larger group. The goal is to generate a wealth of ideas that can be refined and developed further. Encourage wild ideas and build on others' thoughts to foster an atmosphere of innovation and collective creativity.

3 Visual Aids

Visual stimuli can greatly enhance creativity in group settings. Introduce colorful posters, mind maps, or images that relate to the topic at hand. You can also encourage participants to draw their ideas or use visual templates to express their thoughts. This not only provides a break from verbal or written communication but also caters to visual learners and can help clarify complex concepts. By engaging different senses, you stimulate different areas of the brain, which can lead to more innovative thinking and problem-solving.

5 Feedback Loops

Establishing a feedback loop within the session can provide a creative boost by encouraging reflection and continuous improvement. After an activity or discussion, prompt the group to share what they found effective or enjoyable and what could be improved. This not only validates participants' experiences but also involves them in the process of enhancing the session in real-time. The act of giving and receiving feedback can spark new ideas and approaches, ensuring that the facilitation remains dynamic and responsive to the group's needs.

6 Change of Scenery

Sometimes, the physical environment can stifle creativity. If possible, change the setting of your facilitation session. This could mean moving to a different room, going outside if the weather permits, or simply rearranging the furniture. A new environment can provide new stimuli and help participants see problems or challenges from a different angle. The novelty of a change in scenery can reinvigorate the group and lead to increased engagement and innovative thinking.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?