What are the key differences and similarities between facilitation and presentation skills?

1 What is facilitation?

Facilitation is the process of helping a group of learners achieve a common goal or outcome through dialogue, collaboration, and active participation. A facilitator guides the learning process, encourages interaction, and supports the learners' autonomy and creativity. Facilitation skills include asking open-ended questions, listening actively, giving feedback, managing group dynamics, and adapting to the learners' needs and preferences.

2 What is presentation?

Presentation is the process of delivering information or a message to an audience in a clear, concise, and engaging way. A presenter uses verbal and non-verbal communication, visual aids, and storytelling techniques to capture the attention, interest, and understanding of the audience. Presentation skills include preparing the content, structuring the message, using voice and body language, handling questions, and evaluating the impact.

3 How are they similar?

Facilitation and presentation skills share some common elements, such as understanding the audience and their expectations, goals, and learning styles. It is essential to set clear objectives and outcomes for the session, as well as to use various methods and tools to enhance the learning experience, such as icebreakers, activities, exercises, quizzes, videos, etc. Additionally, it is important to communicate effectively, confidently, and respectfully with the audience, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the session and collect feedback from the audience.

4 How are they different?

Facilitation and presentation skills have some key differences, such as the level of interaction and participation of the audience. Facilitation requires more involvement from the learners, while presentation relies more on the presenter's delivery and content. The role and attitude of the trainer also differs, with facilitation emphasizing the facilitator's role as a guide and coach, and presentation highlighting the presenter's role as an expert and leader. Additionally, facilitation allows more flexibility and adaptability of the session, while presentation follows a more fixed plan and format.

5 When to use facilitation or presentation?

Facilitation and presentation skills are not mutually exclusive, and they can be combined and balanced depending on the purpose, context, and type of the training session. Generally, facilitation should be used when you want to create a collaborative and learner-centered environment, where the learners can share their experiences, opinions, and ideas. Presentation should be used when you want to convey a specific and important message, information, or knowledge, where the presenter has the authority and expertise on the topic. A mix of facilitation and presentation should be used when you want to achieve a balance between informing and engaging the audience, where the presenter can provide some input and guidance, but also invite the learners to participate and interact.

6 How to improve your facilitation and presentation skills?

Facilitation and presentation skills are not innate, but they can be learned and improved with practice and feedback. To enhance your skills, it is important to plan and prepare your session, but also be ready to adapt and improvise if needed. Additionally, you should know your audience and tailor your session to their needs, interests, and preferences. Utilizing a variety of methods and tools to make your session interactive, engaging, and fun is also important. Furthermore, you should communicate clearly, confidently, and respectfully with your audience, and use your voice and body language to convey your message and emotions. Lastly, it is beneficial to ask for and give feedback, and reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement.